TL;DR: SAMHSA’s 2024 updates make COVID-era take-home flexibility for methadone permanent. For many patients, that means fewer daily clinic trips, more dignity and stability, and better odds of staying in recovery — with safety safeguarded by clinical judgment.
The Big Picture: Trust That Fits Real Life
For years, recovery for patients on methadone often meant proving themselves daily, one clinic visit at a time. That structure helped many people, but it also created barriers: long commutes, missed work, childcare challenges, and stigma.
Today, updated federal rules allow more flexibility for take-home dosing when it’s clinically appropriate. And that small shift in policy can mean a big shift in a person’s life.
“Flexibility in dosing reflects what the evidence already tells us — that trust and stability go hand in hand,” said Dr. Gilbert Schmidt, State Medical Director at BrightView.. “When we empower patients rather than restrict them, we support lasting recovery.”
BrightView is committed to bringing flexible take homes and the benefits into our centers and to our patients. When we do this, we live out our promise to “meet our patients where they are are at” which means to nonjudgmentally and non-coercively support their recovery and what that looks like to THEM. This trust and support enhance recovery success.
What Methadone Does (and Why It Works)
Methadone is an FDA-approved medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). It is a full opioid agonist, which means it activates the same receptors in the brain as other opioids but in a controlled and steady way. This helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings without the rapid “high” caused by drugs like heroin or prescription painkillers.
Taken daily, typically in liquid form, methadone is administered in a highly regulated clinical setting. Patients often visit a clinic each day for their dose during the early phases of treatment. Over time, some may transition to take-home doses based on progress and stability.
Want the basics on how medications fit into treatment? Read our (MAT)
Comparing options? See “Methadone vs. Suboxone” for a patient-friendly breakdown.
Did you know?
About 400,000 Americans receive methadone as part of opioid use disorder treatment (SAMHSA).
During the COVID take-home flexibilities, no increase in diversion or overdose was observed — but treatment retention improved.
Studies show that each year of continued methadone treatment cuts overdose death risk by more than 50%.
What Changed in 2024 — In Plain English
SAMHSA finalized updates to methadone treatment regulations (42 CFR Part 8), making pandemic-era flexibility permanent. The headline:
- Clinical discretion guides take-home decisions.
- When appropriate, programs may grant:
- Up to 14 days of take-home doses for less-stable patients
- Up to 28 days for stable patients
- The goal is access with accountability — fewer barriers, strong safety.
“As BrightView adopts the flexible take-home guidance, we’re seeing clear benefits for our patients and their families,” said Dr. Gilbert Schmidt. “Patients are staying engaged in treatment and improving their quality of life—without any increase in relapse, overdose, or other adverse outcomes.”
Why Flexibility Matters to Patients
Transportation & Geography – Not everyone lives near a clinic or has reliable transportation. Flexibility keeps treatment within reach.
Work & School – Fewer daily visits mean fewer missed shifts and classes — and more financial and academic stability.
Family Life – Parents can align dosing with childcare schedules and responsibilities.
Dignity & Motivation – Being trusted with take-homes communicates confidence in a person’s progress — which can fuel continued success.
“I need this medication to stay on track, but with kids, a family, and a job — it can be difficult to get here every day,” said one BrightView patient. “Having a little more flexibility means I can keep doing what’s right for my recovery and for my family.”
“Take-homes don’t mean a free pass,” said Missy Adams, a BrightView Peer Support Specialist. “They mean a patient has earned trust. We still check in, we still support them—but now they have more room to live their life.”
“When we invite patients into shared responsibility, most rise to it,” said Dr. Gilbert Schmidt. “Trust is powerful — once patients feel it, they tend to reinforce it through their own accountability.”
Safety First: How Clinicians Decide
Take-home dosing isn’t automatic; it’s individualized. Providers consider factors like:
- Attendance and stability in care
- Co-occurring substance use and overall safety
- Ability to store and transport medication securely
- Behavior and treatment engagement
Programs may also use counseling, random call-backs, and ongoing check-ins to keep patients supported and safe.
“Flexibility only works when it’s paired with good clinical judgment,” said Dr. Gilbert Schmidt, State Medical Director at BrightView. “We assess progress, communicate often, and set clear expectations around medication safety and storage. That structure keeps flexibility safe and effective.”
BrightView’s Approach: Access + Evidence + Whole-Person Care
At BrightView Health, Medication Assisted Treatment is integrated with counseling and case management. Flexibility in methadone dosing aligns with our philosophy: meet patients where they are and remove unnecessary barriers to care.
- Learn how our team combines medication, therapy, and social support: What We Do: MAT.
“This shift at the national level confirms what we see every day at BrightView,” Dr. Schmidt said. “When we treat patients with trust and flexibility, recovery becomes not just possible, but practical.”
Common Questions
Can anyone take home methadone?
Eligibility is determined by your treatment provider based on clinical criteria like stability and attendance.Is methadone safe to store at home?
Yes — if stored securely and taken as prescribed. Providers help patients create safe storage plans.Can I switch from methadone to Suboxone?
Sometimes — your provider can guide you through a taper or transition plan.
How to Get Started
If daily clinic visits have been a barrier — or you’re wondering whether methadone, Suboxone, or another option might fit your life — we’re here to help.
Call us or learn more about Medication Assisted Treatment at BrightView.
Recovery should work in real life. Flexibility helps make that possible.