| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery Metro Treatment Center | 4303 Norman Bridge Road Montgomery, AL 36105 | (334) 288-5363 |
| Montgomery Metro Treatment Center | 6001 East Shirley Lane Montgomery, AL 36117 |
Rules and Regulations
Montgomery adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by agencies like the DEA and the Alabama Department of Mental Health. These regulations cover areas like dispensing, record-keeping, security, and more.
Certification Procedures
Methadone clinics must be certified by the DEA and accredited by national organizations like CARF to operate. Staff must complete specific training programs as well. Clinics must renew certifications periodically.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone and other MAT medications allow those with opioid addictions to manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and avoid risky/illegal behavior. MAT gives people stability so they can focus on other areas of their life and recovery.
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide daily supervised methadone doses to those enrolled in their treatment programs. The purpose is to support recovery from opioid addictions. Participants receive counseling and case management services as well.
Insurance Coverage
Medicaid and Medicare may cover methadone treatment costs for those who qualify. Some private insurers like BlueCross BlueShield also provide coverage. Uninsured patients may seek assistance through government grants or clinic payment plans.
Free Clinics
Some clinics offer free treatment based on patient needs and income eligibility. These clinics are often funded by government grants and private donations.
Drug Use in Montgomery
Opioid crisis declared public health emergency
- In 2017, Alabama had the highest opioid prescription rate in the nation at 121 prescriptions per 100 persons (CDC)
- 877 overdose deaths in Alabama in 2021, a 45% increase from 2020 (ADPH)
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
- Residential facility with 24/7 medical and counseling services
- Typical stay 30-90 days
- Detoxification, therapy, counseling, life skills education
Outpatient Treatment
- Periodic services at a facility for 1-5 visits per week
- Individual and group counseling, medication management
- Located in local communities
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 16,000 people per year receive some form of treatment in Montgomery County (SAMHSA)
Comparison of Treatment in Montgomery vs. Birmingham
| Category | Montgomery | Birmingham |
| Treatment Facilities | 32 | 54 |
| Inpatient Beds | 289 | 521 |
| Cost of Treatment | $15,000 | $25,000 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist medication used to treat opioid use disorder and dependence. As medication-assisted treatment (MAT), methadone helps prevent opioid withdrawal and reduces drug cravings by activating opioid receptors in the brain, similar to other opioid drugs. Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) provide methadone doses daily for patients to take orally under supervision.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment explain both the benefits and risks involved. When used properly, methadone allows patients to function normally and reduce high-risk behaviors like needle sharing. However, methadone does have misuse potential and can lead to overdose when combined with other substances. Careful monitoring and dosage adjustments are necessary.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution through OTPs is heavily regulated with required monitoring to prevent misuse:
- Urine testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight random drug tests in the first year of treatment to detect additional substance use.
- Take-home requirements: During the first 14 days of treatment, the take-home supply of methadone is limited to just a 24-hour dose. After 90 days of compliant treatment, patients may receive a maximum 1-month supply.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and counselors to oversee patient progress.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to carefully cross-reference other opioid medications and avoid dangerous drug interactions.
In Montgomery, Alabama, methadone is a Schedule II controlled prescription drug, with extra regulations on prescribing and dispensing.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder that has been used since 1947.
Evidence for Effectiveness
Multiple studies validate using methadone MAT for opioid addiction treatment:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests for patients in MAT
- 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment compared to non-medication treatments
- Retention in treatment reduces overdose risk, and HIV transmission from needle sharing, and increases employment
Major Drawbacks
However, methadone does carry risks:
- Potential for misuse/diversion for non-medical use
- Severe withdrawal if treatment is stopped suddenly
- Possible QTc prolongation or cardiac arrhythmia issues
- Respiratory depression or overdose when combined with alcohol or other medications
Comparison to Other Medications
Methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective in reducing illicit opioid use.
Methadone has demonstrated benefits but also risks requiring careful management.
About Montgomery
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Montgomery is the capital and second largest city of the U.S. state of Alabama. It is located in Montgomery County in the Gulf Coastal Plain region. Alabama shares borders with the following states:
Capital and Largest City
Montgomery serves as the capital and second largest city after Birmingham in Alabama.
Land Area
Montgomery has a total area of 156.2 square miles.
Infrastructure
The city has an international airport, is connected by interstates and railroads, and has infrastructure to support state government operations as well as businesses.
Population Statistics
Total Population
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated Montgomery’s population to be 200,603 as of 2019.
Demographics
Gender
- Male: 47.1%
- Female: 52.9%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 23.1%
- 18 to 64 years: 62.7%
- 65 years and over: 14.2%
Occupations
Major occupations in Montgomery include healthcare, government, and manufacturing. Other occupations are finance, education, retail trade, construction, business services, hospitality and food service.
