There is a shortage of information about methadone maintenance and pregnancy on the Internet. I have compiled links to relevant documents to make it easier for patients to access this information. It is extremely important for an opiate addicted woman to start methadone maintenance as early as possible in her pregnancy.
Pregnant women have priority for treatment, even if the clinic has a long waiting list.
If you know of a pregnant addict that is having difficulties finding methadone maintenance treatment, please contact us at Addiction Treatment Watchdog and we will assist the woman is finding immediate treatment. Another misconception about methadone maintenance and pregnancy is that the woman should taper or be maintained on as low a dose as possible. This is not only untrue, but, can be very dangerous for the patient and the fetus. The information found in TIPS 2 has specific instructions regarding dosage and withdrawal. Many times it is necessary for the patient to increase their dose.