title: A mosque-based methadone maintenance treatment strategy: implementation and pilot results.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This paper describes the rationale, implementation and operation of a "world first" Islamic inspired methadone maintenance treatment project delivered in a mosque setting and presents the outcome for the first group of participants. The project explored the viability of expanding addiction recovery services through the network of mosques in Muslim communities.
  
  
  METHODS
  The project combined methadone maintenance with peer and religious counseling. Participants consisted of 36 male Muslim heroin users who went through the project. Urine tests and self-reported measures on various dimensions relevant to drug use and quality of life were collected at baseline and 12 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The project had a 12 month retention rate of 80%. At 12 months all but one participant tested negative for opioids and other substances. Self-report measures showed significant reductions in the degree and variety of drug use, improvements in general health, and psychological and social functioning of participants. Qualitative data showed that availability of methadone, convenient location and religion were the main reasons drawing participants to the program.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mosques are viable venues for offering medication assisted recovery services and offer an alternative approach for managing addiction in Muslim communities. The prospect of mobilizing community resources to offer community-oriented long-term recovery management programs in mosques and other places of worship deserves consideration.
authors.affiliation: UMCAS University Malaya, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Rusdi Abd
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Rashid
authors.affiliation: UMCAS University Malaya, Malaysia. Electronic address: drkamali@um.edu.my.
authors.forename: Khosrow
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kamali
authors.affiliation: UMCAS University Malaya, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Mohammad Hussain
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Habil
authors.affiliation: Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Mohamed Hatta
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Shaharom
authors.affiliation: UMCAS University Malaya, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Tahereh
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Seghatoleslam
authors.affiliation: Tehran Islamic Azad University, Iran.
authors.forename: Majid Yoosefi
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Looyeh
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003376:Counseling; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007514:Islam; D008296:Malaysia; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D058850:Opiate Substitution Treatment; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D008691:Methadone
keywords: Islamic intervention; MMT in mosque; Malaysia; Methadone maintenance