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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2019, 21, N5 (pages: 13 - 30)

A Systematic Review of Methadone Maintenance Therapy Studies in Preventing Relapses in Addiction: Evidence from Asean Countries

Mohd Fahami N.A., Nazrun Shuid A., Abdullah A., Naina-Mohamed I., Chin K.-Y., Mohamed N., Masbah N., Haji Mohd Saad Q., Kamisah Y., and Muhammad N.

Summary: Background: Opioid abuse is a significant problem worldwide due to its associated healthcare and economic burdens. In ASEAN countries, methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) has been implemented for over a decade to replace forced detoxification programmes. However, the overall effectiveness of MMT programmes is still unclear in the region. Aims: We aimed to summarize the current evidence on the effectiveness of MMT in preventing relapses in drug addicts living in ASEAN countries. Methodology: A search through the literature for original research articles written in English and published between 1990 and 2016 was performed using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Articles were screened and extracted by two independent reviewers. Results: The results showed that MMT alone or incorporation into other programmes was effective in reducing concurrent illicit drug use and withdrawal from treatment across ASEAN countries. Higher methadone doses were reported to have better retention effects than those due to lower doses. Conclusion: In summary, MMT is effective in preventing relapses into addiction behaviour from occurring in patients in ASEAN countries. Health professions should adjust the methadone dosage to suit the individual requirements of patients and ensure compliance.