Permanent Methadone Treatment Reform Needed to Combat the Opioid Crisis and Structural Racism
Alyssa F. Peterkin, Corey S. Davis, Zoe Weinstein
Abstract
Since early 2020 COVID-19 has swept across the United States, exposing shortcomings in the current healthcare delivery system. Although some interim efforts have been made to mitigate the spread of infection and maintain access to treatment for opioid use disorder, more permanent changes are needed to combat the ongoing opioid crisis. In this commentary, we describe the regulatory barriers to methadone maintenance treatment that disproportionately impact communities of color. We then discuss strategies supporting more equitable access to this proven treatment for opioid use disorder.
Topics & Concepts
InterimMethadoneOpioid use disorderMedicineOpiate Substitution TreatmentCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)OpioidPsychiatryIntensive care medicineBuprenorphinePolitical scienceInfectious disease (medical specialty)DiseaseReceptorPathologyInternal medicineLawOpioid Use Disorder TreatmentPain Management and Opioid UseSubstance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes