American Society of Addiction Medicine

This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM

American Society of Addiction Medicine

  • Special Episode: Why Patients Transition Off Methadone

Special Episode: Why Patients Transition Off Methadone

Friday 9th June 2023

Explore why patients discontinue methadone treatment for opioid use disorder with insights from Dr. Thakrar and Dr. Pytell on 'This Week in Addiction Medicine'.
24 minutes
Thought-provoking
Informative
Empowering
Supportive
Transformative

About this podcast

This Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAM
Author:
American Society of Addiction Medicine
Overview:
Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
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Why Patients Leave Methadone: Unpacking Their Stories and Concerns

Episode Overview

  • Methadone, the most effective yet suboptimally retained OUD medication
  • Internal and external reasons for discontinuing methadone treatment
  • Patient-centered approach vital for addiction medicine clinicians
  • Future research areas: bone and dental health effects, targeted interventions, and recovery outcomes
  • Understanding patients' goals and priorities crucial for effective treatment
It was such a privilege to get to sit with patients for these hour-long interviews. I think it's easy to forget just how thoughtful and sophisticated our patients' relationship with these medications really are.
Ever wondered why some patients decide to stop methadone treatment for opioid use disorder? In this episode of 'This Week in Addiction Medicine,' Dr. Ashish Thakrar and Dr. Jarrett Pytell dive into a fascinating study that explores this very question. The findings challenge our understanding of methadone's effectiveness and highlight the complexities of patient experiences. Through in-depth discussions, Dr. Thakrar and Dr. Pytell reveal a mix of internal and external reasons behind patients' decisions to discontinue methadone.
From viewing methadone as a temporary solution to concerns about its long-term effects on the body, the episode uncovers diverse patient perspectives that call for a more tailored approach in addiction treatment. The conversation also touches on the critical need for patient-centred care, recognising the unique concerns and goals of each individual. By embracing these insights, practitioners can foster better patient-clinician relationships and improve treatment outcomes.
Additionally, the episode points to future research areas, such as the impact of methadone on bone and dental health, and suggests strategies for enhancing retention rates. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the nuanced challenges and opportunities in methadone treatment.