Increased Contact with Your Treatment Provider Increases Medication Compliance

Methadone is a controlled substance that is highly monitored by regulated clinics. An opioid dependent patient will initially be required to attend a Methadone clinic six days per week for their dosing. Many people find this overly restrictive. However, time intensive contact is often more effective than Suboxone (monthly prescription) or Vivitrol (a monthly shot) in which there is less accountability. One study of alcoholics who were prescribed Naltrexone to cut down or stop drinking found that compliance was poor. Compliance was increased with daily contact via text messages. Listen in to this opiate recovery support group as they discuss the need for high accountability.

Discussion Guide:

If you are enrolled in Medication Assisted Treatment, which medication are you prescribed? How frequently do you see a doctor, nurse or counselor?

Do you feel that this frequency is sufficient for your needs?

What are the benefits of frequent contact with your treating professional?

What are the negative consequences?

Supplemental Reading:

Oregon State University, Symptoms of Alcoholism Make Taking Medication to Treat the Disease More Difficult, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/02/180207090139.htm