Metadonowa terapia substytucyjna w opinii pacjentów programu metadonowego z województwa łódzkiego – skuteczność, korzyści, problemy

Abstract

IntroductionAt present the most effective method of opioid addiction treatment is methadone substitution therapy. Its efficacy is dependent on patients’ satisfaction. The aim of this study was to explore the patients’ opinion of the effectiveness of methadone treatment. Respondents also evaluated the incidence of methadone side effects and their influence on daily life. MethodThe survey was conducted at the Substitution Treatment Point at the Specialistic Psychiatric Healthcare Centre in Łódź on opioid-dependent patients enrolled to the methadone programme in March 2013. All patients were asked to fill in an anonymous questionnaire, containing three sections: demographic, drug dependence and therapy and side effects of methadone. ResultsSixty one out of 73 patients completed the questionnaire. Respondents appreciated the benefits of their participation in the methadone programme, however, as many as 54% relapsed during therapy. Ninety three percent felt reduced craving during the therapy. However, among the examined group, total abstinence from other psychoactive substances is a rarity. Patients experienced few methadone side effects which were not obstacles in their daily life. In patients’ opinion, participation in methadone programme helped them return to normal life, though it was often embarrassing. ConclusionsMethadone therapy is an effective method of opioid dependence treatment, which helps maintain abstinence. In terms of side effects, it has proven to be inconsiderably burdensome.