Release Date
Geography
Language of Resource
Full Text Available
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
Peer Reviewed
Objective
This article discusses the policies of methadone take-home doses (MTHD) in the USA. Specifically, the change in previously restrictive MTHD practices, to a policy shift driven by COVID-19 to reduce virus transmission that allowed for virtual appointments and increased methadone take home flexibilities.
Findings/Key points
The benefits of this policy change has had significant positive impacts on PWUD, exceptionally so on PWUD who live in rural or remote areas. Among the reasons discussed, PWUD appreciated the increased sense of responsibility, normalcy, increased MT engagement, retention and dignity they were given to take care of their own doses. Despite the extensive number of research studies describing the effectiveness of this policy, the positive impact it has had on improving the quality of life among PWUD and little to no negative effects on PWUD as demonstrated by the low percentage of diversion and decrease in methadone-involved overdose deaths, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has not yet decided whether or not it will make this policy change permanent.
Design/methods
The author discusses the results of research articles that evaluated the benefits that the methadone take-home policy change has had on the lives of people who used drugs (PWUD) in terms of their methadone therapy (MT).
