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Alcohol And Drug Abuse – Johns Hopkins Medicine Podcasts

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  • What’s the downside of easing treatment barriers for opioid use disorder? Elizabeth Tracey reports

What’s the downside of easing treatment barriers for opioid use disorder? Elizabeth Tracey reports

Monday 9th January 2023

Eric Strain examines the pros and cons of easing opioid treatment barriers during Covid-19 in this Johns Hopkins Medicine Podcast episode.
1 minute
Informative
Thought-provoking
Raw
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Educational

About this podcast

Alcohol And Drug Abuse – Johns Hopkins Medicine Podcasts
Author:
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Balancing Access and Safety: Rethinking Opioid Treatment During Covid-19

I do worry that if we have a system which puts more methadone into homes, there's the risk of methadone diversion and misuse.
Imagine needing a daily dose of methadone to manage opioid use disorder and suddenly being told you can take it at home. Sounds convenient, right? But is it safe? In this thought-provoking episode from Johns Hopkins Medicine Podcasts, expert Eric Strain dives into the complexities of easing treatment barriers during the Covid-19 pandemic. With temporary federal guidelines allowing more flexible access to methadone and buprenorphine, the question arises: Are we trading convenience for safety?
Strain explores the potential pitfalls of this approach, particularly the risk of methadone diversion and misuse when taken outside a clinical setting. While these changes were necessary to reduce clinic visits during the pandemic, there's a growing debate about making them permanent. Strain emphasizes the need for careful monitoring and consideration of both the benefits and risks involved. This episode is a must-listen for anyone affected by or interested in substance use disorders.
Whether you're navigating your own recovery journey, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about addiction treatment, you'll find valuable insights here. Strain's balanced perspective sheds light on the ongoing challenges and the need for thoughtful policy decisions in addiction care. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how Covid-19 has reshaped opioid treatment and what it means for the future of addiction care.