The New Epidemic Problem of Psychoactive Drugs at Drug Treatment Centers of Iran: Implications for Education, Prevention and Treatment

Background: Patients with methadone abuse are the main group with methamphetamine dependence in the Iranian context. However, there are only a few studies on this group. Objectives: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of methamphetamine dependence among methadone patients on stable methadone doses. Methods: This cross - sectional study was conducted on 140 methadone services in Tehran, Karaj, and Qazvin. Fifty percent of methadone services were located in middle class areas and provided methadone maintenance treatment and counselling. Overall, 105 centres were selected from Tehran. Twenty centres were selected from Karaj and 15 centres were selected form Qazvin. A researcher - designed questionnaire was used to collect data. Overall, 2645 males and 304 females participated in the study during years 2011 to 2013. Results: The prevalence of methamphetamine dependence was 26% among males and 45% among females. Females were more likely to self - report depression (53% versus 22%, P < 0.05) and psychiatric hospitalisation (28% versus 16%, P < 0.05) than males while males were more likely to self - report criminality (43% versus 24%, P < 0.05) and poor concentration (39% versus 13%, P < 0.05) than females. Conclusions: Special educational, preventative, and treatment programs should be provided to reduce methamphetamine dependence among this group in Iran. Further studies in other parts of Iran are required.