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Methadone has proven to be one of the most effective treatments for opioid use disorder, but despite record numbers of overdose deaths, access to the medication remains limited due to outdated federal requirements that are rooted in stigma and unnecessarily restrict access to this lifesaving medication.
Rather than visiting a doctor and pharmacy to be prescribed the medication, as is done for other medications (including methadone when prescribed for pain), patients with opioid use disorder must make daily trips to specific clinics — known as opioid treatment programs (OTPs) — to receive methadone. This can make it difficult for patients to maintain employment or education, and transportation, child care, and other responsibilities can pose barriers to access. Further, these requirements add to the stigma surrounding addiction and its treatment, which may discourage those in need from seeking care.
Lynda McDonald’s son, for example, wanted to seek treatment after becoming a father. However, the requirement to go to the clinic every day during limited hours was difficult with his work schedule. When he was unable to attend meetings, he was denied medication, and he was not allowed to take home any doses. Despite his desire for treatment, he eventually stopped going to the clinic after more than a year, deciding that receiving the medication was more of a burden than a help.
Seeking treatment should not be a burden.
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