Hundreds of former drug users undergoing treatment in Cyprus say strict time restrictions on methadone access are making it difficult to rebuild their lives. A letter sent by a former user to Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides highlights how limited dispensing hours are creating barriers to employment and normal daily functioning.
The letter, obtained by Politis, reflects longstanding concerns raised by advocacy groups representing former users, who have repeatedly warned authorities about the risk of relapse if conditions do not improve.
A daily trap
The letter describes a routine shaped entirely around treatment schedules. Methadone is dispensed only between 7:00am and 1:30pm, leaving little room for those trying to maintain regular working hours.
“ If someone works from 7:00am to 3:30pm or 8:00am to 4:00pm, when are they supposed to attend treatment?” the sender asks, pointing to the practical deadlock many face.
The constraints extend beyond work. Even short trips outside the city require early returns to avoid missing a dose. According to the letter, missing treatment is not a minor issue but can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms, increasing the risk of relapse.
“ We feel like second-class patients,” the sender writes, calling for extended hours to allow for a more balanced and sustainable daily routine.
Long-term treatment reality
Methadone is used as a substitution therapy for individuals with opioid dependence, including heroin. Administered in controlled doses, it helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing patients to stabilise their lives.
Contrary to common perceptions, treatment is often long-term, lasting months or even years depending on the individual. Patients typically receive one dose per day, making consistent access essential.
In Cyprus, methadone is provided through Mental Health Services under supervision. Patients are required to attend designated units daily to receive their dose in the presence of healthcare professionals. While the process itself is not time-consuming, it requires physical presence within a fixed time window.
As a result, what is intended as a pathway to reintegration often conflicts with employment and basic daily responsibilities.
In other European countries, substitution treatment is also regulated but tends to be more flexible. In some cases, dispensing is available through pharmacies or stable patients are allowed take-home doses. Although round-the-clock access is not standard, such approaches allow treatment to better adapt to patients’ needs, reducing disruptions to their daily lives.