The Benefits of Methadone Maintenance Therapy: A Case Study of Providing Access to Methadone in Rural and Northern British Columbia

Abstract

People with a chemical dependency often have limited access to treatment in rural British Columbia (BC), which contributes to the migration opiate-addicted persons to larger centres away from their support network in smaller communities. Support of family and friends can be crucial to opiate-addicted individuals with a concurrent mental health issue. Methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is a useful treatment option for those addicted to opiates, and may be especially beneficial to those with a mental health issue; however, MMT in particular is often not available in smaller and rural communities. The present paper discusses the benefits of MMT and the lack of access to this treatment in rural BC communities. Further, a novel approach that was proposed in one particular rural BC community is outlined: Using the existing nursing infrastructure to facilitate access to MMT.