Rules and regulations: Centre, Cherokee County, Alabama, United States adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Alabama Department of Mental Health.
Certification Procedures:
- Methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state. Certification requires adhering to strict federal guidelines on treatment approaches, facility conditions, and record keeping.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment:
- Reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Facilitates recovery by allowing individuals to focus on counseling and lifestyle changes
- Lowers risk of overdose and transmitting infections
- Improves overall health and social functioning
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose:
Methadone clinics provide medication-assisted treatment to those recovering from opioid addiction. Patients must visit the clinic daily to receive their prescribed methadone dose, which relieves withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings without inducing a high. Clinics also provide counseling and require frequent drug testing. The ultimate purpose is to facilitate recovery and prevent relapse.
Insurance Coverage
- Most private insurance plans and Medicaid cover methadone treatment. Some clinics also offer treatment on a sliding scale based on income.
- Those without insurance may qualify for state funding or apply to clinics with special Grant funding that offers free or discounted treatment. All residents seeking recovery are encouraged to explore their coverage options.
Drug Use in Centre
In 2017, the opioid crisis was declared a nationwide public health emergency by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Statistics on drug overdoses and deaths:
- In 2020, there were 1,141 overdose deaths involving opioids in Alabama – a rate of 23.6 deaths per 100,000 persons compared to the national rate of 20.6 deaths per 100,000.
- Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone increased over 200% from 2018 to 2020 in Alabama.
Data on prevalence of different substances:
- Alcohol, marijuana, prescription pain relievers, cocaine, and methamphetamine are the most commonly used substances in Alabama.
- In 2020, over 5% of Alabama residents reported misusing prescription pain relievers in the past year.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves living at a treatment facility while undergoing intensive substance abuse treatment. Stays typically last 30-90 days. Procedures and services include detoxification, individual and group counseling, medication management, and aftercare planning.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment allows individuals to live at home while attending regular treatment sessions (3-5 days a week for several hours a day). Services include counseling, therapy, medication management, and recovery support groups.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of people receive treatment for substance abuse, however do not report the level of care. Reasons may include privacy concerns or receiving treatment from unconventional providers.
Comparison of Treatment in Centre, Cherokee County vs. Birmingham
| # Facilities | Inpatient Beds | Cost | |
| Centre, AL | 2 | 50 | $15,000/month |
| Birmingham, AL | 12 | 200 | $20,000/month |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is an opioid medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, also known as opioid treatment programs (OTPs). It activates opioid receptors in the brain, blocking euphoric effects of other opioids. It reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to opioids.
Methadone is taken orally once daily and works by normalizing brain chemistry disrupted by opioid abuse. It allows patients to function normally and engage in counseling and behavioral therapies essential to recovery.
Society has mixed views on methadone treatment. Some see it as merely substituting one opioid for another. However, research shows MAT with methadone is an effective, evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder. It should be seen as legitimate medical treatment, not a moral failing.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is highly regulated with required monitoring to prevent misuse:
- Urine testing: Patients must undergo at least 8 urine tests in the first year to ensure they are taking methadone as prescribed and not using other opioids.
- Take-home requirements: For the first 14 days, patients must take methadone daily on-site. As treatment progresses, take-home doses are allowed for stable patients meeting requirements.
- Monitoring: OTPs must have an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and counselors monitoring patient progress.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should check state prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to ensure safe methadone dosage and prevent dangerous drug interactions.
In Cherokee County, Alabama methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance requiring a prescription and OTP enrollment. Federal and state laws tightly control methadone access to balance treatment availability and public safety.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947.
Evidence shows methadone reduces opioid use, disease transmission through injection, and drug-related crime:
- MAT patients have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests versus no medication.
- Methadone patients are 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment, which reduces overdose risk and increases employment.
However, methadone does have risks requiring careful management.
- Potential for misuse and diversion exists.
- Withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly can be severe.
- The medication can prolong the QT interval, requiring EKG monitoring for cardiac issues.
- Respiratory depression or overdose can occur if combined with other substances like benzodiazepines.
Compared to other medications, methadone is equally effective as buprenorphine in reducing opioid use. But methadone may have greater risks requiring stricter oversight.
In conclusion, methadone provides benefits but also risks needing careful management.
About Centre
Centre is a city in Cherokee County, Alabama, United States. It is part of the Gadsden, Alabama metro area:
The capital and largest city in Alabama is Montgomery. Cherokee County covers 514 square miles. Centre has access to major highways including Interstate 59 and state highways 68 and 9. The nearest airports are Northeast Alabama Regional Airport and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport.
Population Statistics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Centre was estimated to be 3,644.
Demographics:
Gender:
- Male: 48%
- Female: 52%
Age brackets:
- Under 18 years: 19%
- 18 to 65 years: 51%
- Over 65 years: 30%
Top occupations in Centre include:
- Education, healthcare & social services
- Manufacturing
- Retail