What is Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT)?

On 26 June, observed as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister inaugurated six dedicated Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) clinics in government hospitals.

• Although methadone has been used in Punjab for several years, these are the state’s first dedicated MMT clinics, marking a significant step in strengthening treatment for opioid addiction.
• Punjab continues to face a serious challenge of opioid and substance abuse, making the expansion of evidence-based treatment facilities particularly important.

What is Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT)?

• Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT), also known as Methadone Treatment Therapy (MTT), is a medically supervised treatment for people dependent on opioid drugs, such as heroin, “Chitta” (an adulterated form of heroin), opium, prescription opioid painkillers.
• The therapy uses methadone, a long-acting opioid agonist, to reduce drug cravings, prevent withdrawal symptoms, and stabilise patients without producing the intense euphoric effect associated with illicit opioids.
• MMT is combined with counselling, psychosocial support and regular medical monitoring to support long-term recovery and rehabilitation.

Key Features

• Methadone is administered under strict medical supervision to ensure safe and effective treatment.
• The therapy is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an evidence-based intervention for opioid dependence.
• In India, MMT is implemented according to the guidelines of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO).
• Besides treating addiction, MMT also helps reduce:
  • Risk of HIV and Hepatitis transmission associated with injecting drug use.
  • Drug-related crime and overdose deaths.
  • Social and health consequences of opioid dependence.

MMT in India

• Methadone Maintenance Therapy was introduced in India in 2012 through pilot projects supported by:
  • Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
  • National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO)
  • United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
• Punjab became the first state in India to introduce MMT in 2012, and the launch of dedicated MMT clinics further strengthens the state’s efforts to combat opioid addiction through scientific and evidence-based treatment.

Source: IE

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