[Accessibility to methadone substitution treatment: the role of a low-threshold program].

Objective: To evaluate the accessibility to a Montreal low-threshold methadone program (Relais-Méthadone). This program is aimed at a marginalized population of heroin addicts who are injection drug users (IDU).
Method: The data (n = 141 clients) were collected during the first year of the program implementation with questionnaires administered by the programme workers.
Results: Analysis of the characteristics of the clients revealed that the program does reach the target population. The program's clientele is characterized by long-time and frequent heroin use, unstable lifestyles, and the presence of numerous behaviours that put them at high risk for HIV transmission. The retention of clients in the program is very high (88%) within the first 30 days.
Interpretation: These results demonstrate the importance and value of flexible intervention programs in reaching a marginalized clientele exposed to the HIV virus, who would not have access to regular programs characterized by restrictive selection criteria and limited availability.