Methadone Treatment in Iranian Opiate Addicts: A Preliminary Report

This study aimed to investigate the initial dosage of methadone and factors affecting it in maintenance therapy. This cross-sectional، descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 157 individuals referring to a methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) clinic. The initial dosage of methadone was 20-45 mg which was adjusted during the treatment based on each patient''s evaluation. Three groups were formed according to methadone dosage (less than 30 mg، between 30-50 mg، and more than 50 mg). Significant relations were observed between increased methadone dosage in the initial phase and marital status (P = 0. 03)، injection (P = 0. 03)، medical comorbidity (P = 0. 009)، and borderline personality disorder (P < 0. 001). Further studies with larger sample size and including the history of previous detoxification، substance abuse، omission of self-recording، evaluation of women’s addiction and MMT program performance with counseling support should be performed.