If you plan to travel while on methadone treatment, research travel restrictions and clinic policies in advance.
Staying on track with addiction recovery requires careful planning, especially when you’re receiving medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with methadone. Missing doses can lead to withdrawal symptoms, heightened cravings, or even relapse, making it essential to understand methadone travel restrictions in advance. So, what should you do when preparing for holiday travel while navigating methadone travel restrictions?
Continue reading to learn more about how to plan your trips so you can take your methadone as needed. There are simple steps you can take ahead of time that will make the entire process go smoothly. These tips will come particularly in handy during the holiday season when seemingly everyone is busy.
Can You Travel While on Methadone Treatment?
Yes, it is possible to travel while undergoing methadone treatment. However, traveling during holidays for methadone patients demands careful planning because of strict rules and the necessity for uninterrupted treatment.
Methadone is a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Although methadone is used in addiction treatment, it still has a high potential for misuse. Due to these factors, traveling and possessing methadone can be problematic. International travel presents additional complexities due to varying laws and methadone regulations across different countries.
Your best options for methadone travel are:
- Methadone Take-Home Doses: If you’re eligible, your medical provider can issue take-home doses to help you manage methadone travel restrictions during your trip. Your provider will decide how many take-home doses are best for your timeline. This will help you in avoiding treatment disruptions, which could ruin your trip and recovery. Check with your insurance provider to see if they cover guest dosing and any potential out-of-pocket fees.
*It is important to note that your treatment compliance can have an impact on your take-home privileges. Patients found to be delinquent with methadone in the past may need to seek another option. Please refer to SAMHSA guidelines for more information.
- Guest Dosing at Destination: If take-home doses are not available to you, you can arrange for “guest dosing” at nearby clinics at your destination. Your medical provider and clinic can help you connect with other providers. Although this may not be the most convenient option, visiting another clinic should be quick and complication-free.
- Changing medication: This option is for people who are planning long-term travel, especially to countries that do not allow methadone. Switching to a different opioid treatment program will take time, and preparation can take weeks or months. Speak to your medical provider and clinic about OTP patient resources for changing medications.
Traveling with methadone can be difficult because of strict regulations, but with proper planning, it is manageable. Methadone is a tightly controlled substance, so you need to be well-organized and prepare your trip ahead of time. Communication with clinic staff is crucial to your preparation, so be sure to make yourself available.
How to Manage Methadone Travel Restrictions During Holiday Travel
If you are planning holiday travel while in MAT, there are important steps you need to follow to prepare. With everything planned and organized, you will have much less stress and worry during your trip. Here are some vital MAT travel tips:
- Notify your provider early. Give your methadone clinic at least two weeks’ notice before travelling to organize your medication. Ask about their take-home medication policy to see if you are eligible. Your provider will coordinate “guest dosing,” allowing you to pick up your dose from a clinic near your accommodation.
- Check local laws. Although federal regulations oversee methadone treatment, each state and opioid treatment program may have its own policies. Look into guest dosing and take-home dose regulations in the state of your destination. Your home clinic can assist in clarifying your options.
- Look up clinic holiday schedules. Many clinics close on federal holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. If your guest clinic is unavailable, you might need to collect take-home doses beforehand. Coordinate this with your home clinic provider so that they can communicate with your guest clinic accordingly.
- Pack essential documents and medication. Include your prescription, a doctor’s letter of authorization and all necessary clinic contact details. When flying, you will want to store all of these documents with your ID. Keep your medication in its original, labeled container and place it in your carry-on luggage.
- Keep Everything Organized: Having all your methadone travel documentation neatly stored and accessible can help avoid delays or complications at airport security or guest clinics.
- Alert TSA. Tell the security officer at the start of screening that you have a liquid medication. Medically necessary liquids are exempt from the usual 3.4-ounce limit. If you are travelling with a non-liquid form of methadone, you do not have to notify officers.
Travelling Internationally with Methadone
If you are travelling internationally with methadone, there are some critical things you need to prepare.
- Ensure legal compliance. The legality of carrying methadone differs greatly from one country to another. Some countries demand special permits, whereas others prohibit it outright. It is essential to consult the embassy or consulate of each country on your travel route. This includes layovers! Be sure to learn their specific regulations to avoid getting stuck or in legal trouble. Check INDRO for more information.
- Gather all necessary documents. You may need a letter from your medical provider or clinic that outlines your prescription, dosage and travel plans. Ask them to include a summary of your treatment, which can be helpful for border crossings or replacing lost medication. Additionally, some countries might require you to obtain a personal import license for methadone.
- Keep medication readily available. When travelling overseas, there is a higher risk of checked baggage becoming lost or delayed. It is best to keep methadone with you in a carry-on, properly labeled in pharmacy packaging. This will help you avert a crisis should there be a hiccup during air travel.
People enrolled in MAT deserve to take vacations just like everyone else. With the information in this post, we hope you can enjoy a well-deserved holiday trip while staying on track with methadone. You have earned a getaway through your dedication and effort in recovery. All this preliminary planning will be worth the trouble once you are packing your bags and ready to go!
Methadone Treatment with BAART
BAART wants to support you through methadone treatment, helping you build resilience and maintain long-term recovery. We recognize that recovery takes courage, and we are here to ensure you never face it alone. Recovery is achievable, and with BAART by your side, you can start moving toward a healthier, more purposeful life.
If you or someone you care about is battling opioid addiction, reach out to BAART for help. Our addiction treatment clinics across the country will help you get on the path to recovery. Contact our friendly and knowledgeable staff to learn more today.
