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Community Pharmacist Perspectives on Observing and Dispensing Methadone for Opioid Use Disorder: Cross-sectional
Journal of Addiction Medicine
|July 13, 2026
Summary
Community pharmacists show neutral perceptions of dispensing and observing methadone, but many are willing to provide these opioid use disorder services. Addressing barriers like time and stigma is key for successful implementation.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Practice Research
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment
- Community Health Services
Background:
- Methadone is a crucial medication for opioid use disorder (OUD).
- Community pharmacies are increasingly recognized as accessible points for OUD treatment services.
- Understanding pharmacists' perspectives is vital for expanding methadone services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess community pharmacists' views on dispensing and observing methadone doses.
- To determine pharmacists' willingness to provide methadone services.
- To identify perceived benefits, barriers, and negative consequences associated with methadone dispensing.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey of 875 community pharmacists was conducted.
- Perceptions of acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility were measured on a 5-point scale.
- Statistical analyses examined factors associated with perceptions and described willingness and barriers.
Main Results:
- Pharmacists' perceptions of acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility were neutral to slightly negative (2.75-3.10).
- Willingness to dispense take-home methadone weekly (71.7%) was higher than observing doses daily (48.6%).
- Barriers included time, staffing, and negative attitudes towards patients with OUD; urban and independent pharmacists reported more positive perceptions.
Conclusions:
- Many pharmacists are willing to offer methadone services, especially dispensing take-home doses, despite neutral overall perceptions.
- Implementation may require workflow integration tools and training to reduce stigma.
- Pharmacy-based methadone services hold potential for improving OUD treatment access.
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