Rules and Regulations
Post Falls, Kootenai County, Idaho, 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 Idaho Board of Pharmacy.
Certification Procedures
All methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state. Clinics must meet standards for quality patient care and safe medication dispensing. Clinicians must complete special training to prescribe and dispense methadone.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Benefits of methadone maintenance treatment include:
- Reducing opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Allowing people to focus on their health and recovery
- Lowering the risk of overdose death
How Clinics Operate
Methadone clinics provide daily supervised methadone doses and counseling to people recovering from opioid addiction. The medication blocks the euphoric effects of opioids and eases withdrawal. The goal is to stabilize patients so they can function and pursue healthy, productive lives.
Insurance Coverage
Many private insurance plans and Medicaid cover methadone treatment. Some clinics offer sliding-scale fees based on income. State and local programs may also help offset costs. Patients are advised to check with their insurance provider and the clinic regarding payment options before starting treatment.
Drug Use in Post Falls
The opioid crisis has been declared a public health emergency in the United States. In Idaho:
- There were 130 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2020
- 8.4% of Idaho adults reported misusing prescription opioids in 2019
The most commonly used illicit drugs in Idaho are marijuana, prescription opioids, methamphetamine, and heroin.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient drug rehab involves living at a treatment facility for 30-90 days. It includes medical detox, counseling, group therapy, medication management, and aftercare planning.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment involves periodic services at a facility for 1-5 days per week for 2-4 hours a day. It includes counseling, group therapy, medication management, and recovery support.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of Idaho residents receive unofficial, unreported addiction treatment from non-accredited programs.
Comparison of Treatment in Post Falls vs. Coeur d’Alene
| City | Treatment Facilities | Inpatient Beds | Cost of Treatment |
| Post Falls | 5 | 50 | $5,000-20,000 |
| Coeur d’Alene | 10 | 150 | $5,000-25,000 |
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 and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) involves daily doses of methadone dispensed through opioid treatment programs (OTPs). This allows those with opioid addictions to function normally without the negative effects of obtaining and using illicit opioids.
Methadone acts as a replacement opioid that prevents withdrawal symptoms for 24-36 hours per dose. By providing stable opioid levels, it removes the need to seek out dangerous street drugs. Patients can focus on recovery without disruptive cravings and withdrawal. MMT has been used since the 1960s with much evidence supporting its effectiveness. However, methadone does have abuse potential and can lead to overdose when misused. Careful monitoring and regulations are necessary.
Societal perspectives on MMT are mixed. Some view it as “trading one addiction for another.” However, research shows methadone improves outcomes and reduces societal harms of opioid addiction when properly implemented. MMT helps people recover and live functional lives as productive members of society. Still, stigma remains an obstacle for some methadone patients.
Methadone Distribution
MMT distribution is strictly monitored by federal and state regulations. These safeguards aim to prevent diversion while ensuring appropriate access for patients. Key regulations include:
- Urine testing: Patients must undergo at least 8 random tests in the first year to detect illicit drug use.
- Take-home doses: For the first 14 days, methadone is only dispensed as a daily dose on-site at the OTP. After treatment progress, take-homes are allowed but still limited based on time in treatment and results of urine tests.
- Interprofessional teams: OTPs must have counselors, social workers, and medical staff to monitor patient progress.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Providers should check the state PDMP to avoid methadone interactions with other medications.
Methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance in Idaho. The state has enhanced PDMP monitoring and access for providers. The Office of National Drug Control Policy reports Idaho as having higher than average opioid prescribing rates. This underscores the need for careful oversight of methadone distribution.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder that has been used since 1947. Studies show MMT reduces opioid use, disease transmission, and criminal behavior. Patients in MMT have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests. They are also 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment. Retention in treatment reduces risks of overdose and disease transmission while increasing employment opportunities.
However, methadone does have risks including potential for misuse and severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly. It can prolong the QT interval and lead to cardiac issues. Respiratory depression and overdose occur when combining methadone with alcohol or sedatives. It also requires daily visits to an OTP.
Research shows methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective for reducing illicit opioid use. But methadone may have some advantages for patients with more severe addictions. Overall, methadone is a well-established treatment with demonstrated benefits but also risks requiring careful management.
About Post Falls
Post Falls is located in Kootenai County in the state of Idaho, United States.
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
- Post Falls is located in Kootenai County in the northern region of Idaho, less than 10 miles east of Spokane, Washington.
- Neighboring states: Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Montana
Capital and largest city
Boise is the capital and largest city in Idaho.
Land area
Post Falls has a total area of 17.16 square miles.
Population Statistics
The population of Post Falls was 34,443 at the 2020 United States census.
Gender
- Male: 51.1%
- Female: 48.9%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 26.1%
- 18 to 64 years: 59.5%
- 65 years and over: 14.4%
Occupations
- Management/business/financial: 30.8%
- Sales/office: 26.4%
- Service: 18.5%
- Construction/maintenance/natural resources: 12.6%
- Production/transportation: 11.7%