MD SUDDENLY STOPN METHADONE BCUZ OF OPIATE USE DISORDER DX

[Julisag1]

I just moved to Oregon. Ive had chronic pancreatitis for about 30 years and have been a pain management patient for about 20 years. I live in Oregon.  Most recently, I have been on 60 mg of methadone daily for 10 years.  The pain management doctor in Oregon told me that it is illegal for any pain management doctor or any primary care physician to prescribe methadone to a patient with the diagnosis of "opiate use disorder" here in Oregon.   She is therefore cutting me off cold turkey and refuses to titrate me down.  This sounds incredibly wrong and inhumane.   is this actually true??  If so, what are myoptions? Methadone clinics will not take me because they say that I would have to be a street drug user in order to qualify for a methadone clinic. I am therefore stuck between a rock and a hard place. Desperately seeking answers.

[GuitarRox]

Wow!  That does absolutely sound wrong.  Honestly, not sure I'd want to live in Oregon! Of all states, I'd have thought they'd be more reasonable.  If they refuse to continue your methadone, not titrating you down really sounds like a terrible policy. And regardless of your actual circumstances, you have be denied an appointment to discuss at an opioid treatment center?  IF you were diagnosed with opioid use disorder, I'd think you qualify. You have had a known addiction is how you were diagnosed with this?  I mean, why wouldn't that qualify you for clinic help at an opioid treatment center? It does look like they really discourage using methadone for pain in the state of Oregon. But with a history that is full including the diagnosis you have, would think you could continue at a clinic.  I understand you may not want to.  For personal reasons. But that may be your only option. You are saying they won't take you though? https://www.verywellmind.com/should-i-come-off-methadone-22051  This gives some idea of tapering.  This is a helpful link as well. https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/long-methadone-withdrawal-3543797/  Would be nice if your previous prescribing physician gave you a prescription meant for tapering if you are being forced to. But then what?  You're trying to have a life and function and this has helped you, no?  I'm sorry this is happening.  

[backhurtz]

Is the diagnosis opiate use disorder? Or opiate misuse disorder?

[backhurtz]

Opioid misuse disorder is a non compliance diagnosis not a dependence disorder.
It appears that at some point you were switched off opiates and put on methadone for non compliance with previous meds.
The doctor is correct- legally they can not prescribe opiates or methadone to a known previous misuser.
Methadone should be able to be provided through a substance abuse ongoing treatment program - but what appears to be missing is the enrolling in an on going treatment program.
OP would need an evaluation and acceptance into a methadone treatment program and acceptance into it to qualify for a methadone program- however they do not provide methadone for ongoing chronic medical conditions.