USA. 3 Approaches for Pharmacies to Dispense Methadone to Treat OUD
USA. 3 Approaches for Pharmacies to Dispense Methadone to Treat OUD
Research shows business models could improve patient experience and retention—while generating profit
Methadone is a highly effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) and has been found to lower the death rate for OUD by nearly 60%, but federal rules create access barriers to the medication. And that contributes to a persistent treatment gap; only about 1 in 5 people with OUD receive any type of medication treatment.
In part, that’s because the federal government requires that—with rare exception—methadone for OUD be dispensed only at opioid treatment programs (OTPs), more widely known as methadone clinics. But the number and location of these clinics are not meeting the need. About 80% of U.S. counties and the entire state of Wyoming lack even one OTP. In many jurisdictions, clients have to travel long distances to receive their daily dose. (Pew Charitable Trusts, USA, 10.09.2025)