The establishment of a methadone treatment clinic for women in Tehran, Iran

In Iran women are less likely than men to use drugs, but suffer greater morbidity, are stigmatised, and are less likely to seek treatment. In 2007, we established a clinic in Tehran for drug using women. We report here on our study of the 97 women who registered in the first year of operation. We profiled these women: demographics, drug use, risk behaviour, and use of services. The clinic's services were heavily used. We interviewed clients and staff about the clinic and learned that intensive help is needed for women trying to recover from years of drug use. We conclude that female drug users will make use of harm reduction services if they are provided in a setting designed and operated for women.