Effect of Methadone Maintenance Therapy on Drug Users in Wuxi

OBJECTIVE: o evaluate the effect of methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) on drug users in the MMT clinic of Wuxi, Jiangsu, and provide scientific evidence for further intervention. METHODS: Voluntary drug users who met the national criteria for MMT enrollment were enrolled; baseline information was investigated and assessed. RESULTS: Among the 965 enrolled drug users, 904 (93.68%) completed the therapy while 61 (6.32%) were lost for follow-up; after one year's therapy, intravenous drug use behavior had been effectively kept under control; the volunteers regained more society activities and improved relationship with their family, a growing number of them were employed; the approval rate for MMT among the treatment takers was 98.08%. CONCLUSION: MMT has achieved outstanding effect on reducing high risk behaviors, minimizing drug destruction, preventing crimes, restoring family harmony and social activity.