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Rules and regulations: New Jersey adheres to strict regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the state’s Department of Health. These rules ensure safe, effective treatment practices.
Clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state health department. Staff must complete regular training on best practices.
Methadone and buprenorphine effectively treat opioid addiction by relieving withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. Studies show MAT leads to better patient outcomes.
Clinics provide daily supervised methadone doses and counseling to support recovery. The ultimate goal is to help patients gain control of their health.
Insurance Coverage
Uninsured patients may qualify for free or low-cost treatment at state-funded clinics. These clinics help expand access.
Most private health plans and Medicaid cover MAT. Co-pays, prior authorization requirements, and covered medications vary by plan. Clinics can help patients understand their options.
Drug Use in New Jersey
In 2017, Gov. Phil Murphy declared the opioid epidemic a public health crisis.
Statistics on drug overdoses and deaths:
- In 2021, there were 2,771 suspected drug overdose deaths in NJ. Overdose deaths increased 22% from 2020.
- Opioids were involved in 81% of drug overdose deaths. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of OD fatalities.
An estimated 855,000+ NJ residents need treatment for a substance use disorder. Over 5% misuse opioids; nearly 8% misuse marijuana.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a specialty treatment facility 24/7 for 1-3 months.
Treatment utilizes counseling, group therapy, medication, holistic therapies to promote recovery.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment allows the patient to live at home while attending treatment sessions.
Sessions held 1-5 days a week for several hours a day at a treatment center.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 18% of NJ residents receiving SUD treatment did not have treatment level reported in 2021.
Comparison of Treatment in New Jersey vs. Neighboring Major City
| Category | New Jersey | New York City |
| # of treatment facilities | Over 650 | Over 800 |
| Inpatient beds available | 5,000+ | 6,500+ |
| Cost of treatment | $6,000-$20,000+ per month | $10,000-$30,000+ per month |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It binds to opioid receptors, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Opinions on methadone are mixed. Some view it as “trading one addiction for another.” But evidence shows methadone helps individuals recover.
Methadone tricks the brain into thinking it is still getting the problem opioid. This stabilizes patients and blocks the high from other opioids.
Methadone Distribution
Description of monitoring and regulations:
- Urine testing: Patients must undergo at least eight urine tests in the first treatment year to ensure compliance.
- Take-home requirements: For the first 14 days, take-home methadone is restricted to a 24-hour Supply. More take-homes allowed over time.
- Monitoring: Clinics have interprofessional teams providing medical and counseling services.
- Prescription monitoring: Providers check PDMP data to coordinate care and avoid dangerous drug interactions.
Methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance, indicating potential for abuse but medical utility.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947. Studies validate its efficacy:
Evidence for Effectiveness
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug screens for patients on methadone therapy
- 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment vs non-medication treatment
- Retention in treatment reduces disease transmission risks and boosts employment
Major Drawbacks
- Potential for misuse and diversion to the illicit market
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Cardiac issues and overdose risk when combined with other substances
Comparison to Other Medications:
Equally effective as buprenorphine
Conclusion:
Benefits but also risks requiring careful management
About New Jersey
New Jersey is located in the Northeastern United States. It shares borders with New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. It has 21 counties.
The capital of New Jersey is Trenton. Its largest city is Newark.
New Jersey covers 8,721 square miles of land area.
New Jersey has an extensive transportation system including highways, rail, ports, and airports. The Port of New York and New Jersey is one of the busiest ports in the U.S.
Population Statistics
New Jersey has a population of about 9.3 million residents.
Demographics:
Gender:
51% female, 49% male
Age brackets
- 18 and under: 22%
- 19-64 years old: 60%
- 65 and older: 18%
Top occupations include office/administrative roles, sales, food service, healthcare, transportation, education, business/finance, etc. The largest employer is the state government.