| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| York Pharmacotherapy Services | 104 Davies Drive York, PA 17402 |
Rules and Regulations
York adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics. These regulations govern clinic certification, operating standards, medication dispensing and more.
Certification Procedures
All methadone clinics must register with the DEA and acquire a certification of approval to operate from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Clinics must meet standards for counseling services, urine drug screening, record keeping, and diversion control.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone and other medication-assisted treatments for opioid addiction can:
- Reduce illicit opioid use and relapse rates
- Lower risk of overdose death
- Allow people to improve their health and social functioning
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to people diagnosed with an opioid use disorder. Patients are assessed by a doctor and prescribed methadone or buprenorphine to prevent withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. Regular counseling and urine testing are provided to support recovery.
Insurance Coverage
Public and private insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, typically cover methadone treatment. Some clinics offer treatment on a sliding scale based on income for uninsured patients.
Drug Use in York
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In York County specifically:
- There were 310 drug overdose deaths in 2021, a 45% increase from 2020
- Fentanyl and heroin are involved in over 80% of overdoses
- Prescription opioids contribute to 20% of overdose cases
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
- A typical stay is 28 days
- Services include medical detox, counseling, group therapy, medication
Outpatient Treatment
- 1-5 visits per week depending on patient needs
- Provided at clinics, private practices, community health centers
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated additional 20% of patients receive unofficial or unreported addiction treatment per year
Comparison of Treatment in York vs. Harrisburg, PA
| Category | York, PA | Harrisburg, PA |
| Treatment Facilities | 15 | 14 |
| Inpatient Beds | 120 | 190 |
| Cost of Treatment | $15,000 | $25,000 |
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.
Methadone treatment is controversial, with some viewing it as merely replacing one addiction with another. However, research shows it is an evidence-based treatment that reduces illicit opioid use, infectious disease transmission, and crime when patients are retained in treatment. Still, risks like diversion and overdose mean oversight is necessary.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is strictly regulated to prevent misuse. Monitoring includes:
- Urine Testing: Patients must pass at least 8 urine tests in the first treatment year to detect illicit drug use.
- Take-Home Doses: For the first 14 days, only a 24-hour methadone Supply is allowed. Over time, more take-homes are permitted for patients meeting requirements.
- Program Oversight: Interprofessional teams oversee dosing and patient progress.
- Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians should review state PDMP data to coordinate care and prevent dangerous drug interactions.
Methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance in PA and the U.S.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Research shows it is an effective MAT option.
Evidence for Effectiveness
Studies show participation in methadone treatment for at least one year:
- Reduces opioid-positive urine drug tests by 33%
- Increases treatment retention 4.44 times compared to non-medication treatments
- Retention reduces overdose risk and infectious disease transmission while improving employment rates
Major Drawbacks
- Potential for misuse/diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- QTc prolongation/cardiac side effects
- Respiratory depression/overdose if combined with other substances
About York
Location, York County & List of Neighboring States
York is located in south-central Pennsylvania in the County of York. It borders the following states:
Capital and Largest City
The capital and largest city in Pennsylvania is Philadelphia.
Land Area
York has a total land area of 919 square miles.
Infrastructure
York, Pennsylvania is located in York County and has a population of around 44,000. Its infrastructure includes a small airport, train station, public bus system, highways, hospitals, colleges, and utilities like water, sewer, electricity, and internet provided by private companies.
Population Statistics
Total Population
The total population of York is 434,972 residents (as of 2010 census).
Demographics:
Gender
- Male: 49%
- Female: 51%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 22.4%
- 18 to 65 years: 61.3%
- Over 65 years: 16.3%
Occupations
The top occupations in York are:
- Management, business, science, and arts: 32%
- Sales and office: 27%
- Service: 18%
- Production, transportation, and material moving: 16%
- Natural resources, construction, maintenance: 7%