North Carolina Pharmacists Ambivalent but Willing on Methadone Dispensing

This survey quantifies where community pharmacists stand on future pharmacy-based methadone services for opioid use disorder, identifying attitudinal and logistical barriers pharmacy leaders must address before implementation.

methadoneopioid use disordercommunity pharmacymedication for opioid use disorderbuprenorphinecross-sectional surveyimplementation scienceharm reductionMOTAApharmacist attitudes Pain / Palliative Care

Background Information

Pharmacists willing but cautious with methadone services for OUD.

Community pharmacists could play a critical role in expanding access to methadone for opioid use disorder (OUD), but their willingness and perceptions need understanding to implement changes. Pharmacists had slightly negative to neutral perceptions about dispensing and observing methadone, but most were willing to dispense take-home doses weekly (71.7%) and fewer to observe doses daily (48.6%). The study identifies barriers such as time, staffing, and stigma that need addressing to enhance pharmacy-based methadone services, recommending tools and stigma reduction training. Despite challenges, community pharmacists show willingness to expand methadone services with proper support.

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Authors: Carpenter DM, Shubel C, Marley GT, Thorpe CT, Ostrach B

Citation: Carpenter DM, Shubel C, Marley GT, et al. Community Pharmacist Perspectives on Observing and Dispensing Methadone for Opioid Use Disorder: Cross-sectional Survey Study. Journal of addiction medicine. 2026. doi:10.1097/ADM.0000000000001742

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI

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Executive Summary

Study Design

Patient Population

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes & Safety Profile

Pharmacist Implications

Clinical Pearls

Limitations

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Cost & Logistics

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