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An Ethical Dilemma?

22/10/2012

1 Comment

 
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I came across a situation involving substance misuse the other day that got me thinking...
 
If you have a client getting regular daily methadone, but they never attend at all on Sat (for Sat/Sun), is it better to suggest that they pick up the Saturday/Sunday doses on Friday? 

On one hand, collecting on Friday may suggest that the product will be consumed appropriately; on the other hand, is this playing into the hands of somebody who will abuse the weekend supplies? For some patients, clearly they will benefit clinically; but for others the risk of diversion will be large...

 

Let me know whether you feel...

Option A
The patient should do without as they are not adhering to the agreed treatment plan, 
or
Option B
The patient should be given the opportunity to collect weekend doses on Friday, provided that they agree to some form of possible random testing to ensure no other illicit drugs have been consumed, and that Methadone is in their system on Monday.
 
Please vote using the buttons ...
1 Comment
Jonathan Green
6/11/2012 10:12:28 am

I don't think this is a simple A or B answer. Personally I would contact the prescriber and make them aware of the Saturday abcence. If they are 'using' over the weekend then any methadone supplied would at best be diverted or at worst consumed leading to overdose.

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