Prevalence of illicit methadone use as shown in new patients entering a methadone maintenance treatment program

Background: While there are significant harms and dangers associated with illicit methadone use, the exact scope of the problem is largely unknown. However, we do know that annual deaths from methadone are rising and the literature indicates that a significant number of these deaths are directly related to illicit methadone use. Given this, methadone diversion should be a primary concern for all methadone providers and treatment programs. …