Relationship Between Methadone Induction Dosing and Retention in Treatment in Opioid Treatment Programs.

Objectives: Methadone medication for opioid use disorder is effective in reducing opioid use and associated risks, but early dropout from treatment remains a challenge. Current guidelines recommend conservative methadone dose titration, yet slower dose escalation may lead to continued withdrawal symptoms, opioid use, or premature treatment discontinuation. This study investigates the relationship between the first week of methadone dosing and 30-day treatment retention.

Comparison of Regular Versus After Hours Admissions to a 24-hour Opioid Treatment Program.

Objectives: October of 2017 marked the opening of the first US Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) that was staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with admissions on demand, both during normal OTP working hours and outside the hours when most OTPs are able to accept new patients. This article compares demographic and treatment outcomes for those patients admitted during normal working hours with those admitted after hours or on weekends.

Methods: All admissions to the 24-hour OTP between January 2018 and December 2020 who were new to treatment at this OTP and started on methadone were included.