A mosque-based methadone maintenance treatment strategy: Implementation and pilot results

Abstract Background This paper describes the rationale, implementation and operation of a "world first" Islamic inspired methadone maintenance treatment project delivered in a mosque setting and presents the outcome for the first group of participants. The project explored the viability of expanding addiction recovery services through the network of mosques in Muslim communities. Methods The project combined methadone maintenance with peer and religious counseling. Participants consisted of 36 male Muslim heroin users who went through the project. Urine tests and self-reported measures on various dimensions relevant to drug use and quality of life were collected at baseline and 12 months. Results The project had a 12 month retention rate of 80%. At 12 months all but one participant tested negative for opioids and other substances. Self-report measures showed significant reductions in the degree and variety of drug use, improvements in general health, and psychological and social functioning of participants. Qualitative data showed that availability of methadone, convenient location and religion were the main reasons drawing participants to the program. Conclusions Mosques are viable venues for offering medication assisted recovery services and offer an alternative approach for managing addiction in Muslim communities. The prospect of mobilizing community resources to offer community-oriented long-term recovery management programs in mosques and other places of worship deserves consideration.