Table 2 Most prevalent advantages and illustrative excerpts

“No advantages”

-

1 (0%)

-

7 (3%)

-

0 (0%)

7 (3%)

Reduces urges to use

“Curbs cravings while preserving general functioning.”

76 (31%)

“Helps reduce cravings”

60 (25%)

“Helping with triggers and cravings.”

57 (24%)

104 (42%)

Reduce use of illicit opioids/substances

“The advantages are the patient will decrease their craving for their particular substance, and then possibly stop using their substance of choice.”

53 (22%)

“[Helps] stay away from illegal usage”

52 (22%)

“Can help to reduce likelihood of use after treatment… No withdrawal to come off medication.”

38 (16%)

92 (37%)

Flexible/convenient

“Not having to go to a clinic every day to get dosed and also being able to travel out of town for a period of time because you have your doses with you.”

11 (4%)

-

0 (0%)

“It is a once-a-month injection allowing members to have more freedom.”

57 (24%)

62 (25%)

Supports recovery lifestyle

“The chance to chemically trick your body enabling you the time to change habits, though processes and obtain clean time from the substance you are desperately trying to avoid.”

26 (11%)

“This form of [medication assisted treatment] could support their efforts to manage their recovery management and stay away from negative people, places, and illicit activities.”

37 (16%)

“Of course this can offer many patients an ability to function and live a productive life.”

14 (6%)

51 (20%)

Reduces withdrawal symptoms

“It reduces severe opiate withdrawal symptoms, such as perspiration, nausea, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, chills, sensitivity to the light, and stomach pain.”

28 (11%)

“Clients can manage their cravings and withdrawal symptoms with methadone use, been used for a long time as a substitute treatment.”

28 (12%)

“Activat[es] to relieve craving and withdrawal it acts as a blocker, preventing other opioids from having any effect.”

9 (4%)

42 (17%)