biostudies-literatureUnknown22(1)Romero-Mendoza M<h4>Background</h4>Epidemiological data from Mexico have documented an increase in heroin use in the last decade. However, there is no comprehensive care strategy for heroin users, especially those who have been accused of a crime. The objective of this study was to describe the heroin and methadone use of intravenous heroin users of both sexes who have been in jail, to offer evidence for the formulation of health policy.<h4>Methods</h4>This study used an ethnographic approach, with open-ended interviews carried out from 2014 to the present. Heroin users of both sexes attending a private methadone clinic in Mexico City were invited to participate. The sample was non-probabilistic. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed, and narratives were analyzed using thematic analysis.<h4>ResulBMC public health606https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8962103biostudies-literatureStructural violence and the need for compassionate use of methadone in Mexico.PMC8962103Romero-Mendoza MFigueroa EPelaez-Ballestas IAlmanza-Avendano AMfalseStructural violence and the need for compassionate use of methadone in Mexico.<h4>Background</h4>Epidemiological data from Mexico have documented an increase in heroin use in the last decade. However, there is no comprehensive care strategy for heroin users, especially those who have been accused of a crime. The objective of this study was to describe the heroin and methadone use of intravenous heroin users of both sexes who have been in jail, to offer evidence for the formulation of health policy.<h4>Methods</h4>This study used an ethnographic approach, with open-ended interviews carried out from 2014 to the present. Heroin users of both sexes attending a private methadone clinic in Mexico City were invited to participate. The sample was non-probabilistic. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed, and narratives were analyzed using thematic analysis.<h4>Resul2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Mar2025-04-22T12:51:36.011Z2025-04-06T00:27:18.092ZS-EPMC89621033535106110.1186/s12889-022-12955-x