It shouldn't be a burden for someone to access the tools they need to live a healthy life.
NEWSLETTER
Be Part of the Solution
Individuals and communities often face barriers and stigma when trying to access treatment or resources relating to substance use. We can help.
Modernizing treatment access: A call for change
A personal experience: WhenLynda McDonald’sson committed to seeking treatment for opioid use disorder, methadone clinic rules made it nearly impossible for him to go to work or see his son. Daily appointments were required, but the clinic offered limited hours. When requirements weren't met, harsh penalties were imposed, like with-holding medication. These restrictions led him to stop the medication, as it became more of a burden than a help.
The problem: Despite decades of research demonstrating its effectiveness in treating opioid use disorder, methadone remains stigmatized and inaccessible.
Federal law limits its availability to specific clinics rather than allowing it to be provided at a doctor’s office or pharmacy like other FDA-approved medications.
These clinics are not widely accessible, and requirements, such as daily attendance to receive the medication, create barriers for patients and contribute to stigma against the medication.
How you can help:Send a letterto your members of Congress encouraging them to cosponsor the Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act,which would:
Allow addiction medicine and addiction psychiatry physicians to prescribe methadone.
Allow pharmacies to dispense methadone.
Improve the overall ability for patients with opioid addiction to access life-saving treatment.
Personal stories, like Lynda's, are powerful tools that can inspire others to take action. If you'd like to share your story with us, you can do sohere.
Our "Experts Answer" series is back – in Spanish!
This first video in our new series offers expert tips to help parents understand why their child may be using substances and what they can do to help.
Watch or share this free resource with the Spanish speakers in your life or your social community using the links below.
