Rules and Regulations
Mashpee, Barnstable County, Massachusetts, 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).
Certification Procedures
- Methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and accredited by an independent accrediting body.
- Clinics must adhere to federal and state regulations regarding medication dispensing, counseling requirements, etc.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone and other medication-assisted treatments have been shown to:
- Reduce illicit opioid use and cravings
- Improve patient survival and retention in treatment
- Increase patients’ ability to gain and maintain employment
- Lower risk of HIV and hepatitis C infection
- Reduce criminal activity
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide medication-assisted treatment to those with opioid use disorder. Patients receive methadone doses daily along with counseling and other services to support recovery. The goal is to stabilize patients so they can function without the use of illegal or prescription opioids.
Insurance Coverage
Many insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover methadone treatment. Some clinics also offer assistance based on income if patients are uninsured.
Drug Use in Mashpee
The opioid crisis has been declared a public health emergency in the United States. In Massachusetts, opioid-related deaths have increased significantly over the past decade. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health:
- There were 2,030 confirmed opioid-related overdose deaths statewide in 2016. This is a 25% increase from 2015.
- Barnstable County had one of the highest rates of confirmed opioid-related deaths in 2016 at 28.7 per 100,000 residents.
- The most common drugs present in opioid deaths were fentanyl, heroin, benzodiazepines, and prescription opioids.
Addiction Treatment Overview in Mashpee
Inpatient Treatment
Involves staying at a treatment facility for usually 30-90 days. Provides 24/7 medical monitoring, counseling, group therapy, etc.
Outpatient Treatment
Does not require staying overnight at a facility. Usually involves regular therapy and counseling sessions of varying frequency such as once a week.
Treatment Level Unreported
According to SAMHSA and White House data, an estimated 123 adults and 45 youths in Mashpee received addiction treatment in 2020. The levels of treatment they received are unreported.
Comparison of Treatment in Mashpee vs. Barnstable
| City | Treatment Facilities | Inpatient Beds Available | Approximate Cost of Treatment |
| Mashpee | 5 | 50 | $10,000-15,000 |
| Barnstable | 10 | 100 | $10,000-20,000 |
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).
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment range from seeing it as lifesaving to potentially replacing one addiction for another. However, studies show methadone maintenance is effective for treating addiction when properly monitored.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is strictly regulated with monitoring requirements:
- Urine testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight tests in the first year of treatment. This checks for continued opioid use and ensures compliance.
- Take-home requirements: During the first 14 days of treatment, the take-home Supply of methadone is limited to a 24-hour Supply. More take-home doses are allowed over time with demonstrated progress.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team including counselors, social workers, and medical staff to monitor patient progress.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to carefully cross-reference opioid dosage, as methadone has a narrow therapeutic window.
In Mashpee, Barnstable County, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance under state regulations.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947. Studies show:
Evidence for Effectiveness
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests
- 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment
Retention in treatment reduces overdose/disease transmission risk and increases employment
Major Drawbacks
- Potential for misuse/diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Possible QTc prolongation/cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression/overdose risk combined with other substances
Comparison to Other Medications
Equally effective as buprenorphine for reducing opioid use
Benefits but also risks, requiring careful management
About Mashpee
Mashpee is located in Barnstable County on Cape Cod in the state of Massachusetts. Barnstable County borders Plymouth County to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south. Neighboring states to Massachusetts include:
Capital and Largest City
Boston is both the capital and the largest city in Massachusetts.
Land Area
Mashpee has a total area of 31.8 square miles, of which 31.0 square miles is land and 0.8 square miles is water.
Population Statistics
As of the 2020 census, the total population of Mashpee was 23,115.
Gender
- Male: 11,053 (47.8%)
- Female: 12,062 (52.2%)
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 4,195 (18.1%)
- 18 to 64 years: 13,132 (56.8%)
- 65 years and over: 5,788 (25%)
Occupations
Top occupations in Mashpee include:
- Management, business, science, and arts occupations
- Sales and office occupations
- Service occupations