Alcohol use problem among patients in methadone maintenance treatment in Taiwan

Abstract

Aims: To examine the prevalence rate and predictors of alcohol use problems among patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT).

Design: This was a prospective follow-up study.

Participants: Study population included 438 patients who underwent more than 6 months of MMT.

Measurements: Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected for each patient prior to treatment, and treatment-related variables were collected during treatment process. Hazardous drinking, alcohol abuse, and dependence were measured using a Chinese version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and by measuring breath alcohol concentration.

Findings: The prevalence rates of alcohol use problems, indicated by hazardous drinking are 31.4%. The protective predictors of alcohol use problems among MMT patients include an attendance rate of more than 90% (odds ratio [OR] = 0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.30-0.97) and being older than 36 years (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.27-0.86), and alcohol drinking problem at intake of study is a risk factor (OR = 5.30, 95% CI = 2.87-9.76).

Conclusions: High attendance rate, which is regarded as a component of clinical policy and a key component of therapeutic context, should be incorporated with brief interventions to lower alcohol use problems among MMT patients.