Rules and Regulations
English, Perry County, Indiana, 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). These regulations standardize treatment practices across clinics.
Certification Procedures
All methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state. Certification involves inspections, staff credentials review, and adherence to best practices. Clinics must renew licenses annually.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone and other medications used in treatment reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This allows people to focus on counseling and behavioral therapies essential to overcoming addiction. Medication-assisted treatment is proven to:
- Reduce illicit opioid use
- Decrease the risk of overdose
- Lower transmission of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis
- Improve social functioning and retention in treatment
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide medication doses and addiction treatment services. People visit clinics daily to receive methadone under supervision. The goal is to recover from opioid addiction.
Insurance Coverage
Many insurance plans cover methadone treatment including:
- Some clinics provide treatment free or at a low cost based on income. These are funded by the government and grants.
- Medicaid, Medicare, and many private insurers cover treatment. Coverage varies so clinics help patients understand benefits.
Drug Use in English
Opioid crisis declared public health emergency:
In October 2017, President Trump declared the opioid epidemic a public health emergency. Perry County has been hit hard by this crisis, with opioid overdose deaths rising in recent years.
Statistics on Drug Overdoses and Deaths
- In 2020, there were 50 drug overdose deaths in Perry County – a rate of 50 per 100,000 residents. This is over 2.5 times the national rate.
- Opioids were involved in 80% of these overdose deaths. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl caused the most deaths.
- Alcohol and methamphetamine overdoses have also increased in the past 5 years.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a rehab facility for 1-3 months. It includes medical detox, counseling, group therapy, etc.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment involves visiting a clinic up to 5 days a week for counseling and therapy. Patients live at home.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 40% of those with substance abuse disorders in Perry County have not reported receiving any treatment.
Comparison of Treatment in English vs. Louisville, KY
| Category | English, IN | Louisville, KY |
| Treatment Facilities | 2 | 25 |
| Inpatient Beds | 16 | 850 |
| Cost of Treatment | $10,000/month | $15,000/month |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is a medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. It activates opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is taken orally once daily in supervised opioid treatment programs (OTPs). It allows patients to function normally without the negative effects of illicit opioid use.
While an effective treatment, methadone does have risks like any medication. Careful patient monitoring and responsible prescribing practices are necessary. There is also a stigma around MAT, partly due to misconceptions about continuing opioid medications. However, research shows MAT helps patients recover, pursue goals, and reduce public health risks.
Methadone Distribution
OTPs must follow strict federal and state regulations in dispensing methadone:
- Urine Testing: Patients must undergo at least eight random drug tests in the first year to detect any unauthorized substance use.
- Take-Home Access: For the first 14 days, patients can only take home a 24-hour methadone Supply. More take-homes are allowed over time for patients meeting treatment goals.
- Oversight: OTPs must have an interdisciplinary team including medical, counseling, and administrative staff to coordinate care.
- Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians should review the state PDMP to ensure safe methadone dosage and no contraindicated medication interactions.
Federal and State laws classify methadone as a Schedule II controlled substance.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Research over decades shows when properly managed, it is an effective MAT option.
Evidence for Effectiveness
Multiple studies demonstrate methadone treatment reduces opioid use through:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests for patients
- 4.44 times higher treatment retention rates
- Lower criminal behavior rates Remaining in treatment also substantially decreases health risks like overdose and disease transmission while improving employment opportunities.
Major Drawbacks
However, methadone does carry risks requiring management:
- Potential for misuse/diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- QTc prolongation/cardiac side effects
- Respiratory depression/overdose when combined with other sedatives
Comparison to Other Medications
Research suggests methadone and buprenorphine have similar efficacy in reducing illicit opioid use when used appropriately.
Methadone is a rigorously studied treatment with known risks/benefits, warranting careful patient selection and monitoring.
About English
English is a town in Cass Township, Perry County, Indiana, United States. Perry County borders the following states:
Capital and Largest city
The capital and largest city near English is Indianapolis, which is the state capital and most populous city in Indiana.
Land Area
English has a total area of 0.31 square miles (0.8 km2), all land.
Infrastructure
Key infrastructure information about English:
- Transportation: English is served by state roads 237 and 545. The nearest airport is Huntingburg Airport, about 17 miles away.
- Healthcare: There are no hospitals in English. The nearest major hospital is Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center in Jasper, about 11 miles away.
- Utilities: English gets electricity from Duke Energy. Drinking water is provided by English Water Corporation.
Population Statistics
Total Population
The population of English, Indiana is 613 as of the 2010 census. The population of Perry County is 19,338.
Gender
As of the 2010 census, 49.1% of the Perry County population is male and 50.9% is female.
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 19.7%
- 18 to 64 years: 51.5%
- 65 years and over: 28.8%
Occupations
Top occupations in Perry County:
- Management, business, science, and arts occupations: 27.2%
- Sales and office occupations: 24.3%
- Production, transportation, and material moving occupations: 21.8%
- Service occupations: 17.2%
- Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations: 9.5%