Profile of Clients Attending a Methadone Clinic

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Profile of Clients Attending a Methadone Clinic
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Sabrina Anne JACOB, Fauziah MOHAMMED, Mohamed Azmi Ahmad HASSALI


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Profile of Clients Attending a Methadone Clinic

Year: 2015

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

This study explores the profiles of clients attending a methadone clinic in Malaysia, focusing on their demographics, substance use patterns, and treatment satisfaction. Understanding client characteristics is crucial for designing effective treatment programs and improving client retention rates. The research highlights the background of methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) in Malaysia, considering the high rates of drug abuse and its associated health risks, particularly HIV transmission among intravenous drug users. By analyzing client data from a tertiary care hospital's methadone clinic, the study aims to provide insights into the challenges faced in the treatment of substance use disorders.

Substance Use and Its Influences

One key finding is that heroin remains the predominant substance abused among clients, with a staggering 98% indicating it as their primary drug. The study reveals that early initiation into substance use often occurs in the late teens, with friends cited as the most regular source for obtaining drugs. Furthermore, a significant majority of clients acknowledged attempts to quit substance use independently, but many faced challenges that led them to seek treatment. The research indicates a direct correlation between the influence of peers and the likelihood of substance use, implying that interventions aimed at peer group dynamics could be effective in preventing drug abuse among youths.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study emphasizes the importance of addressing low methadone dosages in treatment plans, as a significant proportion of clients are receiving less than the recommended 60 mg/day, which is associated with lower retention rates. Additionally, effective treatment outcomes depend not only on the proper administration of methadone but also on the support systems around clients, including family and social influence. The insights garnered from this research can be instrumental for healthcare providers and government organizations in formulating targeted interventions to enhance client engagement and improve the overall effectiveness of methadone maintenance therapy in Malaysia.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What are the main findings of the methadone clinic study?

The study found that most clients are male, with a median age of 39.8 years. Heroin is the most commonly abused drug, with 98% of clients reporting use. Many clients began substance use in their teens, and most receive low methadone doses.

What demographics were observed among clients at the methadone clinic?

Of the 51 clients surveyed, 88.2% were male, predominantly Malay (80.4%). Most clients (72.5%) had secondary education, and the majority were married (64.7%). The average age of drug use initiation was 19.8 years.

Why do clients seek treatment at methadone clinics?

Clients primarily seek treatment due to a personal desire to stop drug dependence (98%). Many report that they learned about the clinic through family members or friends who are addicts, emphasizing the importance of social support.

How does methadone dosage affect client retention in treatment?

The study indicates that clients receiving methadone doses below 60 mg/day may have lower retention rates. Higher doses (over 60 mg/day) have been associated with better treatment outcomes and longer retention in methadone maintenance therapy.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Profile of Clients Attending a Methadone Clinic”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Drug:
Drugs, particularly opioids like heroin, are the main focus of this study as they heavily impact clients' lives. This relevance is seen in their persistence among users and their connection to crime and health-related issues, including comorbidities. Understanding drug use patterns informs treatment programs and public health interventions.

2) Table:
The table provides a visual representation of demographic data, treatment history, and substance use among clients at the methadone clinic. It presents key statistics that help researchers and practitioners grasp client profiles quickly, highlighting significant trends and correlations which are crucial for formulating effective treatment strategies and policies.

3) Study (Studying):
The study is vital for understanding the characteristics and challenges faced by clients at a methadone clinic. By collecting and analyzing data through surveys, it sheds light on patterns of substance use, client demographics, and the effectiveness of methadone maintenance therapy, ultimately guiding health services and policy improvements.

4) Substance:
Substance use, particularly the use of illegal drugs, is central to the research. It directly relates to addiction, treatment challenges, and client profiles. The findings regarding substance use patterns inform healthcare and socio-political responses to drug abuse, aiming to enhance treatment efficiency and reduce associated harms in society.

