Study Summary Report on Methadone Treatment Discontinuation among PUD
Study Summary Report on Methadone Treatment Discontinuation among PUD
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Study Title:
Factors Causing Discontinuation of Methadone Treatment and Dropout from the Treatment System among People Who Use Drugs (PUD)
Study Title:
Factors Causing Discontinuation of Methadone Treatment and Dropout from the Treatment System among People Who Use Drugs (PUD)
Background:
Khon Khon for Change Group (prior to its registration as a foundation) provided community-based methadone services under hospital standards through five Community Health Service Centers (Drop-in Centers) in Mae Fah Luang District and Mae Chan District. A total of 218 clients received services (data as of February 2024). During service provision, it was found that some clients discontinued methadone treatment and dropped out of the treatment system.
Background:
Khon Khon for Change Group (prior to its registration as a foundation) provided community-based methadone services under hospital standards through five Community Health Service Centers (Drop-in Centers) in Mae Fah Luang District and Mae Chan District. A total of 218 clients received services (data as of February 2024). During service provision, it was found that some clients discontinued methadone treatment and dropped out of the treatment system.
Study Objective:
To identify the factors causing discontinuation of methadone treatment and dropout from the treatment system. The study is based on the hypothesis that discontinuation and dropout occur due to methadone dosage levels being insufficient to meet clients’ needs.
Study Objective:
To identify the factors causing discontinuation of methadone treatment and dropout from the treatment system. The study is based on the hypothesis that discontinuation and dropout occur due to methadone dosage levels being insufficient to meet clients’ needs.
Study Methods :
Study Methods :
The study used in-depth, face-to-face interviews with a questionnaire among 171 individuals who had previously received methadone but discontinued treatment and stopped participating in the treatment system. Data were collected between February and April 2024 and analyzed using percentage and mean statistics.
The study used in-depth, face-to-face interviews with a questionnaire among 171 individuals who had previously received methadone but discontinued treatment and stopped participating in the treatment system. Data were collected between February and April 2024 and analyzed using percentage and mean statistics.
Study Results
Study Results
The findings showed that the main factors motivating people who use drugs to enter the treatment system were the desire to stop using drugs and to reduce the cost of purchasing drugs. Participation in methadone treatment was voluntary.
The findings showed that the main factors motivating people who use drugs to enter the treatment system were the desire to stop using drugs and to reduce the cost of purchasing drugs. Participation in methadone treatment was voluntary.
The main reasons for being unable to remain in the treatment system and for discontinuing methadone treatment prematurely were as follows:
The main reasons for being unable to remain in the treatment system and for discontinuing methadone treatment prematurely were as follows:
- 40% reported transportation-related factors, including difficulty traveling long distances and lack of funds for transportation.
- 12% were removed from the treatment system due to violations of hospital conditions.
- 9% reported that hospital rules and regulations were not supportive.
- 7% stated that the methadone dosage was insufficient.
In addition, 64% expressed a desire to re-enter the treatment system. Among them, 82% preferred to receive services at the Drop-in Centers operated by the Khon Khon for Change Group because the centers are close to home, use the same language, and provide friendly services.
In addition, 64% expressed a desire to re-enter the treatment system. Among them, 82% preferred to receive services at the Drop-in Centers operated by the Khon Khon for Change Group because the centers are close to home, use the same language, and provide friendly services.
Participants’ hopes and expectations regarding treatment included the desire to stop or reduce substance use, to receive good-quality services, to access methadone services close to home or through home delivery, and to be treated with equality and understanding by doctors, nurses, community leaders, and government officials.
Participants’ hopes and expectations regarding treatment included the desire to stop or reduce substance use, to receive good-quality services, to access methadone services close to home or through home delivery, and to be treated with equality and understanding by doctors, nurses, community leaders, and government officials.
Conclusion
Conclusion
The major barriers leading to premature discontinuation of methadone treatment were difficulties related to transportation and hospital conditions. Providing community-based methadone services close to clients’ homes helps reduce transportation barriers. In addition, increasing flexibility in hospital conditions and promoting the participation of communities and civil society organizations can enhance treatment effectiveness. These approaches support continuity in the treatment system and enable ongoing follow-up and behavioral change toward reducing, stopping, and ceasing substance use.
The major barriers leading to premature discontinuation of methadone treatment were difficulties related to transportation and hospital conditions. Providing community-based methadone services close to clients’ homes helps reduce transportation barriers. In addition, increasing flexibility in hospital conditions and promoting the participation of communities and civil society organizations can enhance treatment effectiveness. These approaches support continuity in the treatment system and enable ongoing follow-up and behavioral change toward reducing, stopping, and ceasing substance use.
Recommendations for Service Improvement
Recommendations for Service Improvement
1.Expand community-based methadone services and develop alternative treatment options, such as methadone delivery services or a “peer-to-peer support” system.
1.Expand community-based methadone services and develop alternative treatment options, such as methadone delivery services or a “peer-to-peer support” system.
2.Adjust hospital conditions to be more flexible and friendly, including adequate methadone dosage, convenient procedures, reduced service termination, and the provision of interpreters or support assistants.
2.Adjust hospital conditions to be more flexible and friendly, including adequate methadone dosage, convenient procedures, reduced service termination, and the provision of interpreters or support assistants.
3.Strengthen social support, such as counseling services, case-by-case assistance, and improvements in quality of life related to employment and education.
3.Strengthen social support, such as counseling services, case-by-case assistance, and improvements in quality of life related to employment and education.
4.Reduce stigma and discrimination within the healthcare system and law enforcement practices.
4.Reduce stigma and discrimination within the healthcare system and law enforcement practices.
5.Focus on adolescents to reduce new initiation into drug use.
5.Focus on adolescents to reduce new initiation into drug use.
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