Methadone Diversion and Overdose: What Does the Evidence Say? A Narrative Review

The authors aim to evaluate the evidence surrounding methadone diversion and overdose risks in the context of proposed policy reforms to increase access to methadone treatment for opioid use disorder in the U.S. Their narrative review of 29 studies across seven countries reveals significant variability in methadone diversion rates and suggests that the connection between specialty-care-only policies and reduced diversion or overdose risk is not well-supported. They conclude that policymakers should consider the potential benefits of expanded access to methadone treatment alongside the risks of diversion.