Association Survey Identifies Greater Numbers in Methadone Treatment

According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), heroin use has been increasing over the past several years and the methadone maintenance treatment system has been criticized for not responding to the needs of opiate dependent individuals seeking treatment.

The 1997 Uniform Facility Data Set reported approximately 140,000 new heroin users. The number of young people using heroin is increasing as well. High-purity heroin is becoming more readily available and this may account for the increased number of teenagers beginning to use. “High-purity heroin can be snorted, smoked or otherwise inhaled, which makes the drug more appealing to those who might be reluctant to inject drugs.”

An independent study conducted by ONDCP “found that there were three times as many hard-core addicts in [one county] than the number estimated by the Household Survey. These results suggest that the actual number of chronic heroin users in the United States may be even larger than ONDCP’s estimate of 810,000”. As for the federal government’s estimate of opiate dependent people enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment, the figure has ranged from 117,000 (1993) to 125,000 (1999), most recently noted in the Notice for Proposed Rule Making [Docket No. 98N-0617].

The American Methadone Treatment Association had been receiving conflicting reports concerning the number of opiate dependent individuals enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment programs. The Association’s member states were reporting growth in new treatment programs and increasing numbers of patients seeking treatment, while the federal government continued to report that the treatment system remained static.

In addition, federal agencies continue to craft policy while using the figure (117,000 patients) published in the Institute of Medicine Report of 1995 as a guide. The Association decided it was time to find out what the treatment system consisted of and, in response to all the varying reports, we conducted a survey.

The survey requested census and related information from the State Methadone Authorities and the designated State Methadone Provider Contact representatives in the forty-two states, (in addition to the District of Columbia) that provide methadone treatment services.

The survey was distributed during the late summer months of 1998 and we received a 100% response rate, which included methadone maintenance treatment programs in the forty-two states and DC, both public and proprietary. The 100% response rate was due to thorough follow up and a cross checking pattern of having State Methadone Authorities review information from Provider Contact representatives, with the process being reversed, until all differences were reconciled. The entire process took six months from the time of the initial request until the final cross-check. The aggregate data were organized by December 1998, reviewed by the Association’s Board of Directors during March of 1999 and the survey was released in April 1999.

FINDINGS . . .

The survey revealed that there were 179,329 patients enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment programs at the end of 1998. This finding illustrates a significant increase from the previously reported finding of 117,000 patients in treatment in the United States. The Association’s survey also revealed that there are a total of 785 methadone maintenance programs throughout the country.

Currently, 947 methadone maintenance treatment programs are registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Our survey findings fall short of the DEA’s figure of registered programs and we conclude that this may be due to the fact that a disproportionate number of VA medical centers/methadone maintenance treatment programs were represented (in addition to the opening of new programs during 1999).

Even as the treatment system continues to change, we now have a much greater sense of the growth that occurred during the past several years.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS . . .

Of the 785 methadone maintenance treatment programs in the United States, 401 or 51% are non-profit programs.

The survey also revealed that 279 programs or 35% are licensed to dispense levo-alpha-acctyl- methadol (LAAM).

The survey indicates that eight states (Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont and West Virginia) do not offer access to methadone maintenance treatment services. Also, at the time of the survey, Wyoming was operating one methadone maintenance treatment program serving three patients. As of February, 1999 this program closed. Two patients were withdrawn from methadone and one patient was transferred to a neighboring state (all were given one-year notice of the program’s closing).

The American Methadone Treatment Association represents 643 treatment programs or 81% of the nation’s methadone treatment services as well as 151,329 patients or 84% of the methadone maintenance patient population in the United States.

This survey carries clear implications for new direction in national and state policy. Although the treatment system was able to absorb thousands of additional patients at its current capacity, it does not mean that the system should continue to function in this way. There is a great danger in overextending program staff while trying to ensure that patients receive good quality treatment. As the scope of the nation’s heroin addiction continues to change and expand, so too must the treatment system.

