Acceptance Therapy During Methadone Detoxification

This Stage I pilot study will employ a randomized, controlled, between groups design in
which 70 opiate dependent patients seeking methadone detoxification will be randomized into
one of two treatment conditions: ACT opiate detoxification therapy or Drug Counseling.
Both therapies will be delivered in the context of a 5-month methadone dose reduction based
on a linear dosing strategy. Efficacy variables will include: (1) abstinence rates during
and 1-month after detoxification as assessed by regular urine screens; (2) retention of
patients in treatment; and (3) patient satisfaction and treatment acceptability. Reduction
in HIV/Hepatitis C risk behaviors and changes in psychosocial functioning (e.g., employment,
family, legal) will also be explored, along with mediators/moderators of the therapy (i.e.,
experiential avoidance). Subjects will be recruited from Houston area methadone clinics and
the general community via advertising and will receive methadone as part of this protocol.
A 2-4 week stabilization period will precede the 5-month methadone dose reduction. During
the dose reduction, participants will attend the clinic twice each week and will receive
weekly therapy. Participants will be contacted for follow up assessments up to one month
post treatment.