Comparison of dropout and mortality rates for slow-release morphine and methadone treatment in opioid use disorder, suggesting both may be effective given retention support.
In a comparison between slow‐release oral morphine (SROM) and methadone (which is by definition slow‐release), researchers in Canada measured dropout and mortality rates of both. They found that virtual patients on SROM were slightly more likely to discontinue treatment, but that the mortality risk for both medications was similar. They concluded that as long as measures to support retention are present, either medication may be appropriate for treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD).
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Alison Knopf (2026) studied this question.
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