Experiences of Women Prescribed Methadone

There is a need for women-focused opioid use disorder (OUD) interventions. While methadone is a first-line treatment for OUD, there can be challenges with access and painful side effects.

This study's aims were to 1.) learn about the experiences of women taking methadone, 2.) explore women's familiarity with mindfulness (a promising framework to cope with the stressors associated with OUD and taking methadone) and 3.) develop a support group curriculum.

Four focus groups took place (N = 19). The qualitative analysis elucidated the complexities of taking methadone. Women appreciated how taking methadone helped them maintain a "normal" life. Women also experienced side effects and pervasive stigma. Based on the expressed stressors of taking methadone and the coping strategies that women shared, we designed a strengths-based mindfulness-informed support group for women.

Women taking methadone experience side effects and stigma that should be addressed in treatment. The curriculum developed in this study may be helpful for women who are taking methadone to provide coping strategies and a forum for support and discussion.