Methadone is the most well known treatment for addictions to opioid drugs like heroin and prescription painkiller. While other treatments exist, methadone is the oldest and most well studied — but it’s also the most tightly regulated.
Patients seeking methadone treatment in some parts of the state need to drive hours every day to the closest federally approved clinic.
But now, state officials are starting to push for easier access. Gov. Scott Walker has temporarily allowed other types of medical centers to provide methadone treatment. Previously, clinics that offered other kinds of care couldn’t offer the treatment.
Andrew Whitacre with Pew Charitable Trusts is recommending the state make that change permanent. Whitacre advises the state’s opioid crisis task force. WORT producer Nina Kravinsky caught up with Whitacre about access to methadone.