The new information provided by the Association’s survey will help guide us in the direction of increasing access to care, expanding medical maintenance programs and starting new programs where none exist.


The American Methadone Treatment Association would like to acknowledge the nation’s State Methadone Authorities and the State Methadone Provider Contact representatives. Their participation in this survey and extraordinary cooperation were greatly appreciated. This survey would not have been possible without their continued support.

Office of Applied Studies/SAMHSA, October 1997, pg 43.
ONDCP – Policy Paper, Opioid Agonist Treatment, March 1999, pg 1-2.
ONDCP – Policy Paper, Opioid Agonist Treatment, March 1999, pg 2.
Institute of Medicine Report, 1995, pg 154

Visit the aatod conference website for more details…www.aatodconference.com.

@aatod1984
  • 3/28 Expanding Access to #Methadone in Correctional Facilities will focus on opportunities to expand access to methadone in correctional facilities, including recent developments with the SAMHSA 2024 final rule on the use of methadone.

Register ➡️ bit.ly/3Vz1RPE
  • Invitation to SAMHSA Webinars on 42 CFR Part 8 💻 

On February 2, 2024, the final rule for 42 CFR Part 8 was published. The effective date for these regulations is April 2, 2024, with an implementation date of October 2, 2024. 

In preparation for implementation of the revisions, SAMHSA will provide two preliminary webinars for OTPs.  The first will focus on administrative areas; the second will focus more on clinical content. These will be held on March 20th (from 2-3pm EST) and March 27th, 2024 (from 2- 3pm EST).  

REGISTER ➡ https://conta.cc/3TF9CSQ

View the final rule ➡ https://lnkd.in/e_iu-AtG.

There will be an opportunity to receive an overview of the rule changes and discuss with SAMHSA the implications of the changes. 

We encourage you to attend these important meetings to assist you in determining how you will need to prepare for full implementation of these regulations. 

This webinar series will be moderated by Mark W. Parrino, MPA (AATOD President). Speakers include Yngvild Olsen, MD, MPH (Director - CSAT), Robert Baillieu, MD, MPH, FAAFP (Physician and Senior Advisor - SAMHSA/CSAT, and Patti Juliana, PhD, LCSW
(Director - CSAT’s Division of Pharmacologic Therapies).

The presentations will be followed by Q&A, and these webinars will become available to the public for On-Demand viewing via the AATOD website. Certificates of Attendance will be provided per request.
  • Don’t miss out on the chance to show your support, share your products/services and secure your sponsorship at the AATOD 2024 Conference, �The world’s premier training conference event for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. #aatod2024

The 2024 AATOD Conference will attract over 1,600 physicians, social workers, nurses, counselors, program administrators, executive directors, and other treatment providers from many countries. The registrants are decision-makers with purchasing power for their treatment centers and are looking for new products, services, and information to improve their patient treatment.

To become an exhibitor today —> https://bit.ly/48ZKMRX
  • TREATING OPIOID USE DISORDER: SO MUCH MORE THAN MEDICATION

💻 View the latest Conference Video Message from AATOD's President, Mark W. Parrino bit.ly/48y815w,
for the most up-to-date details regarding the upcoming #aatod2024 Conference -
The world's premier training conference event for the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. #OUD 

Registration ➡️ www.aatodconference.com
  • TREATING OPIOID USE DISORDER: SO MUCH MORE THAN MEDICATION #aatod2024

TODAY is the last day to take advantage of the discounted registration rate. #aatod2024 is the world’s premier training conference event for the treatment of #OUD.

For registration and hotel information ➡️ bit.ly/3Ue57Q6.

We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!
  • #aatod2024 Conference Update. Comprehensive Listing/Descriptions of Workshops, Posters, and Hot Topic Roundtable Conference Sessions are now available ➡️ http://bit.ly/3Ue57Q6.

