Older Adults in Methadone Maintenance Treatment: A Literature Review

Abstract

Now that methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) has entered into its 5th decade, programs that facilitate MMT are treating patients who are older than ever before, presenting for the first time in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. This article reviews the literature in search of studies conducted with adults 50 and older who have been prescribed methadone. It will also identify gaps in the research and make recommendations for future studies, particularly using qualitative methods that explore the experiences of MMT so that it can assist methadone counselors and policymakers in meeting the needs of this population.

Keywords:

• literature review
• methadone maintenance treatment
• older adults
• qualitative research