Why is The DEA Relaxing Methadone Prescription Restrictions?
In December 2007 the DEA announced it was relaxing the restrictions previously placed on physician prescriptions of schedule II narcotics. In the wake of the change, prescriptions for Methadone, Oxycontin, Morphine and other such drugs can now provide patients with as much as a 90-day supply of medication. Previously, prescriptions for these medications were limited to 30-day supplies; a restriction which was reportedly put in place to curtail the potential for abuse of schedule II drugs. Given the dangers associated with these medications, as findings from organizations such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse that non-medical use/abuse of prescription drugs is a serious and growing health issue in this country, this action by the DEA seems ill-advised.
Methadone, which is among the schedule II narcotics affected by the rule change, has been linked to a steadily increasing number of deaths in recent years. According to statistics cataloged in reports issued by various agencies and governmental organizations, including the Justice Dept. and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), there has been an alarming rise in Methadone-related deaths (approximately 390% between 1999 and 2004 alone) which correlate to a widening in the scope of the drug’s use. According to the DEA, the number of practitioners authorized to distribute methadone has increased more than 700% since 2001. The increase in its use as an alternative treatment for chronic pain has closely paralleled each of these statistics.
The DEA’s decision, reportedly made in response to pressure from various lobbying groups, has been denounced by activist groups such as HARMD (Helping America Reduce Methadone Deaths). The group had reportedly assembled a petition condemning the decision.
