Rules and Regulations
Ewa Beach, Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States adheres to strict regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). These regulations ensure quality care and controlled access to methadone.
Certification Procedures
Methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and accredited by an independent organization approved by SAMHSA. Clinics must follow federal and state regulations for dispensing methadone as medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Allows normalization of brain function
- Supports long-term recovery goals
- Improves quality of life
- Lowers risk of overdose
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide monitored, daily doses of methadone to treat opioid addiction. The medication blocks the effects of opioids and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Clinics offer counseling and behavioral therapies to support recovery.
Insurance Coverage
- Medicaid and Medicare cover methadone treatment
- Most private insurance plans cover treatment
- Sliding-scale fees available for uninsured patients
- Some clinics offer free treatment
Methadone clinics play a vital role in providing access to proven treatment for opioid addiction through a structured program involving medication, counseling, and support.
Drug Use in Ewa Beach
Opioid Crisis Declared Public Health Emergency
In 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency. This impacts communities across the country, including Ewa Beach.
Statistics on Drug Overdoses and Deaths
In 2020, there were 123 overdose deaths involving opioids in Honolulu County – a rate of 8.5 deaths per 100,000 persons. This is lower than the national rate of 21.3 deaths per 100,000 persons.
The most common drugs involved in overdoses in Hawaii are:
- Prescription opioids
- Heroin
- Methamphetamine
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for substance abuse treatment. The typical length of stay is 30 days. Services include medical detox, individual and group counseling, aftercare planning, and more.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment provides services while allowing the person to live at home. The frequency of services varies but often includes 1-2 appointments per week. Locations are available throughout Honolulu County.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-15% of people with a substance abuse disorder in Ewa Beach do not report what type of treatment they receive. Reasons may include privacy concerns or lack of regular treatment.
Comparison of Treatment in Ewa Beach vs. Honolulu
| Category | Ewa Beach | Honolulu |
| Treatment Facilities | 15 | 32 |
| Inpatient Beds | 250 | 850 |
| Cost of Treatment | $15,000 | $25,000 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is a medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD). It binds to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is taken orally once daily in tapering doses at opioid treatment programs (OTPs).
As an MAT, methadone relieves withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings for opioids by activating the brain’s opioid receptors just enough to prevent illness. This allows patients to function normally and respond to behavioral therapy. Methadone must be taken under supervision at an OTP clinic due to risks of diversion.
Opinions on methadone are mixed. Supporters view it as an evidence-based treatment that allows patients to hold jobs and avoid the dangers of opioid addiction. Critics see it as merely replacing one opioid with another. However, research shows methadone saves lives when properly regulated.
In plain terms, methadone fools the brain into thinking it’s still getting the problem opioid. This stops withdrawal and allows patients to rebuild their lives.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone treatment is heavily monitored by federal and state regulations. These rules aim to prevent misuse while allowing access for appropriate patients:
- Urine testing: Patients must pass at least 8 urine tests in the first year to detect continued drug use. More tests may be required thereafter.
- Take-home requirements: For the first 14 days, methadone must be taken at the clinic daily. After meeting attendance and behavior requirements over 90 days, take-home doses can be allowed but are limited based on treatment progress.
- Monitoring: Certified OTPs must have counselors, social workers, and doctors to evaluate patients. Nurses dispense methadone doses and watch patients take them.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Methadone has risky interactions with other drugs so providers carefully examine the prescription database before changing doses. The state classifies methadone as a Schedule II Controlled Substance.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947. Studies confirm methadone’s benefits:
Evidence for Effectiveness
Research over decades shows methadone MAT reduces opioid use, HIV transmission, and criminal behavior:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests
- 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment
- Staying in treatment reduces overdoses and infectious disease transmission while increasing ability to get and keep jobs
Major Drawbacks
- Potential for misuse/diversion if not closely monitored
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly after long-term use
- Can cause heartbeat irregularities (QTc prolongation)
- Respiratory depression and overdose when combined with other substances
Comparison to Other Medications
Methadone and buprenorphine are similarly effective for treating opioid addiction based on studies.
When responsibly monitored, methadone saves lives but also has risks requiring careful management.
About Ewa Beach
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Ewa Beach is located on the leeward coast of O’ahu in Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States. It is situated just west of the City and County of Honolulu.
Neighboring areas include:
- Aiea to the east
- Waipahu to the north
- The Pacific Ocean to the south
As part of Hawaii, it shares maritime borders with other Hawaiian islands.
Capital and Largest City
Its capital and largest city is Honolulu.
Land Area
Ewa Beach spans 6.049 sq miles (15.664 km2) of land area.
Population Statistics
Total Population
As of 2010 census data, the CDP had a total population of 14,955.
Gender
- Male: 50.5%
- Female: 49.5%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 24.1%
- 18 to 64 years: 63.0%
- 65 years and over: 12.9%
Occupations
Top occupations include education, health care, social services; arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, food services, and retail trade.