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Published on: April 23, 2019
Concurrent heroin use among methadone maintenance clients in China
1Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Center for Community Health, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA. lililili@ucla.edu
Addictive Behaviors
|November 22, 2011
Summary
Concurrent heroin use is common among methadone maintenance treatment clients in China. Social networks and longer treatment duration were linked to increased heroin use, highlighting the need for gender-specific strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Addiction Medicine
- Sociology
Background:
- Examined concurrent illicit heroin use in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clients in China.
- Investigated associations with demographic characteristics, treatment experience, and social networks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand the prevalence and correlates of concurrent heroin use among MMT clients.
- To inform the development of targeted interventions and gender-specific treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Face-to-face surveys with 178 MMT clients in Sichuan, China.
- Concurrent heroin use assessed via self-report and urine morphine testing.
- Demographic, treatment, and social network data collected.
Main Results:
- 44.9% of clients exhibited concurrent heroin use.
- Having drug-using friends and longer treatment duration (≥2 years) were associated with increased use.
- Gender differences in use were observed based on the drug-using status of family and friends.
Conclusions:
- Concurrent heroin use among MMT clients requires urgent attention.
- Social networks significantly influence drug abuse behavior.
- Understanding gender differences is crucial for effective, tailored treatment strategies.
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