5) Family:
Family dynamics significantly influence drug use and treatment outcomes. In this study, clients often reference familial pressures or supports concerning their drug dependence. Understanding family involvement helps develop targeted interventions and support systems in methadone treatment, maximizing retention and effectiveness of rehabilitation between clients and their relatives.

6) Reason:
Reasons for substance use and seeking treatment are critical components of the study. Client motivations, such as the desire to stop drug dependence, inform healthcare strategies and policies. Understanding these reasons allows practitioners to tailor interventions and support programs that effectively address the underlying issues contributing to substance misuse.

7) Disease:
Diseases, especially those linked to substance use such as HIV or other infections, are a major concern among clients. This term underscores the health implications of drug addiction and necessitates healthcare approaches that address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction to improve client health outcomes and reduce comorbidity.

8) Attending:
Attendance at the methadone clinic is crucial for the success of treatment. This term highlights client engagement and retention, emphasizing the importance of addressing barriers to consistent attendance. Understanding attendance patterns helps design approaches that enhance client involvement and satisfaction with treatment programs, ultimately improving recovery outcomes.

9) Male:
The predominance of male clients in the study reflects broader societal trends in substance use and addiction. This finding is critical, as it indicates the need for gender-sensitive approaches in treatment. Understanding the male demographic's specific challenges aids in designing effective interventions tailored to their experiences and needs.

10) Depression:
Depression, as a common comorbid condition among clients, highlights the importance of mental health care in substance use treatment. Its presence can complicate recovery efforts, necessitating integrated treatment approaches. Addressing co-occurring mental health issues is crucial for improving treatment efficacy and ensuring holistic care for individuals in recovery.

11) Education:
Education levels among clients are vital indicators of their socioeconomic status and likelihood of drug misuse. This information can inform prevention strategies aimed at younger, less educated populations. Educational initiatives targeting at-risk youth can help reduce future substance use by fostering awareness and promoting healthier lifestyle choices.

12) Quality:
Quality of life is a significant measure for assessing the effectiveness of treatment programs. The study seeks to understand how methadone maintenance impacts clients' overall wellbeing. Assessing quality of life outcomes helps in redesigning treatment protocols and ensuring that clients achieve better health and societal reintegration post-treatment.

13) Rules:
Rules governing clinic attendance and behavior are essential for maintaining a structured treatment environment. The adherence to clinic rules in this study indicates the level of client commitment to the program. Understanding rule compliance helps identify barriers to effective treatment and can imbue a sense of responsibility in clients.

14) Money:
Financial factors profoundly influence substance use and treatment access. Discussions surrounding money highlight issues such as theft for drug procurement and the economic burden of treatment. By identifying financial challenges, the study emphasizes the need for policy changes and financial support programs to facilitate effective treatment and recovery.

15) Pir:
Peer influence is a key factor in drug initiation and continued use. Friends often serve as both sources of drugs and social support, impacting clients' recovery processes. Understanding peer dynamics allows treatment programs to incorporate social support elements that leverage positive peer interactions and discourage negative pressures associated with substance use.

16) Life:
The term life underscores the broader implications of substance use on individuals and their communities. Loss of quality of life and productivity due to addiction is a critical concern. The study highlights the importance of life outcomes in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment methods and shaping public health policies.

17) Mental health:
Mental health issues among clients are crucial in understanding their treatment needs and potential barriers to recovery. Addressing co-occurring mental health conditions is imperative for holistic treatment approaches. This highlights the interrelation between mental health and substance use, emphasizing the need for integrated care strategies in treatment programs.

18) Cannabis:
Cannabis is one of the commonly used illicit drugs mentioned within the study. It serves as an important context for understanding the spectrum of substance use among methadone clients. Assessing cannabis use patterns provides insights into co-morbidities linked with drug abuse, indicating potential areas for targeted intervention and treatment.

