Improving methadone access for opioid use disorder treatment
Official title: Leveraging regulatory flexibility for methadone take-home dosing to improve retention in treatment for opioid use disorder: A stepped-wedge randomized trial to facilitate clinic level changes
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10913634 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how new rules during the COVID-19 pandemic can make it easier for people with opioid use disorder to get take-home methadone, so they don’t have to visit clinics as often, which could help them stick with their treatment and feel better overall, especially for those in Black/African American and Latinx communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,114,378 |
| NIH project number | 5R33DA057683-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913634 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who are currently receiving or seeking treatment at opioid treatment programs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or those who are not engaged in treatment programs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic can enhance access to take-home methadone for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). By allowing patients to take methadone home instead of requiring frequent clinic visits, the study aims to improve retention in treatment and overall quality of life. The approach involves a stepped-wedge randomized trial, where clinics will gradually implement these changes and assess their impact on patient outcomes. The research particularly focuses on addressing disparities faced by Black/African American and Latinx communities in accessing effective treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved retention in treatment for opioid use disorder, ultimately saving lives and enhancing the quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown that more flexible take-home dosing can improve treatment retention and outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neighbors, Charles J — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Neighbors, Charles J
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.