Sanders, Apache County, Arizona, United States adheres to strict regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). All clinics must be certified and meet standards for dispensing methadone as medication-assisted treatment.
Certification Procedures:
- Clinics must apply for certification from SAMHSA
- Staff must meet training requirements
- Facilities must meet security and storage standards
Methadone and other medications used in treatment can:
- Reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Allow people to focus on their health and participation in positive activities
- Support long-term recovery goals
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose:
Methadone clinics provide daily supervised methadone doses and support services to those with opioid use disorder. The medication relieves withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings without producing euphoria. Clinics aim to help patients gain control over addictive behaviors and work toward recovery.
Insurance Coverage
- Free clinics. Provide basic healthcare services for uninsured residents
- Public and private insurance coverage details. Public insurance programs available to qualifying low-income residents. Private insurance plans available from various providers to residents who qualify and can afford coverage.
Drug Use in Sanders
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Apache County:
- There were 123 drug overdose deaths in 2020
- The overdose mortality rate per 100,000 people was 35.7 in 2020
- The most commonly used substances in the county are:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Prescription opioids
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
- Patients reside at facility 24/7 for detox and behavioral therapies
- Typical stays range from 28-90 days
- Services include medical monitoring, counseling, group therapy
Outpatient Treatment
- Patients undergo treatment for 2-4 hours multiple days per week
- Services provided at clinics, health centers, etc.
- Includes counseling, relapse prevention education
Treatment Level Unreported
- An estimated 47% of patients in treatment did not specify treatment level
Comparison of Treatment Availability
| Category | Sanders | Flagstaff |
| Treatment Facilities | 2 | 12 |
| Inpatient Beds | 18 | 124 |
| Cost of Treatment | $15,000 | $30,000 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist medication used to treat opioid use disorder and dependence. As medication-assisted treatment (MAT), methadone helps prevent withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings by activating opioid receptors in the brain, while blocking euphoric effects of other opioids. It is taken orally once daily in supervised opioid treatment programs (OTPs).
Methadone maintenance therapy has faced stigma due to misconceptions that it merely substitutes one drug for another. However, research shows methadone facilitates rehabilitation by reducing illegal opioid use, disease transmission, and criminal activity when properly regulated. Still, risks like diversion require oversight.
Methadone Distribution
Monitoring and regulations for methadone include:
- Urine testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight tests in the first year of treatment to ensure appropriate use.
- Take-home requirements: During the first 14 days of treatment, the take-home methadone Supply is limited to a 24-hour dose, with more take-homes allowed over time for stable patients.
- Interprofessional monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team overseeing dispensing, counseling, urine screens, etc.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to carefully cross-reference methadone dosage, as it has a narrow therapeutic window.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947.
Evidence for Effectiveness
Studies show methadone:
- Reduces opioid-positive drug tests by 33%
- Increases treatment retention 4.44 times
- Lowers overdose and disease transmission risk through treatment retention
- Increases employment opportunities
Major Drawbacks
- Potential for misuse/diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Possible QTc prolongation/cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression/overdose risk when combined with other substances
Comparison to Other Medications
Methadone is equally effective as buprenorphine for reducing opioid use.
Conclusion
Methadone has demonstrated benefits but also risks requiring careful management.
About Sanders
Sanders is located in Apache County in northeastern Arizona. Apache County borders Utah to the north, New Mexico to the east, and the following Arizona counties:
- Navajo County to the south
- Greenlee County to the southeast
- Gila County to the southwest
Phoenix is the capital and largest city in Arizona. Sanders has a total area of 23.2 square miles.
Population Statistics
The population of Sanders was 630 at the 2010 census.
Demographics:
Gender:
- Male: 55%
- Female: 45%
Age Brackets:
- Under 18 years: 30%
- 18 to 64 years: 55%
- 65 years and over: 15%
The most common occupations in Sanders are:
- Office and administrative support
- Transportation
- Construction