Filtered by:
- Rules and regulations: Ohio adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Ohio State Board of Pharmacy.
- Certification procedures involve licensing reviews, staff credential checks, security measures, patient care protocols, and reporting standards.
- Benefits of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with methadone include reduced opioid cravings, decreased illicit opioid use, and lower overdose mortality rates.
- Clinics provide daily supervised methadone dosing, drug testing, individual and group counseling, case management, and aftercare planning to support recovery.
Insurance Coverage
- Free clinics: Some clinics offer free treatment or discounted rates based on patient income and hardship.
- Public and private insurance coverage details: Most clinics accept Medicaid, Medicare and various private insurance plans. However, coverage for methadone therapy can vary by plan regarding co-pays, preauthorization rules, and covered treatment services. Uninsured patients may qualify for state-funded addiction treatment to cover methadone costs.
Drug Use in Ohio
- Ohio’s opioid crisis was declared a public health emergency in 2017.
- In 2021, there were over 5,000 overdose deaths, a majority involving fentanyl. Methamphetamine and cocaine deaths also increased sharply.
- Ohio reports widespread issues with heroin, prescription opioids, and alcohol abuse.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
- Inpatient facilities provide 24/7 supervised medical detox and care including counseling, group therapy, case management, and discharge planning.
- Typical stays range from 30 days to 6 months depending on condition severity.
Outpatient Treatment
- Outpatient programs provide scheduled addiction therapy and medication management while patients live independently.
- Treatment usually involves 1-5 visits weekly for several hours per visit.
Treatment Level Unreported
Approximately 18% of Ohioans receiving addiction treatment do not specify inpatient or outpatient services.
Comparison of Treatment in Ohio vs. Neighboring Major City
| Category | Columbus, OH | Pittsburgh, PA |
| # of treatment facilities | 95 | 123 |
| Inpatient beds available | 1,301 | 1,769 |
| Cost per day | $300-900 | $250-850 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
- Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. It activates receptors, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- There are differing views on methadone treatment. Supporters emphasize its benefits while critics argue substituting one opioid for another.
- In layman’s terms, methadone relieves symptoms of opioid addiction in a medical setting to allow functioning.
Methadone Distribution
- Methadone distribution follows strict federal and state regulations:
- Urine testing: Patients must complete at least 8 random urine screens in the first treatment year.
- Take-home requirements: Up to 1 week Supply permitted after 90 days compliant treatment.
- Monitoring: Interdisciplinary teams oversee dosing, counseling, case management and discharge planning.
- Prescription monitoring: Clinicians review PDMP data to coordinate care safely.
- In Ohio, methadone is a DEA Schedule II controlled substance.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been an effective treatment for opioid addiction since 1947.
Evidence for Effectiveness
Studies demonstrate methadone reduces opioid use, HIV risk behaviors, and recidivism:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests
- 4.44 times more likely to remain in treatment
Treatment retention lowers overdose risk while improving employment rates.
Major Drawbacks
- Potential for misuse and diversion
- Difficult withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly
- Risk of QTc prolongation and cardiac dysfunction
- Respiratory depression or overdose when combined with CNS depressants
Comparison to Other Medications
Research indicates methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective for lowering illicit opioid use.
Conclusion
Methadone has evidence of benefits yet also risks requiring careful oversight.
About Ohio
- Ohio is located in the Midwestern United States, bordering Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Lake Erie.
- The capital and largest city is Columbus.
- Ohio covers 44,825 square miles of land area.
- Major infrastructure includes highways, commercial airports, freight rail, and inland waterway systems.
Population Statistics
As of the 2020 census, Ohio has a population of 11,799,448 residents.
Demographics:
Gender:
51% female, 49% male
Age brackets:
- 21% under 18
- 59% between 18-65
- 20% over 65
Top Occupations:
- Management, Business, Science & Arts
- Sales & Office Occupations
- Production, Transportation, Material Moving Occupations