The workshop committee is pleased to present a dynamic workshop lineup that includes extremely rich and diverse educational content for all disciplines. You will hear from experts who will share the latest research and developments relating to opioid use disorders and treatment. The workshop lineup will include state of the art information on diverse areas of focus such as patient care and best practices, building community partnerships and collaborations, public policy and regulatory changes, workforce development, quality assurance, and financial reimbursement. There will be workshops that focus on emerging treatment trends and developments such as the fentanyl epidemic, mobile opioid treatment programs, regulatory changes, expansion of treatment services in rural areas, integrating treatment with the corrections systems, and integrating harm reduction initiatives. For those newer to the field or those who want a refresher on the basics, we have once again included a “Foundations” track which will include selections on the fundamentals of medication assisted treatment.

The conference will continue to be the world’s premier training and education event for the treatment of opioid use disorders.  We hope to see you in Las Vegas!
  • Patient access to OTPs saves lives every day.

AATOD has been working with policymakers and regulatory authorities to increase access to opioid treatment programs (OTPs) though the expansion of mobile vans and Medication Assisted Treatment in correctional facilities in the United States. 

Please support AATOD's mission by making an online donation ➡️ https://bit.ly/3uDOeDC #givingtuesday
  • Lev Facher represented a fair reporting of the current #methadone policy debate that took place at last week’s #STATSummit. 

“Mark Parrino, AATOD’s founder and president, cautioned during the panel that achieving sweeping change might not be so easy. The health system, he argued, is unprepared and even unwilling to make methadone a part of primary care. Potential obstacles, he said, include doctors’ lack of enthusiasm about prescribing methadone; pharmacists’ unwillingness to stock and dispense it; and drug manufacturers’ reluctance to manufacture and distribute it more widely, especially following the lawsuits and criticism many have experienced in the wake of the opioid crisis and the prescription opioid oversupply that accelerated it.” #morethanmedicine #opioidusedisorder #OpposetheMOTAA 

Read More ➡️ bit.ly/3tKb1gy
  • Earn up to 6 LADC & LPC CEU’s at 9th Annual OKATOD Conference, which is convening this Thursday, Oct 12th in Oklahoma City. 

This year, the focus turns to the paramount theme of #harmreduction and its profound role in ushering transformative pathways to #recovery.

Registration is now officially open, and you can secure your tickets promptly ➡️ bit.ly/45l3mm1

For more information, please visit www.okatod.org or send an email to a_rios@oktreatment.com.
  • Join OKATOD, one of AATOD’s state chapters, in Oklahoma City on Oct 12 as they convene their ninth annual OKATOD Conference. This year’s theme is HARM REDUCTION: A TRANSFORMATIVE APPROACH. 

Speakers include Mark Parrino (AATOD President), Maia Szalavitz, Teresa Stephensen, Dr. Larry Lovelace, Angela Harnden, Shajine Blake, and Jason Hall. 

Register ➡️ bit.ly/461CkkG
3/28 Expanding Access to #Methadone in Correctional Facilities will focus on opportunities to expand access to methadone in correctional facilities, including recent developments with the SAMHSA 2024 final rule on the use of methadone.

Register ➡️ bit.ly/3Vz1RPE
3/28 Expanding Access to #Methadone in Correctional Facilities will focus on opportunities to expand access to methadone in correctional facilities, including recent developments with the SAMHSA 2024 final rule on the use of methadone. Register ➡️ bit.ly/3Vz1RPE
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/10
Invitation to SAMHSA Webinars on 42 CFR Part 8 💻 

On February 2, 2024, the final rule for 42 CFR Part 8 was published. The effective date for these regulations is April 2, 2024, with an implementation date of October 2, 2024. 

In preparation for implementation of the revisions, SAMHSA will provide two preliminary webinars for OTPs.  The first will focus on administrative areas; the second will focus more on clinical content. These will be held on March 20th (from 2-3pm EST) and March 27th, 2024 (from 2- 3pm EST).  

