Treatment retention, return to use, and recovery support following COVID-19 relaxation of methadone take-home dosing in two rural opioid treatment programs: A mixed methods analysis

Original research
by
Hoffman, Kim A. et al

Release Date

2022

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

We assessed the effects of COVID-19-related changes on take-home methadone dosing in two opioid treatment programs serving five rural Oregon counties.

Findings/Key points

Take-home methadone dose relaxations were associated with increased methadone take-home doses, improved retention, and decreased UDT opioid positive results among clinically stable patients. Qualitative findings suggest that fewer take-home restrictions are feasible and desirable and do not pose safety or public health harms.

Design/methods

Mixed methods

doi.org

Keywords

Policy/Regulatory
About PWUD
Outcomes
Illegal drugs
Substitution/OAT
Carries/take-home doses