Evaluation of pilot methadone maintenance therapy in Georgia (Caucasus)

Since December 2005 Methadone Treatment has been introduced in Georgia. Currently three programs are operating in the country covering 210 patients. The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability and effectiveness of the pilot methadone program. Case histories, registrations books, questionnaires were studied. Standardized RAB questionnaire was adapted as well. 60 patients (1 female) were surveyed. Methadone program was well accepted. 92% of participants were satisfied with treatment. Only one patient left the program due to move away. Mean age of participants is 40, mean history of drug use is 15.3 years, 16.7% are infected with Hep B, 80%--infected with Hep C, 11.7%--infected with HIV. There was a significant reduction (68% never uses) of illicit opioid use; daily use of psychotropic drugs reduced from 66.7% to 1.7%. Injecting risk behaviour significantly reduced from 17.98% to 0.98%; no significant change in sexual risk behaviour was observed (14.40% vs. 12.25%). Study findings suggest that Methadone Maintenance Treatment in Georgia is well accepted and effective in reducing illegal opioid use, injecting risk behavior, and improving the health status of participants. There is a need for scaling up opiate agonist treatment and introducing additional services within the framework of these programs. Further qualified monitoring and assessment in dynamics is needed.