Name rehabs Address Phone
CDHS Inc214 Billings Street Suite 240 Arlington, TX 76010(817) 652-1004
Chemical Dependency Health Services 214 Billings St #240 Arlington, TX 76010
Millwood Hospital1011 North Cooper Street Arlington, TX 76011(817) 261-3121
Symetria Recovery2623 Matlock Rd, Arlington, TX 76015(866) 288-5503

Rules and Regulations

Arlington, Tarrant County, Texas, United States adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Certification Procedures

All methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state. Certification requirements include security and diversion control, patient admission criteria, and ongoing quality assurance protocols. Staff must also meet educational and training standards.

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

Methadone and other medication-assisted treatments for opioid addiction can:

  • Reduce illicit opioid use and overdose deaths
  • Help patients function and participate in society
  • Lower the risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis

How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose

Methadone clinics provide daily doses of methadone to treat opioid dependence. The medication blocks the euphoric effects of opioids, prevents withdrawal symptoms, and reduces cravings without sedating or stimulating effects. Counseling is also offered to help patients change behaviors and cope with life’s issues.

Insurance Coverage

Most private insurance plans and Medicaid cover methadone treatment. Some clinics also offer treatment on a sliding scale based on income.

Drug Use in Arlington

The opioid crisis declared a public health emergency

In 2017, the opioid crisis was declared a nationwide public health emergency. The crisis has impacted communities across the country, including Arlington.

Statistics on Drug Overdoses and Deaths

  • In 2020, there were 437 drug overdose deaths in Tarrant County. This is a 45% increase from 2015.
  • The most commonly abused substances in Tarrant County are alcohol, marijuana, methamphetamine, opioids, and cocaine.
  • Alcohol accounts for the most emergency room visits and deaths, followed by methamphetamine.

Addiction Treatment Overview

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment involves staying at a rehab facility for 24/7 care and monitoring. Programs typically last 30-90 days. Services include medical detox, counseling, group therapy, medication management, and aftercare planning.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment allows the patient to live at home while attending regular treatment sessions (3-5 days per week for several hours a day). Services are similar to inpatient but on a less intensive schedule.

Treatment Level Unreported

Around 11% of treatment admissions in Arlington have an unreported treatment level according to SAMHSA. This suggests gaps in local data collection.

Comparison of Treatment in Arlington vs. Dallas

City Facilities Inpatient Beds Cost
Arlington 15 128 $10,000-$20,000
Dallas 73 1,032 $15,000-$30,000

Methadone Treatment

What is Methadone

Methadone is a medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. It is an opioid agonist, meaning it binds to the same opioid receptors in the brain as opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers. However, it has a slower onset and longer duration of action, preventing withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings without producing a strong high. Methadone is dispensed through opioid treatment programs (OTPs) that provide counseling and require regular drug testing and clinic visits to monitor progress.

Societal views on methadone are mixed. Some see it as “trading one addiction for another” and stigmatizing methadone patients. However, methadone relieves withdrawal symptoms, blocks euphoric effects of other opioids, and allows patients to function normally and focus on recovery when prescribed correctly. It is an evidence-based treatment for a chronic medical disorder. Addiction is a disease, not a moral failure, and MAT helps patients regain control of their health.

Methadone Distribution

Methadone distribution through OTPs is heavily regulated to prevent misuse. Patients must visit the clinic daily to receive their dose under observation in the beginning. Urine drug tests are done at least 8 times in the first year to ensure patients are not using other illicit substances. After 90 days of compliant treatment, take-home doses can be permitted for up to 27 days if patients meet certain criteria like negative drug tests. An interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and counselors monitors each patient’s progress and coordinates care. Clinicians also check the state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program before prescribing to ensure safe opioid dosing, as methadone has a narrow therapeutic window.

In Arlington, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance.

Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research

Methadone maintenance treatment has been used since 1947 and is an effective medication for opioid use disorder. Studies show methadone reduces opioid use, disease transmission, and crime when used correctly. Patients in methadone treatment have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests and are 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment compared to placebo. Retention in treatment reduces the risk of overdose and disease transmission while increasing employment opportunities.

However, methadone does carry risks including the potential for misuse and diversion, severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly, QTc prolongation and cardiac issues, respiratory depression, and overdose when combined with benzodiazepines or alcohol. It may also cause drowsiness or constipation as side effects. Additionally, its effects are comparable to buprenorphine, another medication for opioid use disorder.

In conclusion, methadone is a well-established treatment for opioid addiction but requires careful monitoring and management to maximize benefits and minimize harm.

About Arlington

Location, County & List of Neighboring States

Arlington is located in Tarrant County, Texas, United States. The neighboring states are:

Capital and Largest City

The capital and largest city in Texas is Austin.

Land Area

The land area of Arlington is 99.7 square miles.

Infrastructure

Arlington has a developed infrastructure that includes:

  • Major highways and interstates
  • Public transportation
  • International airports
  • Parks and recreational areas

Population Statistics

Total Population

According to the 2020 census, the population of Arlington was 398,112.

Demographics

Gender

  • Male: 49.8%
  • Female: 50.2%

Age Brackets

  • Under 18 years: 24.1%
  • 18 to 64 years: 62.5%
  • 65 years and over: 13.4%

Occupations

The top occupations in Arlington are:

  • Management, business, science, and arts: 32.8%
  • Sales and office: 27.4%
  • Service: 18.5%
  • Production, transportation, and material moving: 12.7%