Suicide Ideation and Drug Craving in Patients Under Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT)

Background: Currently, methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is a well-known method, for treating opiate dependence in many parts of the world. Despite being in MMT programs, craving has an important role in relapses. Substance abusers are at high risk of suicide, and suicidal ideation is a key factor for predicting suicide attempts. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine suicide ideation and drug craving and their predictors in patients under MMT. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 234 patients under MMT at Baharan Psychiatric Center of Zahedan, Iran. Participants completed a set of self-report standard questionnaires, including Beck’s Depression Inventory, Beck’s Anxiety Inventory, Borderline Personality Scale, Social Support Appraisals Scale, the Communication Skills Inventory, and Craving Inventory. Bivariate correlation analyses and linear regression model were employed to identify the predictors of suicide ideation and craving. Results: Occupational status, suicide attempts, suicide in the family, symptoms of borderline personality, and communication skills were significant predictors for suicide ideation. The duration of MMT and borderline personality symptoms were also important determinants of craving. Conclusions: Since people under MMT have high suicide ideation and it can be a risk factor for suicide attempts, it is suggested to focus on early detection of suicide ideation. Mental health staff must pay attention to the risk factors for craving because it could become the cause of drop-out during treatment.