Socio-demographic and clinical profile of mixed opioid and amphetamine type stimulant dependent subjects in Malaysia: A preliminary report

Abstract

Aims: In recent years, the increasing trend of amphetamine type stimulant (ATS) use among opioid dependent subjects was strikingly afflicted worldwide, including Malaysia. To study socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of mixed opioid and ATS dependent subjects undergoing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) program in order to provide supportive information and enhance the management of mixed drug abuse related to health and social effects. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out in Methadone Clinic in Kuala Terengganu among mixed opioid and ATS dependent patients (n=36) who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and all of them were interviewed. Results: The mean standard deviation (SD) age of patients was 40.98 years (SD: 4.64), and the most common age of initiation was 15-20 years (42%). Most of the educational background was up to high school level (44%). Morphine and methamphetamine were the most commonly abused substances. The majority of 83.1% used injections as their method of opioid ingestion, while 65.3% preferred chase to ingest ATS. About 30.6% of drug-dependent subjects in this study were on MMT for a 4-year duration and 63.5% of them were on methadone dosage between 45 and 70 mg/day. Most of them demonstrated no history of arrest and conviction for drug use (63.9%) or other criminal acts nonrelated to drug abuse (94.5%). Conclusions: This study provides update and supportive information of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of mixed opioid and ATS dependent subjects undergoing the MMT program that may contribute towards comprehensive management to overcome the significant surge of ATS use among opioid dependents.