Methadone’s Resurgence in Bridging the Treatment Gap in the Overdose Crisis: Position Statement of AMERSA, Inc (Association for Multidisciplinary Education, Research, Substance Use, and Addiction)

Commentary
by
Suen, Leslie W. et al

Release Date

2024

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

Despite its proven efficacy, accessing methadone in the United States remains challenging due to regulatory barriers. This article examines the complex landscape of methadone regulation in the USA across federal, state, and local levels, highlighting disparities and opportunities for reform.

Findings/Key points

Regulatory flexibility during COVID-19 improved methadone treatment experiences and retention, highlighting the potential benefits of permanent regulatory reforms. The Association for Multidisciplinary Education, Research, Substance Use, and Addiction (AMERSA) advocates for expanded methadone treatment, including into primary care and community pharmacies, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to enhance accessibility and combat the overdose crisis.

doi.org

Keywords

Barriers and enablers
Equity
Legal system/law enforcement
Policy/Regulatory
Substitution/OAT