Medication Assisted Recovery Support (MARS): An effective model to facilitate the recovery process for Methadone patients in Hoa Binh and Thai Nguyen provinces

This qualitative study aims to assess the Medication Assisted Recovery Support (MARS) program on the recovery process for Methadone patients in Hoa Binh and Thai Nguyen provinces to provide a clear insight on its effectiveness, impact and sustainability. Two focus group discussions were conducted with 40 people including patients of the two Methadone treatment clinics and peer-led club members and 18 semi-structure interviews were carried out with health staff, peer leaders and patient family members, in Hoa Binh and Thai Nguyen in July-August 2017. The discussions and interviews were taped, transcribed and analyzed. The patients found that peer support clubs are very effective. They perceived more respects from families and neighbors. Family trust and support are important for the patients’ treatment adherence. Home income generation and job are the most concerns. The MARS has improved the patients’ knowledge about drug addiction and the importance of the Methadone treatment. It helps to change the patients’ behavior and practices on treatment adherence. It is necessary to support drug users to find jobs and implement social policies to provide loans for them to be financially stable and improve effectiveness of the Methadone treatment.