Methadone dispensing by community pharmacies.

This study reports 1 year follow-up data of 96 patients who received methadone at selected community pharmacies instead of traditional program dispensaries. Outcomes are comparable to those reported for traditional programs. Security measures were not a problem. The results indicate that most patients can begin methadone maintenance at a pharmacy without a period of stabilization at a program unit. Of several factors studied, arrest record, both preceding and during treatment, based on official police data was the single factor significantly associated with employment and continuation in methadone treatment. Community pharmacy dispensing of methadone is a useful means of operating a methadone treatment program.