An investigation on life condition and drug abuse among female heroin addicts in methadone clinics

Objective To explore related factors of female drug users underwent methadone maintenance treatment.Methods An investigation was conducted among 141 heroin addicts who received methadone maintenance treatment in Qilihe district of Lanzhou city.The education level,occupation,marital status,place of residence,source of income,drug abuse,and family function of the participants were analyzed.Results Female heroin addicts were mostly unemployed,with low-education,and lack of family and social supports.Their psychological and physiological problems were serious during the period of drug abuse and methadone maintenance treatment.Conclusion Target measures such as education,family support,behavioral intervention and multi-department collaboration should be adopted to ensure the continuity of methadone maintenance therapy and recover the family,social and occupational function of the female heroin addicts.