Illustrative photo - Source: Tuoitre.vn

(CPV) - The drug addiction treatment program using Methadone in Ho Chi Minh City will be expanded in the period of 2012-2015.

This is one content of the sustainable development plan of the drug addiction treatment program using Methadone in the period of 2012-2015 of the Ho Chi Minh City government.

According to this plan, in 2012 HCM City will maintain operation of the five current Methadone treatment clinics in districts 4, 6, 8, Binh Thanh and Thu Duc. More clinics of this kind will be opened in Go Vap and Tan Binh districts in the future, while two Methadone distribution points will be set up in district 12 and the drug addiction treatment consultancy centre; implementing and evaluating the effectiveness of socialization models and providing treatment services using Methadone for 2,000-2,500 drug users.

In 2013-2015, eight to ten Methadone distribution points will be opened across Ho Chi Minh City and treatment services with Methadone will be provided to 3,500-4,000 drug users.

As of the end of February 2012, there are 1,214 people being treated with Methadone.

One clear measure of the effectiveness of Methadone treatment is drug users’ good health and spirits; cases of sharing syringes and needles dropped from 24% to 0%; condom use increased from 21% to 41%; and the economic burden for drug user’s families fell./.