| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Behavioral Health Services | 1515 East Cedar Avenue Suite E-2, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86004 | (928) 7794-550 |
Coconino adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Arizona Department of Health Services 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
Coconino has limited grant-funded methadone clinics offering free or affordable treatment based on financial hardship and lack of health insurance. Typical coverage options include:
- Medicaid: Arizona 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, exclusions based on the plan details. Coverage varies significantly.
Drug Use in Coconino
- The opioid crisis was declared a nationwide public health emergency in 2017
- In 2020 there were over 100 drug overdose deaths reported in Coconino, a 30% increase from 2019
- The most commonly abused substances are prescription opioids, heroin, methamphetamine and alcohol
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
- 24/7 medically-managed detoxification and behavioral therapy in a residential facility
- Typical stays range from 1-3 months
- Services include medical care, counseling, group therapy, aftercare planning
Outpatient Treatment
- Part-time services at a treatment center for 4-8 hours a week
- Includes counseling, group therapy, medication management
Treatment Level Unreported
Estimated significant number receive treatment not tracked in official statistics
Comparison of Treatment in Coconino vs. Neighboring Major City
| Category | Coconino County | Major City |
| Treatment Centers | 12 | 32 |
| Inpatient Beds | 150 | 850 |
| Cost of Treatment | $15,000/month | $25,000/month |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
- Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). It binds to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking euphoric effects of other opioids and relieving withdrawal symptoms.
- Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. While it does help many people recover, some view it as merely substituting one opioid for another.
- In layman’s terms, methadone tricks the brain into thinking it is still getting the problem opioid, allowing people dependent on opioids to function normally and stabilize their lives.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is strictly monitored:
- Urine testing: Patients must undergo at least eight urine tests for illicit drugs in the first year of treatment.
- Take-home requirements: During the first 14 days, the methadone take-home supply is limited to a 24-hour dose.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs require an interprofessional team including counseling and medical staff.
- Prescription monitoring: Clinicians review PDMP data to carefully titrate dosing, as methadone has a narrow therapeutic window.
In Coconino, methadone is a Schedule II controlled prescription drug.
(Details from AZ PDMP and ONDCP)
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used effectively since 1947 to treat OUD.
Evidence shows methadone reduces opioid use, disease transmission, and crime:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests
- 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment
Staying in treatment reduces overdose risk and increases employment.
However, methadone does have some drawbacks:
- Potential for misuse and diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Possible QTc prolongation or cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression/overdose risk when combined with other substances
- Research shows methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective for reducing illicit opioid use.
- In conclusion, methadone has demonstrated benefits but also risks requiring careful management.
About Coconino
- Located in north-central Arizona, Coconino County shares borders with Utah, Nevada, and New Mexico states as well as the Navajo Nation.
- The county seat and largest city is Flagstaff.
- Coconino County covers 18,661 square miles, making it the second-largest county by area in the contiguous United States.
- Infrastructure includes Interstate 40 and 17, historic Route 66, railroads, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport and Grand Canyon National Park Airport.
Population Statistics
The population of Coconino County is approximately 141,500 as of 2020 US Census data.
Gender demographics: 49% male, 51% female
Age brackets:
- 18% under 18
- 75% age 18-65
- 7% over 65
Major occupations:
- 26% education, healthcare and social services
- 14% arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services
- 13% retail trade
