[Methadone and buprenorphine maintenance therapy of opioid dependence - 10 years of experience].

Methadone and buprenorphine maintenance therapy of opioid dependence is an effective and safe treatment method. We used careful diagnostics, simultaneous psychosocial efforts were given, the outcome was continously evalutated and the dosage was administered according to the principle of lowest effective dose. The overall retention was 75 procent. Early occurrence of side substance use during treatment was the most important predictor of involuntary discharge. Benzodiazepines were the most commonly illegaly used addictive drugs during treatment.