Characteristics of methamphetamine use and motivations for discontinuation in methadone - treated patients in Hanoi in 2021 - 2023

Abstract

A cross - sectional study of 350 methadone treatment patients aim to described behavior and motivation to stop using methamphetamine at 11 methadone clinics in Hanoi from June 2021 to September 2023. Research results showed that 59.71% of patients started using methamphetamine due to the invitation of their peers. Moreover, 43.14% of them felt that everything became more attractive when they used methamphetamine. The majority of patients perceived the harmful effects of methamphetamine as affecting physical health (72.29%) and mental health (80.29%). Their main motivations to stop using methamphetamine were their own health (54.7%) and family motivation (53.56%). Specific actions were not contacting the user, refusing to use, taking the methadone and going home immediately (70.29%) or finding a job and focusing on work (50.14%). Patients self-assessed the motivation to stop using methamphetamine with an average importance level of 8.35 ± 1.84, readiness level of 8.34 ± 1.79, and confidence level of 8.17 ± 1.87. However, more research is needed on this intervention to contribute to more effective addiction treatment.