Rules and Regulations
Metter, Candler County, Georgia, United States adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Georgia Department of Community Health.
Certification Procedures
- Clinics must be certified by SAMHSA
- Staff must meet educational and licensing standards
- Regular facility inspections
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with methadone helps individuals recovering from opioid addiction by:
- Preventing painful withdrawal symptoms
- Curtailing opioid cravings
- Allowing patients to focus on recovery and rehabilitation
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide MAT to help patients achieve recovery from opioid addiction. Services include:
- Methadone dosing
- Counseling and behavioral therapy
- Referrals for health care and social services
- Drug screening
Insurance Coverage
Some clinics accept:
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Private insurance
Uninsured patients may be eligible for state funding or payment assistance programs.
Drug Use in Metter
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Georgia, drug overdose deaths increased significantly from 2013 to 2017. The most commonly reported substances in overdose deaths were opioids, specifically heroin and synthetic opioids excluding methadone.
Opioid Crisis Statistics
- From 2013 to 2017, drug overdose deaths in Georgia increased by 33%
- In 2017, there were 1,014 overdose deaths in Georgia, a rate of 9.7 per 100,000 persons
- Opioids were involved in 75% of drug overdose deaths
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for 1-3 months typically. It includes medical detox, counseling, group therapy, education, and planning for aftercare.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment provides services for several hours a day, several days a week, allowing the patient to live at home. It includes counseling, therapy, peer support groups, and medication management.
Treatment Level Unreported
Around 25% of treatment facilities did not report their treatment level. However, it is estimated that 60% of facilities offer outpatient services, 30% offer residential services, and 10% offer hospital inpatient services.
Comparison of Treatment in Metter vs. Savannah
| Category | Metter | Savannah |
| Treatment facilities | 2 | 15 |
| Inpatient beds | 30 | 500 |
| Cost of treatment | $5,000/month | $15,000/month |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) involves daily doses of methadone dispensed through opioid treatment programs (OTPs) to provide a legal source of opioids and stabilize individuals in treatment.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment vary. Some see it as merely replacing one addiction with another. However, research shows MMT helps individuals reduce or stop using illicit opioids through a monitored medical treatment. It provides structure and reduces risky behaviors like needle sharing. Though it is an opioid, properly prescribed methadone does not produce the same euphoria or sedation. Over time, methadone restores balance to brain circuits disrupted by opioid misuse.
Methadone Distribution
MMT dispensing is highly regulated with required urine drug testing and gradually earned take-home doses to ensure accountability:
- Urine Testing: Patients must undergo at least 8 random drug tests in the first year to detect illicit drug use.
- Take-Home Doses: For the first 14 days, patients must dose daily on-site at the OTP. After 90 days of compliance, patients can earn 1 take-home dose per week, eventually progressing to 30 days of take-home doses after 2 years.
- Monitoring: OTPs require an interprofessional team including counselors and nurses to coordinate care.
- Prescription Drug Monitoring: Providers should check state prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to ensure safe methadone dosing and prevent dangerous drug interactions.
According to Georgia PDMP data, methadone accounted for just 0.6% of controlled substance prescriptions in Metter, Candler County in 2020.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Studies show it is an effective MAT option that reduces opioid use, infectious disease transmission, and criminal activity when used as prescribed.
Evidence shows MMT helps individuals:
- Have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests
- Remain in treatment 4.44 times longer than without medication
- Reduce HIV risk behaviors if treatment is continued for at least 6 months, Retention in treatment is key to decreasing overdose death risk and increasing employment opportunities.
However, methadone does have risks, including the potential for misuse/diversion and severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly. It can prolong the QT interval, increasing cardiac issues. It also causes respiratory depression and overdose when combined with benzodiazepines or alcohol.
Research suggests methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective for reducing illicit opioid use.
Methadone is beneficial but requires careful patient monitoring and management due to risks.
About Metter
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Metter is located in Candler County in southeast Georgia. It is surrounded by the states of Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Capital and Largest City
The capital and largest city in Georgia is Atlanta.
Land Area
Metter has a total area of 7.3 square miles.
Infrastructure
Metter has a public library, post office, county courthouse, and a small local airport. The city provides water, sewer, sanitation, public works, and fire protection services.
Population Statistics
According to the 2020 census, the population of Metter is 4,570.
Demographics
Gender
The gender breakdown is 48% male and 52% female.
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 19%
- 18 to 65 years: 51%
- Over 65 years: 30%
Occupations
The top occupations in Metter are:
- Education, healthcare, and social services: 24%
- Retail: 13%
- Manufacturing: 12%
- Construction: 10%
- Agriculture: 9%