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Wyoming adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Wyoming Department of Health Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Typical certification procedures cover aspects such as licensing, regular compliance inspections, personnel qualifications, dispensing protocols, inventory controls, security standards, and patient limits.
Clinics provide medication-assisted treatment using methadone, an opioid agonist medication that reduces cravings and blocks euphoric effects of other opioids. This allows people struggling with opioid addiction to regain stability and function while managing their recovery. Clinics dispense daily methadone doses under medical supervision along with counseling.
Insurance Coverage
Wyoming has limited Grant-funded methadone clinics offering free or affordable treatment based on financial hardship and lack of health insurance. More typical coverage options include:
- Medicaid: Wyoming Medicaid programs cover treatment costs, counseling, care coordination, and tests for eligible members subject to restrictions.
- Private Insurance: Some plans may cover portions subjected to deductibles, copays, prior authorization, exclusions based on the plan details. Coverage varies significantly.
Drug Use in Wyoming
Wyoming declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency in 2016 as deaths rose five-fold from 1999-2014. While rates have stabilized, emergence of fentanyl poses new threats with methamphetamine also problematic.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient facilities offer 24/7 supervised addiction care typically for 30-90 days. Services include counseling, therapy, case management, medical care, job training, and planning for community transition.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient provides therapy and support services for several hours at a time while living at home. Frequency starts higher then reduces over time for continuing care.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 30-50% battling addiction access some form of treatment not reflected in Wyoming data through tribal health, community centers, religious support, peer networks, etc.
Comparison of Treatment in Wyoming vs. Neighboring Major City
| Category | Cheyenne, WY | Denver, CO |
| Treatment Facilities | 25 | 160 |
| Inpatient Beds | 300 | 1,900 |
| Cost of Treatment | $5,000/month | $10,000/month |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and certified opioid treatment programs (OTPs) since 1947. As a full agonist, it activates opioid receptors enough to prevent withdrawals and reduce drug cravings without inducing a strong euphoric high. Views remain mixed on methadone treatment, though it serves to medically stabilize recovery by substituting controlled dosing for risky illicit opioid use. In layman’s terms, methadone provides therapeutic opioid effects to support addiction treatment efforts.
Methadone Distribution
Wyoming closely governs methadone distribution operations:
- Requiring at least 8 patient urine tests in the first year of treatment.
- Limiting initial take-home methadone to a 1-day medication Supply.
- Mandating OTPs utilize interprofessional teams overseeing dosing/care.
- Having clinicians cross-check the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program for informed methadone dosage adjustments considering its narrow therapeutic window.
Wyoming categorizes methadone as a Schedule II controlled substance, balancing its sanctioned medical purpose against potential for abuse.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Extensive evidence confirms methadone successfully reduces opioid misuse based on 33% fewer positive drug tests, boosts retention at over 4 times higher rates, and mitigates overdose, HIV, hepatitis C, and criminal risks by stabilizing patients in care. However, notable risks include diversion due to its controlled status, stopping suddenly causes severe withdrawal sickness, mixing sedatives increases overdose dangers, while cardiac issues rarely occur. Research deems methadone equally effective as buprenorphine for decreasing illicit opioid use when properly managed. In summary, methadone provides benefits yet requires vigilant oversight given its risks.
About Wyoming
Wyoming is located in the western United States, bordered by Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho. Its capital and largest city is Cheyenne. Wyoming spans 97,914 square miles containing 23 counties. Major infrastructure includes Interstates 25, 80, 90, and 189 along with airports and railroads facilitating trade.
Population Statistics
The estimated total population of Wyoming equals about 580,000 residents as of 2022.
Demographics indicate:
Gender: 49% female, 51% male
Age: 83% over 18 years old
- 17% under 18
- 15% over age 65
Occupations:
- 22% management, business, science, arts
- 12% both sales and office support
- 11% production, transportation
- 10% education, health care
- 9% food, cleaning, personal services
- 8% construction, maintenance