Rules and Regulations
Broadus, Powder River County, Montana, 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). All clinics must be certified and accredited.
Certification Procedures:
- Clinics must be certified by SAMHSA
- Staff must meet educational and licensing requirements
- Regular facility inspections are conducted
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
MAT with methadone helps individuals with opioid use disorder by:
- Preventing painful withdrawal symptoms
- Blocking the euphoric effects of other opioids
- Decreasing cravings for opioids
- Allowing patients to focus on other areas of their life and recovery
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose:
- Methadone clinics provide MAT services to those with opioid use disorder. Patients visit the clinic daily to receive their methadone dose under supervision. The goal is to help patients achieve sobriety and self-sufficiency. Counseling is also offered.
Insurance Coverage
Most private and public insurance plans cover MAT:
- Medicaid covers treatment
- Medicare covers treatment through Part B
- Many private plans cover treatment due to the Mental Health Parity Law
Some clinics offer treatment on a sliding scale based on income for those without coverage. Grants and public funding may also be available to provide low-cost or free treatment.
Drug Use in Broadus
In 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency. This impacts rural communities like Broadus, where opioid overdoses and deaths have been on the rise.
Statistics on Drug Overdoses and Deaths:
- In 2020, there were 18 drug overdose deaths involving opioids in Montana – a rate of 17.3 deaths per 100,000 persons compared to the national rate of 20.6 deaths per 100,000 persons.
- Prescription opioids continue to be involved in most opioid overdose deaths in Montana.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for 1-3 months. It includes medical detox, counseling, group therapy, medication management, and aftercare planning.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment involves periodic services for 1-2 hours 1-5 days per week. It includes counseling, group therapy, and medication management.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of treatment in Broadus is unreported. This includes support groups and religious organization programs.
Comparison of Treatment in Broadus vs. Billings
| City | Treatment Facilities | Inpatient Beds | Cost of Treatment |
| Broadus | 1 | 10 | $10,000/month |
| Billings | 15 | 300 | $15,000/month |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
- Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, also known as opioid treatment programs (OTPs). It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing patients to focus on recovery.
- As an MAT, methadone stabilizes patients by managing withdrawal and craving symptoms through its long-acting opioid effects. This allows patients to function normally without the highs and lows of substance use. OTPs provide comprehensive support services alongside methadone dosing to help patients recover.
- Methadone has faced stigma due to misconceptions that it is simply replacing one addiction for another. However, research shows MAT with methadone is an evidence-based treatment for opioid addiction. When taken as prescribed, methadone is safe and allows patients to regain control of their lives.
Methadone Distribution
Description of monitoring and regulations:
- Urine testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight tests in the first year of treatment to ensure appropriate use and identify any additional substance use issues.
- Take-home requirements: During the first 14 days of treatment, methadone take-home doses are limited to a 24-hour Supply to prevent misuse/diversion. After 90 days of compliance, take-homes increase incrementally up to a 1-month Supply for stable patients.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs utilize an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, counselors, social workers, etc. to provide comprehensive care management.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to carefully cross-reference opioid dosage due to methadone’s narrow therapeutic window and overdose potential, especially when combining medications.
Broadus, Montana, state drug classifications:
- Montana has scheduled several drugs under Schedule I, II, III, IV and V classifications
- The Office of National Drug Control Policy tracks illicit drug use statistics and patterns in Montana
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947.
Evidence for Effectiveness
Studies show methadone reduces opioid use, disease transmission, and crime:
- 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
- Respiratory depression/overdose risk when combined
Major Drawbacks
- Potential for misuse/diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
Comparison to Other Medications
Equally effective as buprenorphine for reducing opioid use
Benefits but also risks requiring careful management
About Broadus
Broadus is a town located in Powder River County, Montana, United States.
Broadus is located in southeastern Montana. It is the county seat of Powder River County.
Powder River County borders the following states:
Helena is the capital and largest city in Montana.
Broadus has a total area of 0.84 square miles.
Infrastructure:
Broadus has access to air travel through Broadus Airport. The main highway serving Broadus is Montana Highway 59.
Population Statistics
The population of Broadus is 447 as of the 2020 census.
Demographics:
Gender:
- Male: 50.1%
- Female: 49.9%
Age Brackets:
- Under 18 years: 19.2%
- 18 to 64 years: 55.3%
- 65 years and over: 25.5%
Major occupations in Broadus include:
- Agriculture
- Local government
- Retail