A chance to do it better: Methadone maintenance treatment in the age of Covid-19

J Subst Abuse Treat. 2021 Apr:123:108246. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2020.108246. Epub 2020 Dec 13.

Abstract

Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) in the United States, and particularly the clinic system of distribution, is often criticized as punitive, over-regulated, and misaligned to the needs of many patients. However, changes to the regulations that COVID-19 caused may have provided an opportunity for improving service. This commentary uses literature and my own experience to provide a brief description of how MMT programs responded to the threat of Covid-19 and how such responses fit into the larger context of attempts to reform treatment. It discusses, in particular, opportunities for liberalizing "take-home" doses and implementing office-based MMT.

Keywords: Covid-19; Harm reduction; Medication assisted treatment (MAT); Methadone clinics; Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT); Take-home doses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Methadone*
  • Opiate Substitution Treatment*
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Quality Improvement
  • SARS-CoV-2*

Substances

  • Methadone