| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Rimrock Foundation | 1231 North 29th Street Billings, MT 59101 | (406) 248-3175 |
Rules and Regulations
Billings, Yellowstone, Montana adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).
Certification Procedures
All methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state DPHHS. Certification requires adhering to guidelines on medication dispensing, counseling requirements, patient admissions, and more. Clinics must renew licenses annually.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone and other medication-assisted treatments for opioid addiction can:
- Reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Allow people to focus on their recovery and rebuilding their lives
- Lower the risk of overdose death
- Improve physical and mental health
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide medication and counseling to treat opioid addiction. Patients must visit clinics daily to receive their prescribed methadone dose on-site. Clinics offer required counseling and drug testing services. The ultimate purpose is to support long-term recovery.
Insurance Coverage
Many private insurance plans and public options like Medicaid cover methadone treatment costs. Those without insurance may seek treatment from low-cost or free clinics. Public funding also helps offset treatment costs.
Drug Use in Billings
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Montana specifically:
- Drug overdose deaths have increased above the national average between 1999-2015, up 480%
- Prescription opioids are involved in almost half of overdose deaths
- Methamphetamine and heroin are also widely used
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
- Typically 28 days, but can range from 3-6 months
- Detoxification, counseling, group therapy, medication management
- 24/7 medical and psychiatric care
Outpatient Treatment
- 1-5 days per week for several hours per session
- Provided at clinics, health centers, and private practices
- Individual and group counseling, medication management
Treatment Level Unreported
- Many who could benefit from treatment do not seek it out
- Stigma and lack of understanding of addiction as a disease are barriers
Comparison of Treatment in Billings vs. Great Falls
| Category | Billings | Great Falls |
| Treatment Centers | 25 | 18 |
| Inpatient Beds | 150 | 100 |
| Cost of Treatment | $15,000/mo | $10,000/mo |
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). It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing patients to focus on recovery.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. While it does help treat opioid addiction, there are also risks of misuse and diversion. Careful monitoring and management are required.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is strictly regulated with several monitoring requirements:
- Urine Testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight urine tests for illicit drugs in the first year of treatment.
- Take-Home Requirements: During the first 14 days, take-home methadone is limited to a one-day Supply. More take-homes are allowed over time for patients who meet certain criteria.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs have an interprofessional team including counselors, social workers, and nurses to monitor patient progress.
- Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians should review PDMP data to carefully cross-reference methadone dosage, as it has a narrow therapeutic window.
In Montana, methadone is a Schedule II controlled prescription drug, with illegal use charged as a misdemeanor.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid addiction that has been used since 1947.
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
However, methadone does come with risks:
- Potential for misuse/diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Possible QTc prolongation/cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression/overdose risk when combined with other substances
Methadone is equally as effective as buprenorphine in reducing opioid use.
Benefits but also risks requiring careful management
About Billings
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Billings is located in Yellowstone County in the state of Montana. Neighboring states include:
Capital and Largest City
Helena is the capital of Montana, while Billings is the largest city.
Land Area
Montana covers 147,039 square miles, making it the 4th largest U.S. state by total area.
Population Statistics
Total Population
The population of Billings is approximately 110,000 people. The population of Montana is about 1 million people.
Demographics:
Gender
According to census data, the gender breakdown of Billings is:
- Male: 49%
- Female: 51%
Age Brackets
The age demographics of Billings, MT is:
- 0-18 years: 23%
- 19-35 years: 27%
- 36-50 years: 25%
- 51+ years: 25%
Occupations
Top occupations in Billings include:
- Office and administrative roles
- Sales related jobs
- Food preparation and services
- Education
- Healthcare