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Starting Methadone to Treat OUD

UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital is proud to offer an inpatient stay to begin methadone management for opioid use disorder (OUD) during pregnancy. 

UPMC Magee accepts women at any point in their pregnancy, for any type of substance use. All women are welcome and encouraged to come to our emergency department and receive treatment the same day. 

Staff will meet with you and discuss all your treatment options before beginning any medication to make sure you have the information to make the best decision for your recovery. 

To be admitted into the program, a positive pregnancy test is required. While in the hospital, you’ll receive prenatal care, optional psychiatric care, social services support, and the support of certified recovery specialist.

You may also meet the eligibility requirements for Magee’s outpatient medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) program though the Pregnancy and Women’s Recovery Center (PWRC). Staff will discuss the details of this program with you and provide you with information to review.

If you are not pregnant, but interested in starting on methadone, you can go to Magee’s Emergency Department 24/7 for information and resources or call the confidential PWRC office line at 412-641-1211.

Beginning on Methadone

There are a few different reasons methadone might be right for you. Based on where you live, an outpatient methadone clinic may be more convenient for you to follow-up. Methadone clinics typically offer daily appointments that can provide more stability and accountability in early recovery that many women find helpful. Methadone can also be more effective in relieving withdrawal symptoms if you are using multiple substances or have a high volume of use. 

A typical admission to begin methadone treatment lasts 2-3 days. During that time, you will be allowed to have your cell phone and personal comfort items, but you will not be able to have visitors or leave the inpatient unit, even to take a walk or smoke a cigarette. 

We have certified recovery specialists on staff to visit with you daily and help advocate for you and your treatment plan. These specialists are women who are in recovery themselves and can offer their first-person perspectives while working with your medical team for clinical support. 

While you are admitted as a patient in the hospital, you will receive:

  • Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) with methadone.
  • Obstetrical services and prenatal care.
  • Social services support from licensed social workers.
  • Support from certified recovery specialists.

After you are discharged, you will be connected to a local, federally licensed methadone treatment program* for ongoing therapy. Your social worker will work with you to pick a clinic you’re comfortable following up with and will help arrange transportation if needed. Your specific clinic will provide guidelines about appointment frequency and what to do if you miss an appointment. 

*Magee is not affiliated with any specific methadone clinic and will work with any community clinic to transition a patient to her community upon discharge.

Contact Us

To begin the process of starting on methadone during your pregnancy, you can come to Magee’s Emergency Department 24/7. For more information, please call 412-641-1211.