Racial Inequity in Methadone Dose at Delivery in Pregnant Women with Opioid Use Disorder

Medications for opioid use disorder, including methadone, combined with comprehensive wraparound services, are the gold standard for treatment in pregnancy. Higher methadone doses are associated with treatment retention in pregnancy and relapse prevention. Given known inequities where individuals of color tend to be prescribed lower doses of opioids for other conditions, the purpose of this study was to determine whether there is racial inequity in methadone dose at delivery in pregnant women with opioid use disorder.

Source: Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment - April 28, 2021 Category: Addiction Authors: Emily W. Rosenthal, Vanessa L. Short, Yuri Cruz, Cecily Barber, Jason K. Baxter, Diane J. Abatemarco, Amanda R. Roman, Dennis J. Hand Source Type: research