Methamphetamine Use Among Iranian Heroin Kerack-Dependent Women: Implications for Treatment

Background: Methamphetamine (MA) dependence is a health concern in Iran (Persia). One main impacted group is female methadone patients. Objectives: The aim of this paper was to briefly report the prevalence of MA dependence among female methadone patients in 3 large cities of Iran. The other aim was to report the status of psychological well-being and social functioning among MA-dependent and non-MA dependent participants. Methods: In the first survey of Iran, 570 females were recruited from 38 main methadone clinics in Mashhad, Karaj, and Isfahan. A researcher-designed questionnaire was used to collect baseline demographics, details of MA use, and treatment history. Results: Of them, 266 females were MA-dependent. In other words, the prevalence of MA dependence among females was 46.6%. The length of MA dependence was 5 years. The adverse health impacts of high doses of methadone use were the main self-reported reasons for MA dependence. These adverse health impacts included depression (n = 118, 44.36%), oversleeping (n = 88, 33.08%), and low physical energy to do the housework (n = 60, 22.55%). However, lifetime MA treatment was only 25%. The prevalence of MA dependence was significantly associated with poor psychological well-being (P < 0.01) and social dysfunction (P < 0.01) among MA dependent females compared with non-MA dependent females. Conclusions: Methamphetamine dependence was common and associated with serious health problems. Special treatment services should be provided for these females.

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 80%

Methamphetamine Dependence Among Iranian Female Methadone Patients: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Three Cities of Iran

Tavakoli¹,

Effatpanah

Moradi

et al. 2018

“…since 2005), ATS use has become a health concern in the Persian community. Although Iran has the only universal methadone treatment system in Western Asia (2), ATS use is a health problem in Iran, which cannot be treated with methadone maintenance treatment (3,4).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Furthermore, ATS-dependence is associated with high-risk behaviors such as violence, psychosis and suicide (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). Researches attempting to find an effective medication are ongoing and cognitive-behavioral treatments have remained as the main treatment options for ATS dependents (4).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Amphetamine-Type Stimulants in a Group of Adults in Tehran, Iran: A Rapid Situation Assessment in Twenty-Two Districts

Noori

Daneshmand

Farhoudian

et al. 2016

Background: Dependence on amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) is a health concern in Iran (i.e. the most populated Persian Gulf country). However, there are no literature reports on ATS dependence in the community. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ATS-dependence, the reasons associated with this problem and the treatment barriers among a group of adults in 22 districts of Tehran. Materials and Methods: A rapid situation assessment was conducted. A mixed quantitative-qualitative methodology was applied. The study was conducted between September 2009 and January 2010. A researcher-made checklist was designed to collect data. The SPSS version 23 and Atlas-ti qualitative software were used for data analyses. Results: In total, 6027 individuals were randomly recruited and interviewed. Among them, 261 participants were ATS-dependent. A desire to increase performance and reduce psychiatric problems, beauty-related issues and a desire to stop opiate use were the main reasons for the illegal use of ATS. Poor knowledge of ATS treatment services in the community, poor knowledge of the side effects of the illegal use of ATS and stigma were the main current treatment barriers. Amphetamine-Type Stimulants dependence was associated with unemployment (adjusted OR = 3.1 CI 95% 1.0 -4.6), lack of leisure activities (OR = 2.9 CI 95% 1.0 -5.3), curiosity (OR = 3.2 CI 95% 2.1 -5.6) and increasing sexual performance (OR = 2.6 CI 95% 2.3 -5.4). Conclusions:The study results indicated that ATS-dependence was present among the study participants. This issue necessitates treatment, which should be considered by health policy makers. Prevention programs should be provided on the large scale in the Persian community to prevent ATS use and dependence.

“…In recent years, methamphetamine dependence has become a serious health problem in methadone maintenance treatment in Iran (Persia) (1)(2)(3). Psychological treatments are the main interventions for methamphetamine dependence (3).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Psychological treatments are the main interventions for methamphetamine dependence (3). One of them is motivational interviewing (4).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Motivational Interviewing Can Facilitate Entry to Matrix Treatment for Methamphetamine Dependence

Salimi¹,

Effatpanah

Mahjoub

2018

Background: Methamphetamine dependence on a stable methadone dose is a health problem in Iran (i.e. the most populated Persian Gulf country). However, many Iranian patients are not motivated to enter treatment. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the efficacy of motivational interviewing for entry to matrix treatment for methamphetamine dependence. Methods: A study was conducted on 275 Persian male and female methadone patients who were methamphetamine-dependent, however they reported unwillingness to receive the matrix model. The study was conducted in 20 methadone services in Karaj, Iran during 2014. Addiction severity index was used to collect data on demographics and illicit drug use. Psychological well-being and social functioning were assessed using the Persian versions of the general health questionnaire-28 and the social functioning subscale of the opiate treatment index. Results: The study indicated that 5 sessions of motivational interviewing were significantly efficacious in increasing attendance in the Matrix Model in the treatment group (P < 0.001). Attendance in motivational interviewing was significantly accompanied with increased psychological well-being (P < 0.001) and social functioning (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Motivational interviewing should be provided for those participants who are methamphetamine dependent but are not motivated for change. Conducting randomized controlled trials is suggested.