Prevent opioid overdose: increase methadone access.

Methadone is one of the most effective tools we have to fight the overdose crisis—yet access remains far too limited.  

Methadone is a medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) that works by reducing opioid cravings and easing withdrawal symptoms. It cuts overdose risk in half and helps patients achieve recovery.   

In 2024, SAMHSA updated its regulations to make methadone treatment more accessible, but significant barriers still remain, such as strict telehealth access, health insurance claim denials, and having to travel long distances to access a provider.  

These restrictions make methadone difficult to access, discourage people from treatment, and create barriers to recovery.  

Lawmakers must act now to remove these barriers and make methadone, and other MOUD, truly accessible.