19) Pur:
The term poor frequently indicates both financial and health-related challenges faced by clients. Poor health outcomes resulting from suboptimal drug dosages and lack of support compound addiction issues. Understanding this context allows practitioners to design better support frameworks that address the varied needs of economically disadvantaged clients in recovery.

20) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological aspects of methadone treatment, including dosing strategies, are essential for ensuring effective management of addiction. A proper understanding of pharmacological principles facilitates optimal treatment planning. The study emphasizes the need for adherence to pharmacological guidelines to improve maintenance therapy outcomes and enhance overall patient safety and satisfaction.

21) Transmission:
Transmission encompasses the concerns regarding the spread of infectious diseases, particularly HIV, among intravenous drug users. This term underlines the critical need for effective harm reduction strategies within treatment programs. Addressing transmission risk through education and safe practices is essential for improving public health outcomes related to substance use.

22) Perception:
Perception relates to how drug use and associated rehabilitation efforts are viewed by society. Shifting perceptions can significantly enhance support for harm reduction and treatment programs. Understanding client perceptions of treatment efficacy allows for adaptations that cater to client needs and preferences, increasing overall engagement and success rates.

23) Knowledge:
Knowledge about drug risks and available rehabilitation options is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies. Enhancing public and client knowledge can empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding drug use and recovery processes. This is especially important for improving the effectiveness of treatment programs targeting drug abuse.

24) Epidemic:
The term epidemic refers to the widespread nature of substance abuse and its societal impact, particularly relating to shockingly high rates of drug use and overdose. Acknowledging the epidemic nature informs public health initiatives and inspires the development of comprehensive strategies aimed at curtailing addiction through education and treatment improvements.

25) Anxiety:
Anxiety among clients indicates concurrent psychological challenges that require careful consideration during treatment. The presence of anxiety can complicate substance use recovery, necessitating integrated support systems addressing both mental health and addiction. The study emphasizes the importance of mental health assessment in creating effective, holistic treatment plans for clients.

26) Amanda (Amamda):
Amanda may refer to a researcher or author related to the study. The inclusion of individual names in a study provides context about contributions made by various faculty or individuals involved in research. It underscores collaborative efforts and highlights the human aspect of research, reflecting a team-based approach to tackling addiction issues.

27) Misuse:
Misuse of drugs contrasts with appropriate use and highlights the struggles faced by clients in managing their dependency. Understanding the patterns of misuse informs the design of targeted interventions aimed at reducing substance use and fostering healthier behaviors. It also emphasizes the need for accurate screening and effective treatment options.

28) Police:
The police represent an essential law enforcement body involved in drug-related issues, including criminal activities associated with substance abuse. In the study context, the role of police can influence the experiences of drug users, affecting their access to rehabilitation services and the overall effectiveness of harm reduction initiatives launched in society.

29) Bharu:
Kota Bharu indicates a specific geographical location relevant to the study, focusing on the community involved in the methadone maintenance therapy. Recognizing distinct locations helps delineate local patterns of drug use and treatment responses, contributing necessary context for tailoring intervention strategies to the specific cultural and socio-economic fabrics of the area.

30) Hatta:
Hatta refers to an individual potentially involved in the research, highlighting team collaboration in the study. Acknowledging individuals signifies the contributions of various team members and enhances the credibility of the research findings. This can be particularly important in studies addressing sensitive topics such as substance use and recovery.

31) Ganja (Gamja):
Ganja, or cannabis, is highlighted within the study to indicate its prevalence alongside other drugs among clients. Understanding its role allows for a comprehensive view of substance use patterns and informs health professionals on potential co-use with substances like heroin, impacting treatment strategy development aimed at comprehensive recovery.

32) Matti:
Mathi refers to a specific individual or case in the study. Including specific names can help illustrate the findings of research more vividly and demonstrate real-life examples of how substance abuse impacts individuals within communities. This aids in humanizing the statistics and fostering a better public understanding of the issue.

