Methadone, a widely prescribed medicine for treating opiate addiction in many countries, is currently banned in Russia. Professor Vladimir Mendelevich discussed the ban and why controversy still surrounds the use of methadone. He assessed the opportunities and challenges facing advocates who support the use of medicines to reduce cravings for illicit drugs, as well as the public health implications of not legalizing methadone in Russia.
Robert Newman, MD, MPH, who has played a major role in planning and directing some of the largest addiction treatment programs in the world, offered his perspective on the methadone ban in Russia.
Daniel Wolfe, director of the Open Society Institute International Harm Reduction Development program, moderated the discussion.
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