The adulteration of the illicit drug supply with illicit fentanyl has created an unprecedented and catastrophic moment in U.S. history. The CDC has predicted over 108,000 drug overdose deaths in 2021, and fentanyl is a major driver. Now is a more dangerous time than ever to be an individual with opioid use disorder (OUD).
People with OUD receiving methadone are far less likely to die than those who remain untreated. For many, methadone is essential to a successful recovery. Unfortunately, U.S. policy largely restricts its availability for OUD to heavily regulated opioid treatment programs, a structure that limits access to this lifesaving treatment.
It’s time to increase options for patients, reduce stigma, and better integrate lifesaving methadone for OUD with other medical care by responsibly expanding access to prescribed methadone for OUD that may be dispensed from pharmacies.
This National Recovery Month (September 2022), please send a letter to your Senators asking them to support such measures! Click the link below to contact your Senator.