33) Cina:
China is relevant in context of the study, perhaps referring to comparative aspects of methadone treatment or drug-related issues seen in different regions. By referencing international contexts, the study can emphasize variances in substance use patterns and treatment efficacy across cultures, providing a broader understanding of global drug issues.

34) Kota:
This term likely indicates a place, emphasizing the study's focus on a specific population within a city. Contextualizing the research to geographic locales aids in identifying unique challenges and social factors influencing drug addiction. It enriches the understanding of client diversity and necessitates tailored approaches in treatment provision.

35) Raja:
Raja likely refers to a name associated with the study, whether an author, researcher, or subject. Acknowledging individual contributions is crucial as it fosters accountability and provides insights into collaborative efforts in research, emphasizing the teamwork involved in addressing complex issues related to substance abuse and recovery.

36) Musha (Musa, Musá):
Musa probably refers to an individual linked with the study, illustrating personal narratives or experiences that contribute to the larger body of research. Recognizing contributors enriches the research quality and highlights how diverse perspectives influence understanding substance use and the effectiveness of prevention strategies in society.

37) Kasa (Kasha):
The reference to Kasa may illustrate a person involved in the research process and emphasizes collaboration. Recognizing individual researchers helps highlight the efforts and expertise brought together in tackling substance abuse. It reinforces the notion that effective solutions often arise from collective expertise and interdisciplinary collaboration.

38) Sah:
Shah likely refers to a person involved in or relevant to the study, illustrating the collaborative nature of the research team. Acknowledging contributions from individuals enhances the credibility of the research and brings awareness to the necessity of diverse perspectives when addressing complex social issues like addiction.

39) Observation:
Observation is critical in research methodology, emphasizing the importance of monitoring client behaviors and substance use patterns. Such careful documentation supports empirical conclusions drawn from the study. Observational data are invaluable for guiding treatment adjustments and interventions aimed at improving client retention and success in programs.

40) Generality:
Generality relates to the applicability of the study's findings across different populations or contexts. Understanding the generality of results is crucial for establishing broader insights into methadone treatment's effectiveness and developing interventions that can be adapted to various client profiles in the healthcare system.

41) Discussion:
The discussion section analyzes the study's findings, putting them into context within existing literature. It highlights implications for treatment practices, recalls critical observations, and proposes future avenues for research. Engaging in discussion emphasizes continuous inquiry necessary to enhance methodologies and ultimately improve client outcomes in rehabilitation.

42) Activity:
Activity refers to the behaviors or interventions taking place within the treatment program. Monitoring activity levels among clients offers insights into their engagement with the treatment process. Understanding client activity helps assess program success, guide modifications, and foster deeper client involvement, positively influencing retention rates in treatment.

43) Language:
Language barriers affect the research's scope, limiting comprehension and response accuracy from clients. Acknowledging these issues is crucial for crafting surveys and interventions that foster inclusivity and accessibility. Addressing language in treatment programs can enhance client engagement and satisfaction, leading to better recovery outcomes for diverse populations.

44) Worry (Worried, Worrying):
Worrying highlights concerns related to client mental health, particularly regarding the high rates of comorbid conditions linked to substance use. The term emphasizes the need for holistic care approaches to address not just addiction but the psychological aspects as well, ensuring that clients do not fall through the cracks in treatment methods.

45) Craving (Crave, Craved):
Craving refers to the intense desire for drugs experienced by individuals with substance use disorders. Understanding craving dynamics is crucial for creating effective treatment approaches that help clients manage these urges. Addressing cravings can significantly improve treatment adherence and support clients in maintaining their recovery over time.

46) Indian:
Referring to the ethnic demographic of clients, the term highlights diversity within the methadone treatment population. The presence of Indian clients suggests the need for culturally tailored approaches that respect and integrate their unique backgrounds and experiences in treatment strategies, thereby promoting inclusivity and understanding in rehabilitation efforts.

