Dr. Ruth Potee and Dr. Kriegsman Talk Methadone Treatment on ASAM’s Practice Pearls Podcast

June 2, 2026

Dr. Ruth Potee and Dr. Ari Kriegsman from BHN’s Treatment and Recovery programs joined Dr. Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar on the ASAM Practice Pearls podcast to talk about methadone treatment—and what it looks like when care is truly person-centered.

Their conversation highlights a key message: treatment should meet people where they are. For many individuals, that means flexible, individualized approaches that support long-term recovery and overall well-being.

Dr. Ruth Potee and Dr. Ari Kriegsman from BHN’s Treatment and Recovery programs joined Dr. Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar on the ASAM Practice Pearls podcast to talk about methadone treatment—and what it looks like when care is truly person-centered.

Their conversation highlights a key message: treatment should meet people where they are. For many individuals, that means flexible, individualized approaches that support long-term recovery and overall well-being.

Key takeaways from the episode:

Person-centered care matters: Tailoring treatment to each person’s goals and needs helps support lasting recovery.
Choosing methadone is choosing life: Entering treatment is a powerful step toward safety and stability.
Take-home medications should be the norm: When appropriate, they give people more time to focus on their lives beyond the clinic.
Individualized dosing is best practice: Doses should reflect each person’s history, needs, and circumstances—not a fixed protocol.
Split dosing can be beneficial: Especially for shift workers, pregnant individuals, those with chronic pain, or those experiencing side effects.
Supportive missed-dose approaches are safe: Most patients can safely resume their previous dose without unnecessary reductions.
Stronger care coordination improves outcomes: Collaboration between OTPs and other providers leads to better, more seamless car