Providing community level methadone maintenance therapy: An evidence-based report on effective and sustaining treatment for opioid substance users

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Providing community level methadone maintenance therapy: An evidence-based report on effective and sustaining treatment for opioid substance users

2 September 2015

In Santikhiri, Thailand, access to health care services is a challenge. Transportation to the village is poor, different languages are spoken and the socio-economic status of the villagers is below the national average. These factors, coupled with the lack of access to health care services, has caused many to turn to illicit drugs for alleviation of pains and illnesses and, as a result, has cause many people in the community to become drug dependent.

In October 2012, the methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) model was implemented to address the high usage of opioids in the village. Methadone is a chemically synthetic substance which mimics the action of heroin and is used to treat opioid dependence in the form of detoxification and long-term maintenance.

Prepared by O-zone and PSI Thailand Foundation, this report presents the outcomes of the project’s best practice in providing a community-level MMT model.

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