This paper reports our experience with pregnant women on methadone maintenance from the late 80s to the present, including a shift from a "low dosage (30-40 mg methadone daily) theory" to “symptom-based dosing” of methadone in the early 90’s. We compared data before and after switching to a system of symptom-based dosing, and found increases in initial engagement (days from first methadone dose to delivery date) and in retention after delivery. We used this information to develop a "pregnancy track" in our methadone maintenance clinic, and to focus on treatment engagement both before and after delivery. We will present a model of treatment for pregnant opioid users which coordinates methadone maintenance treatment with high-risk obstetrics team care. We will report on outcome for our pregnant opioid maintenance clients, and describe strategies for getting pregnant opioid-dependent women into methadone maintenance treatment, and retaining them in treatment throughout the pregnancy. We will describe our focus on engaging them in further chemical dependency treatment and promoting appropriate parenting skills once delivery occurs.
Learning Objectives: Describe the process of engaging and retaining pregnant opioid-dependent women in methadone maintenance treatment
Keywords: Pregnancy, Methadone Maintenance
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of Rochester
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am employed by the organization (University of Rochester) whose service (Strong Recovery Methadone Maintenance program) I will describe in this report.