REGISTER ➡ https://conta.cc/3TF9CSQ

View the final rule ➡ https://lnkd.in/e_iu-AtG.

There will be an opportunity to receive an overview of the rule changes and discuss with SAMHSA the implications of the changes. 

We encourage you to attend these important meetings to assist you in determining how you will need to prepare for full implementation of these regulations. 

This webinar series will be moderated by Mark W. Parrino, MPA (AATOD President). Speakers include Yngvild Olsen, MD, MPH (Director - CSAT), Robert Baillieu, MD, MPH, FAAFP (Physician and Senior Advisor - SAMHSA/CSAT, and Patti Juliana, PhD, LCSW
(Director - CSAT’s Division of Pharmacologic Therapies).

The presentations will be followed by Q&A, and these webinars will become available to the public for On-Demand viewing via the AATOD website. Certificates of Attendance will be provided per request.
Invitation to SAMHSA Webinars on 42 CFR Part 8 💻 On February 2, 2024, the final rule for 42 CFR Part 8 was published. The effective date for these regulations is April 2, 2024, with an implementation date of October 2, 2024. In preparation for implementation of the revisions, SAMHSA will provide two preliminary webinars for OTPs.  The first will focus on administrative areas; the second will focus more on clinical content. These will be held on March 20th (from 2-3pm EST) and March 27th, 2024 (from 2- 3pm EST).  REGISTER ➡ https://conta.cc/3TF9CSQ View the final rule ➡ https://lnkd.in/e_iu-AtG. There will be an opportunity to receive an overview of the rule changes and discuss with SAMHSA the implications of the changes. We encourage you to attend these important meetings to assist you in determining how you will need to prepare for full implementation of these regulations. This webinar series will be moderated by Mark W. Parrino, MPA (AATOD President). Speakers include Yngvild Olsen, MD, MPH (Director - CSAT), Robert Baillieu, MD, MPH, FAAFP (Physician and Senior Advisor - SAMHSA/CSAT, and Patti Juliana, PhD, LCSW (Director - CSAT’s Division of Pharmacologic Therapies). The presentations will be followed by Q&A, and these webinars will become available to the public for On-Demand viewing via the AATOD website. Certificates of Attendance will be provided per request.
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
2/10
Don’t miss out on the chance to show your support, share your products/services and secure your sponsorship at the AATOD 2024 Conference, �The world’s premier training conference event for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. #aatod2024

The 2024 AATOD Conference will attract over 1,600 physicians, social workers, nurses, counselors, program administrators, executive directors, and other treatment providers from many countries. The registrants are decision-makers with purchasing power for their treatment centers and are looking for new products, services, and information to improve their patient treatment.

To become an exhibitor today —> https://bit.ly/48ZKMRX
Don’t miss out on the chance to show your support, share your products/services and secure your sponsorship at the AATOD 2024 Conference, �The world’s premier training conference event for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. #aatod2024 The 2024 AATOD Conference will attract over 1,600 physicians, social workers, nurses, counselors, program administrators, executive directors, and other treatment providers from many countries. The registrants are decision-makers with purchasing power for their treatment centers and are looking for new products, services, and information to improve their patient treatment. To become an exhibitor today —> https://bit.ly/48ZKMRX
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/10
TREATING OPIOID USE DISORDER: SO MUCH MORE THAN MEDICATION

💻 View the latest Conference Video Message from AATOD's President, Mark W. Parrino bit.ly/48y815w,
for the most up-to-date details regarding the upcoming #aatod2024 Conference -
The world's premier training conference event for the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. #OUD 

Registration ➡️ www.aatodconference.com
TREATING OPIOID USE DISORDER: SO MUCH MORE THAN MEDICATION 💻 View the latest Conference Video Message from AATOD's President, Mark W. Parrino bit.ly/48y815w, for the most up-to-date details regarding the upcoming #aatod2024 Conference - The world's premier training conference event for the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. #OUD Registration ➡️ www.aatodconference.com
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
4/10
TREATING OPIOID USE DISORDER: SO MUCH MORE THAN MEDICATION #aatod2024

TODAY is the last day to take advantage of the discounted registration rate. #aatod2024 is the world’s premier training conference event for the treatment of #OUD.

