Mother's Day and methadone can go together

Happy Mother's Day! For all those moms, moms-to-be, and women-who-will-be-moms who are managing their opioid use disorder effectively with methadone -- I say congratulations and may you and your families have a wonderful day! Check out this site if you want additional support: http://goo.gl/zbDPN2


I also know that Mother's Day can be very difficult for some moms who have lost children to opioid use disorder -- sometimes that loss has unfortunately involved methadone. These are tragedies, just like losing any child to an illness or unforeseen circumstance is a tragedy. To these moms, I say my thoughts are with you, I grieve with you, and I am so sorry for your loss. Vigils, like the one coming up in Baltimore on May 28th, is a good way for all of us to remember and celebrate their lives: http://goo.gl/D1iGEA

The risks of full opioid agonists, like morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone, are real -- we need to teach our kids that. But as with so many things in medicine and public health,, risks and benefits go together. The benefits of full opioid agonists are real too, for pain and opioid use disorder treatment. We can't lose sight of the thousands of people whose lives have been restored and lengthened with effective treatment including methadone: http://goo.gl/ZyMslR

My hope is that all moms can come together and celebrate ourselves, our kids, and our families -- no matter who we are or the experiences we bring.