Methamphetamine use and misconceptions among primary and private Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) program attendees in Klang Valley, Malaysia

ABSTRACT

Background: Treatment-seeking opiate dependents in Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) programs are predisposed to methamphetamine use. This study sought to determine the prevalence, reasons, and perceptions toward methamphetamine use among clients in primary and private MMT programs in Klang Valley (Malaysia).

Method: 231 methadone users (n = 153 primary vs. n = 78 private clients) with current methamphetamine use history participated in this cross-sectional study.

Results: Most participants were male (96%, n = 221/231), with the majority being Malay (84%, n = 194/231). More than two-thirds (71%, n = 164/231) initiated methamphetamine before MMT enrollment. Those who initiated methamphetamine after MMT enrollment had higher odds of reporting methamphetamine use in the last 7 days (OR: 2.28: 1.05–4.95; p <.033) and 30 days (OR: 2.49: 1.38–4.48; p <.002), than those who have initiated methamphetamine before joining MMT program. Compared to primary clients, private clients had higher odds of reporting opiate use in the last 30 days (OR: 1.86: 1.00–3.44; p <.048). Most participants used methamphetamine to increase work performance; the majority of participants believed that they can control methamphetamine use and that it was non-addictive, and safer when taken with methadone.

Conclusion: Methamphetamine use appeared prevalent among MMT clients and the lack of information regarding the dangers of methamphetamine may be a probable cause.

KEYWORDS:

• Methamphetamine
• methadone
• opiate
• Malaysia

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest

All the authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study received financial support from the Higher Institution’s Centre of Excellence (HICoE) Grant No. [311/CDADAD/4401009].