| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services CD Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit | 291 Elm Street Buffalo, NY 14203 | (716) 854-2977 |
| CAO/Drug Abuse Research and Trt Prog (DART) | 1237 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14209 | (716) 884-9101x208 |
| City View Trt Ctr Sheehan Mem Hospital CD Inpatient Treatment Program | 425 Michigan Avenue Buffalo, NY 14203 | (716) 848-2222 |
| Community Action Organization Drug Abuse Research and Treatment Program (DART) | 1237 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14209 | |
| Erie County Medical Center Corporation Alcoholism Acute Care Program | 462 Grider Street 9th Floor Buffalo, NY 14215 | (716) 898-3137 |
| Horizon Health Services Inc Addictions Outpt Clinic/Bailey LaSalle | 3297 Bailey Avenue 1st Floor Buffalo, NY 14215 | (716) 833-3622 |
| Lake Shore Behavioral Health Inc Drug Free Resid Prog for Women | 232-262 Hempstead Avenue Buffalo, NY 14215 | (716) 831-7877x213 |
| Monsignor Carr Institute Outpatient Clinic | 76 West Humboldt Parkway Buffalo, NY 14214 | (716) 835-9745 |
| Pathways a Dept. of Sisters of Charity H | 158 Holden Ave Buffalo, NY 14214 | (716) 862-1330 |
| Sisters of Charity Hospital | 158 Holden Avenue Buffalo, NY 14214 | (716) 862-1330 |
Rules and Regulations
Buffalo, Erie County adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, as outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).
Certification Procedures
- Clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by OASAS
- Staff must meet educational and licensing requirements
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Methadone and other medications help treat opioid addiction
- Reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Allows people to focus on their recovery and rebuild their lives
How Clinics Operate
- Provide methadone or other medication doses under medical supervision
- Offer counseling and behavioral therapies
- Conduct drug testing and monitoring
- Help people work toward recovery goals
Insurance Coverage
- Many clinics accept Medicaid and other insurance plans
- Some clinics offer treatment on an income-based sliding scale for those without insurance
- Uninsured patients may also qualify for state or federally-funded treatment
Drug Use in Buffalo
The opioid crisis has been declared a public health emergency in Erie County. According to the Erie County Department of Health:
- There were 530 opioid overdose deaths in Erie County in 2021, a 15% increase from 2020.
- Fentanyl was involved in 83% of opioid overdose deaths.
- Heroin overdoses decreased by 33% while overdoses involving fentanyl increased by 31%.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for 1-3 months. It includes detox, counseling, group therapy, medical care, and aftercare planning.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment provides services for 4-8 hours a day, 3-7 days a week while living at home. It includes therapy, support groups, and relapse prevention education.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of those seeking treatment do not report the level, making exact numbers difficult to track.
Comparison of Treatment in Buffalo vs. Rochester
| Criteria | Buffalo | Rochester |
| Treatment Facilities | 112 | 32 |
| Inpatient Beds | 850 | 425 |
| Cost of Treatment | $15,000/month | $10,000/month |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is an opioid medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, also known as opioid treatment programs (OTPs), to treat opioid use disorder. It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing patients to focus on recovery.
Methadone is a long-acting opioid taken orally once daily that relieves cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This allows patients to function normally without the disruption of actively using opioids. OTPs provide counseling and require frequent urine drug screening to monitor progress. The goal is full recovery through comprehensive treatment.
Methadone treatment is controversial, with some viewing it as merely replacing one opioid with another. However, research shows MAT with methadone significantly improves outcomes versus no treatment. Many now see it as an important tool in combating the opioid epidemic when combined with counseling and monitoring. Still, stigma remains an obstacle for some patients.
Simply put, methadone is an opioid medication that tricks the brain into thinking it’s still getting the problem opioid. This stops withdrawals and cravings. Over time, the patient can achieve recovery with counseling.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone is a controlled substance due to risks of misuse. OTPs provide daily doses under observation and with strict monitoring. This ensures proper use as prescribed. Patients must follow program rules to earn take-home doses.
- Urine testing: At least eight tests are required in the first treatment year to detect illicit drug use.
- Take-home requirements: Limited to a 1-day Supply in the first 14 days. More take-homes were allowed over time with demonstrated progress.
- Monitoring: OTPs have doctors, counselors, and nurses to coordinate comprehensive treatment plans.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Providers review state prescription data to avoid methadone interactions with other medications. Methadone has a narrow therapeutic window.
Opioids, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens – classified Schedule I-V per federal and New York state laws
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947. Studies show methadone reduces opioid use, disease transmission, and crime when combined with monitoring and counseling.
Evidence for Effectiveness
Studies show patients on methadone maintenance have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests versus no treatment. They are also 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment, which reduces overdose risk and disease transmission while improving employment.
Major Drawbacks
Potential for misuse/diversion exists. Withdrawal is more severe if stopped suddenly versus other opioids. Some risk of QTc prolongation and cardiac issues. Also respiratory depression/overdose if combined with other substances.
Comparison to Other Medications
Methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective in reducing illicit opioid use.
Methadone has demonstrated benefits but also risks requiring careful management under monitoring to improve outcomes.
About Buffalo
Buffalo is a city located in Erie County in the state of New York in the United States. It borders Lake Erie to the west and the Niagara River and Canada to the north and east.
Location, County & Neighboring States
Buffalo is located in western New York state. It is the county seat of Erie County. New York state borders Pennsylvania to the south, New Jersey and Connecticut to the east, Massachusetts to the northeast, Vermont to the north, and Ontario, Canada to the northwest.
Capital & Largest City
Albany is the capital of New York, while New York City is the largest city. Buffalo is the second largest city in the state.
Land Area
The land area of the City of Buffalo is 52.5 square miles.
Infrastructure
- Public transportation: bus, light rail, commuter rail
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport
- Major highways: I-90, I-190, NY State Route 5
- Shipping ports on Lake Erie and the Niagara River
Population Statistics
Total Population
The population of Buffalo is 278,349 as of the 2020 census.
Demographics
- Gender: 48.6% male, 51.4% female
- Age: 60.2% ages 18-64, 19.3% under 18, 20.5% age 65+
- Occupations: top occupations are office administration, sales, food preparation & services, healthcare, education