ABSTRACT
This study assesses treatment retention rate and identifies determinants associated with retention in a Canadian low-threshold methadone program. Relais-Methadone is a Montreal methadone program which serves marginalized clients who do not have ready access to conventional methadone treatment. In its first year of operation, 141 clients entered the program. Treatment retention was calculated over a six-month period. Age, sex, duration of heroin use, cocaine use, legal situation, source of income and injection with used needles were studied as determinants of retention. Results were based on both a screening and an evaluation questionnaire. Drug use, living conditions, and HIV-risk behaviours were documented. The retention rate in the first six months was 72%. Cocaine use was the main risk factor for treatment interruption. Being a woman, working in the sex trade, and not having a stable source of income also increased the risk of one's withdrawal from the program. Findings showed that, among those who dropped out of treatment, a large proportion was particularly at risk for HIV and other infectious diseases. Results indicated that particular attention should be paid to intravenous multi-drug users attending such programs.