USA. “Consider Tapering”—SAMHSA Turns Against Long-Term Methadone Use
USA. “Consider Tapering”—SAMHSA Turns Against Long-Term Methadone Use
Beware a “Dear Colleague” letter from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that offers “updated guidance” on medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). It could lead to more overdose deaths of people who take methadone or buprenorphine.
The April 24 letter, written by SAMHSA Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Christopher Carroll, explains the new approach. “SAMHSA remains committed to expanding access to comprehensive, evidence-based treatment,” it states, “including the use of medications … But we are equally committed to ensuring that medications are part of the pathway to long-term recovery and sobriety, self-sufficiency, and thriving, not as a default sentence to life-long medication use.” (Filter, USA, 20.05.2026)