Methadone Maintenance Treatment for Youth: Experiences of Clients,Staff, and Parents

In order to better understand the components of effective treatment for the understudied population of opioid-dependent youth, separate focus groups were conducted in 2006 with clients, clinical staff, and clients' parents (total n = 22) at a novel methadone maintenance program for adolescents and young adults in suburban New York. Focus group sessions were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed for common themes. Clients, staff, and parents all reported that effective treatment for opioid addiction among young people is a long-term program, combines pharmacological and behavioral approaches, emphasizes a high degree of individual attention from staff, and incorporates clients' family members. The study's limitations were noted.