| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| AltaPointe Health Systems Inc AltaPointe Medication Assisted Trt | 4211 Government Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36693 | (251) 666-2569 |
| ECD Program | 808 Downtowner Loop West Mobile, AL 36609 | |
| Mobile Metro Treatment Center | 1924 Dauphin Island Parkway Suite C Mobile, AL 36605 | (251) 476-5733 |
Rules and Regulations
Mobile, Alabama adheres to regulations from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) regarding operating standards for opioid treatment programs that administer methadone.
Certification Procedures
- Clinics must apply for certification from SAMHSA
- Staff must meet educational and licensing standards
- Regular inspections occur to ensure compliance
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment with methadone helps individuals recovering from opioid addiction by:
- Preventing painful withdrawal symptoms
- Reducing opioid cravings
- Allowing patients to focus on counseling and behavioral therapies
- Lowering the risk of overdose death
How Clinics Operate
Methadone clinics provide daily doses of methadone to patients along with counseling and other services. The goal is to help patients gain control over addiction and work towards recovery.
Insurance Coverage
Many clinics accept Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance. Some also offer payment assistance or lowered costs for patients without insurance.
Drug Use in Mobile
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Alabama specifically, there were 780 overdose deaths in 2020, a 27% increase from 2019. The most common drugs involved in these deaths were fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Some key statistics on substance use prevalence in Alabama:
- Alcohol – 47.7% of adults reported binge or heavy drinking in the past month
- Marijuana – 12.1% of people 12 and older reported using illicit drugs in the past year
- Opioids – The opioid prescribing rate is 80.9 per 100 persons
Addiction Treatment Overview in Mobile
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a rehab facility 24/7 for 1-3 months typically. It includes medical detox, individual and group counseling, medication management, aftercare planning, and more.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment allows the person to live at home while attending counseling and therapy sessions around 3 times per week for several hours a day. Sessions focus on managing cravings, building life skills, and preventing relapse.
Unreported Treatment
An estimated 10-20% of people with a drug or alcohol problem receive some type of treatment without specifying the treatment level. This may include support groups, limited counseling, or quitting without assistance (“cold turkey”).
Comparison of Treatment in Mobile vs. Birmingham
| Category | Mobile | Birmingham |
| Treatment Facilities | 25 | 32 |
| Inpatient Beds | 150 | 210 |
| Cost of Treatment | $10,000-$30,000 | $15,000-$35,000 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting opioid medication used to help treat opioid addiction disorder and dependence. It works as part of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program, prescribed and taken daily in an opioid treatment program (OTP) clinic. The goal of using methadone in treatment is to help curb opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms to allow patients to focus on their health, recovery, and overall well-being.
Society often stigmatizes methadone as just substituting one addiction for another, but many consider it an evidence-based and effective treatment that can save lives. While risks and side effects exist, benefits often outweigh them for most people with opioid use disorder when taken under medical guidance. Careful monitoring and safeguards aim to prevent misuse as well as overdose.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution and consumption are highly regulated for safety:
- Urine testing: Methadone patients undergo urine tests at least eight times in the first treatment year to check for additional substance use.
- Take-home doses: For the first two weeks, patients can only take one day’s dose home. After that, more take-home doses may be allowed for responsible patients showing progress.
- Monitoring: OTPs have medical teams overseeing dosing and monitoring for side effects and progress.
- Prescription checks: Clinicians also check the state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to ensure safe methadone doses alongside any other medications.
Mobile County currently classifies methadone as a Schedule II Controlled Substance.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947. Studies indicate:
Evidence for Effectiveness
Research shows methadone reduces opioid use, disease transmission from needle sharing, and some criminal activity related to drugs and addiction. Patients on MAT have:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests
- 4.44 higher odds of staying in treatment
- Lower mortality risk; retention in treatment also cuts overdose and disease transmission risks while raising employment odds
Major Drawbacks
Risks and downsides do exist – methadone at incorrect doses or mixed with other substances can be dangerous. It also carries risks like:
- Potential for misuse/diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Possible QTc prolongation/heart issues
- Respiratory depression and overdose danger when combined with other substances
Comparison to Other Medications
Methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective at reducing illicit opioid use in patients.
In summary, methadone offers evidence-based benefits but also risks requiring careful management under medical supervision.
About Mobile
Mobile is a port city located in Mobile County in the state of Alabama, United States.
Location, County & Neighboring States
Mobile is located in southwest Alabama along the Gulf of Mexico. Mobile County borders the following states:
Capital & Largest City
Mobile is the county seat of Mobile County and is both the capital and largest city in the county.
Land Area
The total land area of Mobile is 139 square miles.
Infrastructure
Key infrastructure in Mobile includes:
- Port of Mobile
- Mobile Regional Airport
- Interstate 10
- Railroads
Population Statistics
Total Population
The total population of Mobile is 188,915 (2010 census).
Demographics
Gender
- Male: 47%
- Female: 53%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 22%
- 18 to 65 years: 62%
- Over 65 years: 16%
Occupations
Top occupations in Mobile:
- Management, business, science, and arts: 31%
- Sales and office: 24%
- Service: 17%
- Production, transportation, and material moving: 14%
