Sent on October 1, 2009

New Advisory: Emerging Issues in the Use of Methadone

Physicians have prescribed methadone, a synthetic, long-acting opioid, for more than 40 years in the treatment of opioid addiction. "Emerging Issues in the Use of Methadone," Substance Abuse Treatment Advisory, Volume 8, Issue 1, presents information on the increase in deaths related to methadone, particularly in combination with other drugs or substances. Written for physicians, this Advisory stresses that methadone is effective and safe in the treatment of opioid addiction and chronic pain when it is used appropriately. It includes information on:


	For more information, contact the SAMHSA Health Information Network or visit SAMHSA's Web site:


			1-877-SAMHSA-7 (English and Spanish/inglés y español)

			SAMHSA's Web Site

			SAMHSA Health Information Network

			eNetwork Archives

			Find Treatment


			The extent of fatalities associated with methadone use

			Risks associated with methadone use

			The need to identify potential dangers and take action to prevent harm to patients who use methadone for addiction treatment and for managing chronic pain.

Substance Abuse Treatment Advisory: Emerging Issues in the Use of Methadone Spring 2009

Download Now PDF (2.21 MB) | Order Free Copy (SMA09-4368)

To order by phone, contact the SAMHSA Health Information Network (SHIN) at 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727) (English and español). Ask for publication order number SMA09-4368. To facilitate placement of your order, please have the publication order number ready.


	Additional Methadone Resources		Other Recently Developed Periodicals

			Methadone Treatment for Pregnant Women (SMA09-4124)

			TIP 43: Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction in Opioid Treatment Programs (SMA08-4214)

			Follow Directions: How To Use Methadone Safely (SMA09-4409)

			SAMHSA’s Division of Pharmacologic Therapies

			Substance Abuse in Brief Fact Sheet–Pain Management Without Psychological Dependence: A Guide for Healthcare Providers, Volume 4, Issue 1 (MS993)

			OxyContin®: Prescription Drug Abuse–2008 Revision, Substance Abuse Treatment Advisory, Volume 7, Issue 1 (SMA08-4138)

			Prescription Medications: Misuse, Abuse, Dependence, and Addiction, Substance Abuse Treatment Advisory, Volume 5, Issue 2 (SMA06-4175)

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
1 Choke Cherry Road | Rockville, MD 20857 | 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727) | http://www.samhsa.gov

SAMHSA is a public health agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is responsible for improving the accountability, capacity, and effectiveness of the Nation's substance abuse prevention, addictions treatment, and mental health services delivery system.

Please do not reply to this email as this email address is for distribution purposes only.