Published Paper Details:

Abstract Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), is an integral part of treatment for Opioid Dependency Syndrome. In the Indian state of Sikkim, OST started in 2012 under The National Aids Control Program (NACP III- 2006) to reduce the prevalence of ODS currently the program initiated gives an account of psychosocial and pharmacological intervention. The current study is an attempt to explore the association of duration of therapy (OST) with psychological distress, level of distress, and extension of symptoms of distress in individuals under opioid substitution therapy. Data was collected using purposive sampling. The sample comprised 60 individuals enrolled in the OST program at Sikkim STNM Hospital between the ages of 18 to 50 years (M=30.26, SD=5.300) and having primary education of 5th standard. The sample was divided into three groups according to the duration of participation in the OST Program, such as <12 months, between 13 to 36 months, and 37 to 96 months. The SCL-90 (R) by Leonard R. Derogatis, was used to assess the psychological distress of the sample. Statistical analysis of the research data showed significant differences in psychological distress, the level of psychological distress, and the extension of the symptoms in all three groups.