USA. Study: Lack of Nearby OTPs Puts Methadone Patients at Risk of Early Death
USA. Study: Lack of Nearby OTPs Puts Methadone Patients at Risk of Early Death
Under federal law, newly enrolled methadone patients must attend a methadone program six days a week, so caregivers can watch as patients are dosed.
But here’s the problem: Because many new methadone patients don’t have an opioid treatment program (OTP) nearby, this need for daily attendance markedly affects adherence. In fact, 20% to 50% of patients report poor or partial adherence during the most critical time of treatment—the first month, when patients face the highest risk of death.
That’s the subject of a study published this month in Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. (at-forum, USA, 03.10.2018)
http://atforum.com/2018/10/study-lack-of-nearby-otps-puts-methadone-patients-at-risk-of-early-death/