Table 4 Reasons for quitting methadone maintenance treatment, based on individual interviews**
Reasons | Dropped out N = 28 n (%) | Missed > 5 doses N = 53 N (%) | All N = 81 N (%) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
I am not dependent on heroin anymore | 12 | (42.9) | 7 | (13.2) | 19 | (23.5) |
Intentionally want to quit dependence on methadone | 0 | Â | 4 | (7.5) | 4 | (4.9) |
Cannot tolerate side effects of methadone | 1 | (3.6) | 1 | (1.9) | 2 | (2.5) |
Demotivated, methadone treatment is too long | 1 | (3.6) | 1 | (1.9) | 2 | (2.5) |
Time required for MMT conflicts with work | 4 | (14.3) | 12 | (22.6) | 17 | (21.0) |
Cannot afford methadone fee | 6 | (21.4) | 6 | (11.3) | 12 | (14.8) |
Have a health problem and cannot get to clinic | 1 | (3.6) | 12 | (22.6) | 13 | (16.0) |
Gave birth/unavailable for methadone | 0 | Â | 1 | (1.9) | 1 | (1.2) |
Family conflict | 1 | (3.6) | 3 | (5.7) | 4 | (4.9) |
Moved away | 1 | (3.6) | 0 | Â | 1 | (1.2) |
Extended travel away from city | 0 | Â | 3 | Â | 3 | Â |
Arrested | 0 | Â | 3 | Â | 3 | Â |
No reason given | 1 | (3.6) | 0 | Â | 1 | (1.2) |