Methamphetamine Dependence, Psychological Well-being, Criminality and High Risk Sexual Behaviors in Female-Only Methadone Services in Tehran and Karaj, Iran

Abstract

Background: Methamphetamine (MA) abuse is a health concern among drug abuse patients in Iran. Objectives: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of MA dependence among a group of female methadone users and investigating the current psychological well-being, high risk sexual and criminality behaviors, and the status of receiving MA treatment. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey conducted in Iran. The study was conducted at 5 central female-only methadone services in Tehran and Karaj, during years 2011 to 2013. A questionnaire was devised to collect baseline data. The general health questionnaire-28 and the Opiate Treatment Index were used to assess psychological well-being, and criminality and high-risk sexual behaviors. Results: Overall, 245 females were registered at these sites. Of them, 201 females (82%) were dependent on MA while on treatment. Duration of MA dependence was 6 years. However, only 14.3% of the participants reported lifetime MA treatment. No participant was on MA treatment. Participants reported high rates of MA-related depression (76.4%), anxiety (68.4%), social dysfunction (41.2%), and somatic symptoms (38.2%), respectively. Untreated MA dependence in methadone treatment was associated with engagement in high-risk sexual behaviors (43.8%) and criminality (28.7%). Only 10% of the participants reported receiving a lifetime matrix model. All of them reported that the Matrix model was long and it was not easily available in methadone services. Conclusions:The study showed that the high prevalence for MA dependence and its adverse health impacts while receiving MA treatment remained the same. Effective psychosocial treatments should be delivered for MA dependence among female methadone users.

Concurrent Amphetamine and Methamphetamine Use Among Clients of Opioid Maintenance Treatment Programs in Golestan, Iran

“…The results of this study indicate that the prevalence of amphetamine use among OMT clients, measured by a rapid urine test, is about 8.1% (95% CI: 3.6 -12.6). In several national studies, the prevalence of concurrent amphetamine use among OMT clients has been reported in a range from 6% to 24% (8,9,23). It is important to note that the estimated prevalence of amphetamine use in our study is lower than the rate reported in several international studies (24,25).…”

“…Methamphetamine use is also reported among patients receiving opioid maintenance treatments (OMT) (8,9). It has been reported that people who use opioids might initiate amphetamines use to obtain pleasure and/or im-prove their mood, energy, performance, and sexual desires (10).…”

Brain Stimulation and Methamphetamine in Iran: A Debate in the Most Populous Persian Gulf Country

“…The prevalence of methamphetamine dependence is associated with crucial health problems such as poor psychological well-being, social dysfunction, craving, and a higher rate of addiction severity [3,4]. This issue necessitates professional attention to the rehabilitation of methamphetamine users and treatment of craving [5][6][7][8].…”

Increasing Prevalence of Methamphetamine Use Among Women: Implication in Suicide Attempt

“…In Iran, there is a high incidence of depression and anxiety among MA dependent females [11] which can be a potential suicide risk among them and requires appropriate evaluation and attention. To our knowledge, no previous research has investigated the suicide attempt among female MA users in Iran.…”