Benefit analysis on functioning situation of methadone maintenance treatment in Taizhou city

Objective The study was conducted to find out the functioning situation of methadone maintenance treatment in Taizhou city, and its evaluation of social benefits. Methods　Spot investigation was conducted at methadone clinics; 50 questionares done by the patients were collected; and there were interviews with the medical staff, people around the spots and the patients. Results　Two clinics of methadone maintenance treatment were in a negative earnings; while there were significant social benefits: the direct cost-effective was 1:29.45, 249 patients were drug-free; Among 50 patients surveyed, 40 believed that the methadone maintenance treatment reduced their burden, and 20 found job or return to work. Conclusion　The effectiveness of methadone maintenance treatment was significant; it is suggested that the Government should attach importance to this work, government departments should cooperate with non-governmental organizations, and the mainstream media should do proper publicity for methadone maintenance treatment and the elimination of discrimination in order to get more drug addicts in methadone maintenance treatment.