The purpose of this study is to explore barriers and determine whether optimizing protocol is effective in the treatment of heroin dependence in community-based MMT clinics.

Drug dependence is one of the most serious public health problems worldwide. In China, among more than 100, 0000 registered drug addicts mostly are heroin dependence. Drug dependence post great risks to physical condition, their family and society, and can lead to infectious disease transmission. Though almost 500 MMT clinics which can offer MMT service to heroin addicts have been set up, there are still some problems, for example, poor compliance, high rate of dropping out and relapse which affect the service delivery to them. The guideline developed by WHO focused on psychotherapy to opiate addicts with MMT. So delivery of a set of comprehensive, integrated psychotherapy to opiate addicts is very critical in such methadone clinics.

Inclusion Criteria:

• clinical diagnosis of heroin dependence
• must be able to take methadone

Exclusion Criteria:

• schizophrenia and mood disorder
• physical disabilities who could not come to take part in psychotherapy sessions.