Matrix Model for Methamphetamine Dependence Among Iranian Female Methadone Patients: The First Report From the Most Populated Persian Gulf Country

Authors

Mohammad Effatpanah Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Ziaeian Hospital, International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Omid Massah Substance Abuse and Dependence Research Center, University of Social Welfare & Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Sara Shishehgar Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia.

Abstract:

Objectives: Methamphetamine (MA) dependence is a new health problem among Iranian female methadone patients. In recent years, the Matrix Model (a sixteen-week psychosocial treatment) has been provided for treating MA dependence. However, the problems associated with this treatment in methadone services are not clear. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted to explore the problems associated with providing the Matrix Model in methadone clinics. Overall, 42 women were individually interviewed in 12 methadone clinics in Tehran in October 2015. All clinics provided the Matrix Model for MA dependence. Ten health professionals were also interviewed in three roundtable meetings. Data were analyzed using Atlas-ti software (version 9) based on the Grounded Theory of Strauss and Corbin. Results: The mean age of the women was 34 years old. All of them were MA-dependent on the methadone programme. The most important theme was that the Matrix Model was able to manage MA craving and relapse among women in methadone treatment services. However, the Matrix Model was long, expensive and needed intensive staff training. Furthermore, the coverage of the treatment was inadequate. Conducting brief psychosocial treatments was suggested to reduce these problems. Discussion: The results indicated that the Matrix Model is effective for treating MA dependence. However, the long length of the treatment, lack of cost-effectiveness, and intensive staff training are significant problems associated with providing MA treatment. Further studies are suggested to evaluate the role of brief interventions in reducing these problems in methadone treatment services.

Upgrade to premium to download articles

Already have an account?login

similar resources

Women and Methamphetamine in Iran: A Report from the Most Populous Persian Gulf Country

Objectives: Methamphetamine (MA) use disorder is a new health problem among Iranian female methadone patients that need special treatment and rehabilitation services. However, there are few studies describing their baseline characteristics, their reasons for MA use while in treatment and their treatment needs and success. The study aimed to investigate these research gaps. Methods: Participan...

full text

Barriers to Hepatitis C Treatment among Women in Methadone Treatment: A Study from Iran, the Most Populous Persian Gulf Country

Background: Untreated Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) has been reported among many Iranian female methadone patients. However, few of them report receiving HCV treatment. The present study is the first research from western Asia that explored the barriers to receiving HCV treatment among a group of Iranian female HCV-infected methadone patients.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in four main...

full text

Characteristics of an Online HIV Education Program for Iranian Female Methadone Patients: The First Study

Objectives: Female methadone patients need specific education on HIV. However, few studies have been conducted on the essential characteristics of designing an online HIV education program for this population. Therefore, the current qualitative study aimed at addressing this research gap. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 female patients and 19 methadone treatment pro...

full text

Matrix Model as an Intensive Rehabilitation in Three Methadone Services in Iran

Objectives: The Matrix Model is used for MA dependence in methadone services in Iran, the most populated Persian Gulf country. However, there are no studies of the efficacy of the Matrix Model for MA dependence while in treatment. The present study reports on the efficacy of sixteen weeks of the Matrix Model for MA abstinence and general health.  Methods: There were MA-dependent male (n=3...

full text