Rules and Regulations
Puyallup, Pierce County, Washington, 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 Washington State Department of Health.
Certification Procedures
- Clinics must be certified by SAMHSA
- Staff must meet educational and licensing requirements
- Regular facility inspections and audits
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Improves patient survival
- Increases retention in treatment
- Decreases illicit opioid use
- Lowers risk of infectious disease transmission
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to those with opioid use disorder. Clinics offer:
- Methadone dosing daily under supervision
- Counseling and behavioral therapies
- Referrals for health services like HIV and hepatitis C testing
The goal is to mitigate withdrawal symptoms, reduce opioid cravings, and allow people to focus on their recovery and overall health.
Insurance Coverage
Free Clinics
Some clinics offer free treatment based on patient income eligibility.
Public and Private Insurance Coverage Details
Most private insurance plans and Medicaid cover methadone treatment services following SAMHSA and state regulations. Coverage includes the cost of methadone, related medical examinations, lab tests, and counseling.
Drug Use in Puyallup
In 2017, the opioid crisis was declared a nationwide public health emergency by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Statistics on Drug Overdoses and Deaths
- In 2020, there were 388 drug overdose deaths in Pierce County. This was a 45% increase from 2019.
- The drugs most commonly involved in overdose deaths in 2020 were fentanyl (234 deaths) and methamphetamine (195 deaths).
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for 1-3 months. It includes medical detox, counseling, group therapy, medication management, and aftercare planning.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment allows the patient to live at home while attending 3-5 days a week for several hours at a time. Services include counseling, group therapy, medication management, and recovery coaching.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of people with a substance use disorder do not report their treatment level. Reasons may include perceived stigma, confidentiality concerns, or treatment through peer support groups.
Comparison of Treatment in Puyallup vs. Seattle
| Category | Puyallup | Seattle |
| Treatment facilities | 15 | 25 |
| Inpatient beds available | 300 | 500 |
| Cost of treatment | $15,000/month | $20,000/month |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is taken orally once daily in supervised opioid treatment programs (OTPs). It allows patients to function normally without the disruption of seeking out opioids.
Societal views on methadone are mixed. Some see it as trading one addiction for another. However, research shows that methadone treatment helps patients recover, obtain employment, and reduce disease transmission when properly monitored. Methadone itself does not produce euphoria when taken as prescribed. The OTP model provides structure missing during active addiction.
Methadone Distribution
Strict regulations govern methadone distribution:
- Urine Testing: Patients must pass at least 8 randomized urine tests in the first year to detect illicit drug use.
- Take-Home Doses: For the first 14 days, patients must take their daily methadone dose on-site at the clinic. As patients progress, they can earn take-home doses.
- Monitoring: A team including a doctor, nurse, and counselor checks progress and dosage needs.
- Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians should review state databases to coordinate care and prevent dangerous drug interactions.
In Puyallup, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance, available only through OTPs regulated by the Pierce County Opioid Treatment Authority and the Washington State Department of Health.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness
Methadone treatment is an effective MAT option to treat opioid addiction, used since 1947.
Studies display methadone’s benefits:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug screens
- 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment
- Retention reduces disease transmission risks and increases employment
However, risks require management:
- Potential misuse and diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- QTc prolongation or cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression if combined with other substances
About Puyallup
Location, County & Neighboring States
Puyallup is located in Pierce County in the U.S. state of Washington. It is situated about 5 miles east of Tacoma and 40 miles south of Seattle. Puyallup is bordered by the following counties:
- King County to the north
- Kittitas County to the east
- Lewis County to the south
- Thurston County to the west
Capital and Largest City
The capital and largest city in Washington is Seattle.
Land Area
Puyallup has a total area of 14.04 square miles.
Infrastructure
- Main highways: State Route 512 and State Route 167
- Public transit: Pierce Transit provides bus service.
Population Statistics
Total Population
The population of Puyallup was 41,884 at the 2020 census.
Demographics:
Gender
- 49.8% male
- 50.2% female
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 22.4%
- 18 to 65 years: 59.4%
- Over 65 years: 18.2%
Occupations
- Management/business/finance: 14.8%
- Sales: 11.4%
- Office/administrative support: 10.9%
- Production: 10.6%
- Education/training/library: 8.5%