Problems of Methadone Diversion and Implications for Control

With the expansion of methadone maintenance there has been an increase in accidental ingestion and related deaths. This is at least partially due to programs involving take-home methadone. The use of 1-alpha-acetylmethadol (LAAM), a congener of methadone that suppresses withdrawal for up to 72 hours, may reduce diversion and accidental overdose.