Rules and Regulations
Grand Haven, Ottawa County adheres to the strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics and medication-assisted treatment programs outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the State of Michigan.
Certification Procedures
All clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state. Certification requires adhering to strict protocols for dispensing and administering methadone, as well as providing counseling and other services. Clinics must renew their license annually.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment using methadone has been shown to:
- Reduce illicit opioid use and overdose deaths
- Improve patient survival and increase retention in treatment
- Decrease criminal activity and increase employment
How Clinics Operate
Methadone clinics provide daily supervised methadone dosing as well as counseling and other medical, psychological, and social services to help clients recover from opioid addiction. The initial doses are gradually adjusted to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Insurance Coverage
Many clinics accept Medicaid and private insurance. Some clinics offer subsidized treatment based on income. Uninsured patients may qualify for state funding depending on eligibility criteria. Patients should check with individual clinics about options for financial assistance if needed.
Drug Use in Grand Haven
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Michigan, in 2020 there were over 2,500 opioid overdose deaths. The most commonly used substances in the state are:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Prescription opioids
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for 1-3 months typically. Services include medical detox, individual and group counseling, medication management, aftercare planning, and more.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment allows the patient to live at home and attend treatment sessions 1-5 times per week for 1-6 months. Services are similar to inpatient but less intensive.
Treatment Level Unreported
Many patients do not specify whether they are receiving inpatient or outpatient treatment. However, experts estimate 80% of patients are outpatient and 20% are inpatient.
Comparison of Treatment Availability
| City | Treatment Facilities | Inpatient Beds | Cost of Treatment |
| Grand Haven | 15 | 250 | $15,000 |
| 30 | 500 | $30,000 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
- Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs as part of opioid treatment programs (OTPs) to treat opioid use disorder.
- It activates opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms in patients with opioid addiction while blocking the euphoric effects of other opioids.
Societal Perspectives on Methadone Treatment
Methadone treatment programs are controversial, with some viewing it as essential medical care and others regarding it as merely substituting one opioid for another. However, research shows methadone maintenance is an evidence-based treatment for opioid addiction.
In Layman’s Terms
Methadone tricks the brain into thinking it is still getting the misused opioid to prevent withdrawal sickness. It stabilizes patients so they can work on rebuilding their lives and coping skills for long-term recovery.
Methadone Distribution
- Urine testing: Patients must undergo at least eight urine drug tests in the first year to ensure compliance.
- Take-home doses: Patients must follow program rules for 27 weeks to earn take-home doses beyond a daily dose.
- Oversight: Methadone clinics have an interdisciplinary team overseeing treatment plans.
- Prescription checks: Providers check the PDMP to avoid dangerous drug interactions.
In Michigan, methadone is a Schedule 2 controlled prescription substance subject to strict regulations regarding distribution through certified opioid treatment programs.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947 with much evidence supporting its efficacy.
Evidence of Effectiveness
Studies show participation in a methadone program is associated with reduced opioid use, lower rates of disease transmission from injection drug use, and decreased criminal behavior when compared to patients with opioid use disorder, not in treatment. Specifically, methadone patients have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests, are 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment, and have reduced mortality risk.
Major Drawback
However, methadone does carry risks including potential for misuse/diversion of medication, difficult prolonged withdrawal if discontinued abruptly, possible QTc interval problems, respiratory depression, and overdose when combined with alcohol or benzodiazepines.
Comparison to Other Medications
Research finds methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective for reducing illicit opioid use.
Methadone is beneficial but requires careful oversight.
About Grand Haven
Grand Haven is located in Ottawa County in the U.S. state of Michigan. Neighboring states include Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Capital and Largest City
The capital and largest city in Michigan is Lansing.
Land Area
The land area of Grand Haven is approximately 5.93 square miles.
Population Statistics
The total population of Grand Haven is 10,964 as of the 2020 census.
Demographics
Gender
- Male: 49%
- Female: 51%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 19.1%
- 18 to 64 years: 59.4%
- 65 years and over: 21.5%
Occupations
Top occupations in Grand Haven:
- Management, business, science, and arts occupations: 34.8%
- Sales and office occupations: 24.2%
- Service occupations: 16.7%
- Production, transportation, and material moving occupations: 14.6%