47) Desire:
Desire relates to clients' motivations for seeking treatment, particularly the wish to stop drug use. Recognizing desire is essential in crafting interventions that resonate with clients' goals and aspirations for recovery. Understanding desire can help healthcare providers enhance client engagement and satisfaction with treatment, fostering better outcomes.

48) Death:
Death signifies the severe risks associated with substance use, including overdose and health complications. Highlighting mortality rates among users underscores the urgency of effective treatment programs. Understanding mortality factors is crucial for devising strategies aimed at reducing overdose incidents and improving health outcomes for clients in rehabilitation.

49) Visit:
Visits to the methadone clinic are central to client treatment. Regular attendance is vital for effective maintenance therapy, influencing treatment adherence and success rates. Understanding visitation patterns informs strategies to enhance client engagement and retention within the treatment program, ultimately leading to better recovery outcomes.

50) Tamil:
Tamil references an ethnic group potentially included in the study sample. Recognizing the diversity of backgrounds among clients is essential for tailoring approaches that respect cultural differences and improve treatment effectiveness. Culturally informed practices can enhance understanding and client satisfaction within methadone maintenance therapy programs.

51) Stealing (Theft):
The term theft relates to actions taken by clients to procure money for drug purchase, highlighting the desperation associated with addiction. Understanding theft incidents emphasizes the socio-economic impacts of substance use on clients. This insight results in the need for integrated treatment approaches that provide financial and social support.

52) Fear:
Fear encompasses the emotional responses clients may experience related to treatment or drug use. Fear of withdrawals, stigma, or treatment success can hinder participation. Recognizing and addressing these fears is crucial for fostering a supportive environment that encourages client engagement and optimizes treatment outcomes in methadone maintenance programs.

53) Sign:
Sign refers to indicators of client engagement, success, or obstacles in treatment. Monitoring signs of recovery or relapses is essential for adapting treatment plans and ensuring timely interventions. Understanding these signs allows healthcare providers to respond effectively to clients' evolving needs, ultimately supporting their recovery journey.

54) Hand:
Hand sometimes symbolizes the physical act of supporting or guiding. In the context of treatment, it relates to the supports available to clients, both therapeutic and social. Recognizing clients' needs for support underscores the importance of holistic care approaches that address all aspects of their recovery process.

55) Post:
Post indicates communication about findings or updates related to the study. It relates to the discussion surrounding research implications. Understanding the issues at hand through updated posts ensures that stakeholders can grasp ongoing challenges and successes, fostering informed dialogue aimed at improving practices and outcomes in addiction treatment.

56) Mud:
Mood refers to psychological states influencing client behaviors and treatment outcomes. Fluctuating moods can significantly impact the efficacy of treatment, particularly for those with co-occurring mental health disorders. Understanding mood dynamics aids in employing appropriate therapies that address not just addiction, but also emotional well-being in recovery.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Profile of Clients Attending a Methadone Clinic’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Heroin, Therapeutic effect, Effective treatment, Young people, Criminal activities, Language barrier, Treatment duration, Observational study, Social Support, Qualitative analysis, Treatment outcome, Health-related quality of life, Inferential Statistics, HIV infection, Demographic pattern, Patient characteristics, Drug dependence, Patient satisfaction, Substance abuse, Informed consent form, Psychiatric comorbidity, Maintenance therapy, Treatment effectiveness, Cross-sectional analysis, Maintenance dose, Survey form, Drug use, Dose reduction, Peer influence, Mental health treatment, Multi-centre study, Cardiovascular prevention, Mental health professional, Associated risk factors, HIV Transmission, Predictive Factors, Family member, Substance Use Disorder, Social network, Client satisfaction, Target demographic, Health programs, Substance use, Self-report survey, Retention rate, Risk behavior, Closed-ended questions.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Friend, Serious crime, Age difference.

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