Methadone maintenance treatment has important benefits for addicted individuals and for society.

These benefits include Reduced or stopped use of injection drugs Reduced risk of overdose and of acquiring or transmitting diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B or C, bacterial infections, endocarditis, soft tissue infections, thrombophlebitis, tuberculosis, and STDs Reduced mortality - the median death rate of opiate-dependent individuals in MMT is 30 percent of the rate of those not in MMT Possible reduction in sexual risk behaviors, although evidence on this point is conflicting Reduced criminal activity Improved family stability Improved employment potential Improved pregnancy outcomes