REASONS FOR DROP OUT OF HEROIN ADDICTS IN METHADONE MAINTENANCE TREATMENT IN LANZHOU

Objective:To explore the reasons for drop out of heroin addicts in methadone maintenance treatment(MMT) in Lanzhou.Methods: A follow-up was conducted among 1024 cases who dropped out from MMT in the Clinic of Qilihe District Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Lanzhou from January,2007 to December,2009.Results: During the period,1024 cases dropped out,accounting for 60.8% among the 1684 heroin addicts receiving MMT.The reasons for dropout could be summarized as follows:(1)being arrested for relapse heroin again,286 cases,accounting for 27.93%;(2) being arrested for criminal offense,70 cases,accounting for 6.84%;(3) can not afford for MMT,27 cases,accounting for 2.64%;(4) died during MMT,8 cases,accounting for 0.78%;(5) self-report of being drug free,86 cases,accounting for 8.40%;(6)having other diseases,side effects of MMT or being pregnant,178 cases,accounting for 17.38%;(7) Family tragedies(divorce and so on),105 cases,accounting for 10.25%;(8)living or work at the other place,or other unkown reasons,264 cases,accounting for 25.78%.Conclusion: Reasons for drop out are various.Appropriate measures are needed for the MMT patients to prevent the dropout and improve the retention rate.