Methadone Program - A Lifeline for Drug Addicts

(Baonghean) - Methadone, chemically known as 6-(Dimethyl lamino), is an opioid agonist, meaning it has similar effects to opioids, but with a longer duration of action and at a milder level than heroin.

Methadone is provided free of charge to treatment facilities by the Ministry of Health through Central Pharmaceutical Company No. 1. Methadone treatment is long-lasting, low-cost, and administered orally; it reduces the risks associated with heroin overdose. Importantly, it helps addicts stop criminal behavior triggered by drug-induced hallucinations; and improves and stabilizes relationships with family and the community. For those unable to stop heroin use, methadone is a safer option that helps them gradually reduce dependence. On the other hand, it is a potent drug and can be dangerous if used incorrectly. The greatest benefit of methadone is that patients no longer experience cravings for drugs, become healthier, can work normally, and it reduces crime and infectious diseases. This can be considered a safe alternative to help addicts stop heroin use; and it helps control the spread of HIV/AIDS in the community. Furthermore, methadone users do not experience the side effects and destructive behavior associated with other drugs.

The first patients in Tuong Duong district are being treated with Methadone.

Following successful pilot implementation in Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City, the methadone-based addiction treatment program has been expanded to several provinces and cities, including Nghe An. With the Prime Minister's permission to apply methadone treatment in drug addiction treatment and HIV/AIDS prevention and control, in September 2011, the People's Committee of Nghe An province decided to allow the Nghe An HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Center to implement this program. The Nghe An HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Center proceeded with infrastructure development, personnel training, and securing funding for medication. On September 4, 2012, the Nghe An HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Center officially began applying methadone treatment in drug addiction treatment and HIV/AIDS prevention and control...

After more than two years of implementing the methadone-based drug addiction treatment program, the effectiveness of this treatment is clearly evident: During treatment, no patients experienced overdose symptoms from methadone; no patients experienced serious side effects; and drug use behavior was significantly reduced among the patients participating in the treatment. The majority of patients showed improvements in health, positive changes in attitude, and improved quality of life after a period of treatment. The rate of patients engaging in illegal activities has decreased, contributing to improved security and order in the community. The security and order situation in the area remains stable.

The number of new drug addicts in the community is trending downwards. Vinh City saw a decrease of 114 cases in 2013, the highest reported decrease in the province, and the first year with a decline in new addicts. It can be said that the methadone program is a lifeline, opening a new chapter in the lives of drug addicts... According to the Ministry of Health's methadone treatment protocol, addicts must go to a methadone treatment facility once a day to take their medication. The minimum continuous treatment period is one year, and the maximum is three years. To date, methadone treatment is completely free for all patients.

Currently, the number of addicts registering to participate is constantly increasing. From 40 patients when the program started, there are now 619 registered patients, of which 524 have received treatment and 398 are currently undergoing treatment. Currently, 16 out of 21 districts have drug addicts participating in Methadone treatment at treatment facilities... The network of treatment facilities is constantly being established and expanded: To date, the province has put into operation 4 treatment facilities: at the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Center (July 2012), in Que Phong district (June 2014), in Quy Chau district (July 2014), and in Tuong Duong district (November 28, 2014). Currently, the Nghe An Health Department is continuing to survey, select locations, allocate personnel, and send people for professional training to deploy new treatment facilities in Dien Chau district, Thanh Chuong district, and the Social Labor Center I.

Due to the high effectiveness of the methadone program, on July 22, 2014, the People's Committee of Nghe An province approved a revised plan for the implementation of the methadone program for the period 2014-2020. Accordingly, the goal by 2020 is to have approximately 3,400 opioid addicts in 100% of districts, cities, and towns participating in the methadone program, contributing to reducing HIV transmission and related diseases. Specifically: In 2014, 4 treatment facilities will be implemented for 640 patients; in 2015, 12 methadone treatment facilities and 6 dispensing points will be implemented, treating 3,400 patients; and during the period 2012-2015, over 40% of opioid addicts with control records in 100% of districts, cities, and towns will participate in the program.

Text and photos:Thanh Son