For registration and hotel information ➡️ bit.ly/3Ue57Q6.

We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!
TREATING OPIOID USE DISORDER: SO MUCH MORE THAN MEDICATION #aatod2024 TODAY is the last day to take advantage of the discounted registration rate. #aatod2024 is the world’s premier training conference event for the treatment of #OUD. For registration and hotel information ➡️ bit.ly/3Ue57Q6. We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/10
#aatod2024 Conference Update. Comprehensive Listing/Descriptions of Workshops, Posters, and Hot Topic Roundtable Conference Sessions are now available ➡️ http://bit.ly/3Ue57Q6.

The workshop committee is pleased to present a dynamic workshop lineup that includes extremely rich and diverse educational content for all disciplines. You will hear from experts who will share the latest research and developments relating to opioid use disorders and treatment. The workshop lineup will include state of the art information on diverse areas of focus such as patient care and best practices, building community partnerships and collaborations, public policy and regulatory changes, workforce development, quality assurance, and financial reimbursement. There will be workshops that focus on emerging treatment trends and developments such as the fentanyl epidemic, mobile opioid treatment programs, regulatory changes, expansion of treatment services in rural areas, integrating treatment with the corrections systems, and integrating harm reduction initiatives. For those newer to the field or those who want a refresher on the basics, we have once again included a “Foundations” track which will include selections on the fundamentals of medication assisted treatment.

The conference will continue to be the world’s premier training and education event for the treatment of opioid use disorders.  We hope to see you in Las Vegas!
#aatod2024 Conference Update. Comprehensive Listing/Descriptions of Workshops, Posters, and Hot Topic Roundtable Conference Sessions are now available ➡️ http://bit.ly/3Ue57Q6. The workshop committee is pleased to present a dynamic workshop lineup that includes extremely rich and diverse educational content for all disciplines. You will hear from experts who will share the latest research and developments relating to opioid use disorders and treatment. The workshop lineup will include state of the art information on diverse areas of focus such as patient care and best practices, building community partnerships and collaborations, public policy and regulatory changes, workforce development, quality assurance, and financial reimbursement. There will be workshops that focus on emerging treatment trends and developments such as the fentanyl epidemic, mobile opioid treatment programs, regulatory changes, expansion of treatment services in rural areas, integrating treatment with the corrections systems, and integrating harm reduction initiatives. For those newer to the field or those who want a refresher on the basics, we have once again included a “Foundations” track which will include selections on the fundamentals of medication assisted treatment. The conference will continue to be the world’s premier training and education event for the treatment of opioid use disorders. We hope to see you in Las Vegas!
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/10
Patient access to OTPs saves lives every day.

AATOD has been working with policymakers and regulatory authorities to increase access to opioid treatment programs (OTPs) though the expansion of mobile vans and Medication Assisted Treatment in correctional facilities in the United States. 

Please support AATOD's mission by making an online donation ➡️ https://bit.ly/3uDOeDC #givingtuesday
Patient access to OTPs saves lives every day. AATOD has been working with policymakers and regulatory authorities to increase access to opioid treatment programs (OTPs) though the expansion of mobile vans and Medication Assisted Treatment in correctional facilities in the United States. Please support AATOD's mission by making an online donation ➡️ https://bit.ly/3uDOeDC #givingtuesday
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
7/10
Lev Facher represented a fair reporting of the current #methadone policy debate that took place at last week’s #STATSummit. 

