Abstract
Objectives: Methadone is the most commonly prescribed medication treatment in the United States for the treatment of opioid dependence. Past research has found that people diagnosed with personality disorders require a higher level of methadone to satisfy their feelings of distress, emptiness and need to feel special. The researcher hypothesized that participants diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder would receive a higher level of methadone dose in milligrams than their other mentally disordered colleagues. Methods: This study examines the influence of Borderline Personality Disorder, gender, age and Major Depressive Disorder has on the dosage levels of 184 clients who both receive methadone at a large metropolitan methadone clinic in the twin city area of Minnesota and have participated in mental health services offered by the same clinic. Results: Results of the research indicate lower methadone dosage levels in participants with BPD and methadone dosage levels compared to methadone dosage levels of other mental disordered participants. Conclusion: The presence of BPD appears to be unrelated to methadone dosage levels.