“Mark Parrino, AATOD’s founder and president, cautioned during the panel that achieving sweeping change might not be so easy. The health system, he argued, is unprepared and even unwilling to make methadone a part of primary care. Potential obstacles, he said, include doctors’ lack of enthusiasm about prescribing methadone; pharmacists’ unwillingness to stock and dispense it; and drug manufacturers’ reluctance to manufacture and distribute it more widely, especially following the lawsuits and criticism many have experienced in the wake of the opioid crisis and the prescription opioid oversupply that accelerated it.” #morethanmedicine #opioidusedisorder #OpposetheMOTAA 

Read More ➡️ bit.ly/3tKb1gy
Lev Facher represented a fair reporting of the current #methadone policy debate that took place at last week’s #STATSummit. “Mark Parrino, AATOD’s founder and president, cautioned during the panel that achieving sweeping change might not be so easy. The health system, he argued, is unprepared and even unwilling to make methadone a part of primary care. Potential obstacles, he said, include doctors’ lack of enthusiasm about prescribing methadone; pharmacists’ unwillingness to stock and dispense it; and drug manufacturers’ reluctance to manufacture and distribute it more widely, especially following the lawsuits and criticism many have experienced in the wake of the opioid crisis and the prescription opioid oversupply that accelerated it.” #morethanmedicine #opioidusedisorder #OpposetheMOTAA Read More ➡️ bit.ly/3tKb1gy
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/10
Earn up to 6 LADC & LPC CEU’s at 9th Annual OKATOD Conference, which is convening this Thursday, Oct 12th in Oklahoma City. 

This year, the focus turns to the paramount theme of #harmreduction and its profound role in ushering transformative pathways to #recovery.

Registration is now officially open, and you can secure your tickets promptly ➡️ bit.ly/45l3mm1

For more information, please visit www.okatod.org or send an email to a_rios@oktreatment.com.
Earn up to 6 LADC & LPC CEU’s at 9th Annual OKATOD Conference, which is convening this Thursday, Oct 12th in Oklahoma City. 

This year, the focus turns to the paramount theme of #harmreduction and its profound role in ushering transformative pathways to #recovery.

Registration is now officially open, and you can secure your tickets promptly ➡️ bit.ly/45l3mm1

For more information, please visit www.okatod.org or send an email to a_rios@oktreatment.com.
Earn up to 6 LADC & LPC CEU’s at 9th Annual OKATOD Conference, which is convening this Thursday, Oct 12th in Oklahoma City. This year, the focus turns to the paramount theme of #harmreduction and its profound role in ushering transformative pathways to #recovery. Registration is now officially open, and you can secure your tickets promptly ➡️ bit.ly/45l3mm1 For more information, please visit www.okatod.org or send an email to a_rios@oktreatment.com.
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/10
Join OKATOD, one of AATOD’s state chapters, in Oklahoma City on Oct 12 as they convene their ninth annual OKATOD Conference. This year’s theme is HARM REDUCTION: A TRANSFORMATIVE APPROACH. 

Speakers include Mark Parrino (AATOD President), Maia Szalavitz, Teresa Stephensen, Dr. Larry Lovelace, Angela Harnden, Shajine Blake, and Jason Hall. 

Register ➡️ bit.ly/461CkkG
Join OKATOD, one of AATOD’s state chapters, in Oklahoma City on Oct 12 as they convene their ninth annual OKATOD Conference. This year’s theme is HARM REDUCTION: A TRANSFORMATIVE APPROACH. Speakers include Mark Parrino (AATOD President), Maia Szalavitz, Teresa Stephensen, Dr. Larry Lovelace, Angela Harnden, Shajine Blake, and Jason Hall. Register ➡️ bit.ly/461CkkG
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
10/10

Invitation to SAMHSA Webinars on 42 CFR Part 8 💻
In preparation for implementation of the revisions, #SAMHSA will provide two preliminary #webinars for #OTPs - administrative areas & clinical content. Register ➡️ https://conta.cc/3TF9CSQ.

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