Methadone Clinics in Mesa

Name rehabsAddressPhone
Community Bridges Inc East Valley Addiction Recovery Center560 South Bellview Street Mesa, AZ 85204(480) 962-7711
Community Medical Services Mesa 6116 E Arbor Ave Suite 104 Mesa, AZ 85206
Community Medical Services Mesa on Main 2940 E Main Street Mesa, AZ 85213
New Hope Behavioral Health Center Inc215 South Power Road, Suite 114, Mesa, AZ 85206(480) 981-1022

Rules and Regulations

Mesa, located in Maricopa County, Arizona, adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act.

Certification Procedures

To be certified, clinics must:

  • Complete application requirements
  • Pass facility inspections
  • Have qualified staff
  • Follow security protocols

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

Methadone and other medication-assisted treatments for opioid addiction can:

  • Reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
  • Allow people to focus on their health and responsibilities
  • Lower risk of overdose and transmission of diseases
  • Pave the way for long-term recovery

How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose

Methadone clinics provide daily monitored doses of methadone to treat opioid dependence. The medication blocks the euphoric high and effects that reinforce addiction. Over time, medication can be gradually reduced. Ongoing counseling is key. The goal is harm reduction and support for long-term recovery.

Insurance Coverage

Public and private insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare, typically cover methadone treatment to some extent. Grants and state funding also help offset costs for uninsured patients at certain clinics and facilities. Those without insurance should inquire about sliding-scale options. Treatment should be accessible to all needing support for opioid addiction recovery.

Drug Use in Mesa

The opioid crisis was declared a public health emergency in Arizona in 2017. Key statistics on drug overdoses and deaths in Mesa include:

  • In 2020, there were 123 opioid overdose deaths in Mesa. This was a 45% increase from 2019.
  • Heroin overdose deaths increased by 67% from 2019 to 2020.
  • Fentanyl was involved in over 75% of opioid overdose deaths in 2020.

Addiction Treatment Overview

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for 1-3 months typically. It includes medical detox, counseling, group therapy, medication management, and aftercare planning.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment consists of services for 4-8 hours a day, 3-5 days a week, while the individual lives at home. It involves counseling, therapy, life skills groups, and drug testing.

Treatment Level Unreported

An estimated 18% of addiction treatment in Mesa is unreported. This includes support groups and informal counseling.

Comparison of Treatment in Mesa vs. Phoenix

CategoryMesaPhoenix
Treatment Facilities112248
Inpatient Beds1,3013,602
Cost of Treatment$15,000-$30,000$15,000-$30,000

Methadone Treatment

What is Methadone

Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. It is taken orally once per day and binds to opioid receptors, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) programs provide methadone doses along with counseling and other services. The goal is to stabilize patients, reduce illicit opioid use and associated risks like overdose and disease transmission, and improve overall functioning.

Societal perspectives on MMT are mixed. Some view it as “trading one addiction for another” while others see it as an evidence-based treatment. Explained simply, methadone is a prescription medication that makes people dependent on it, but at a stable dose that avoids cycles of intoxication and withdrawal caused by short-acting opioids. It does not produce euphoria when taken as prescribed.

Methadone Distribution

MMT programs are heavily regulated to prevent diversion and misuse:

  • Urine testing: Patients must undergo at least 8 random tests in the first year to ensure they are taking their prescribed methadone and avoiding illicit drugs.
  • Take-home doses: For the first 14 days, patients must take methadone at the clinic daily under observation. After meeting certain criteria, take-home doses can be earned up to a 30-day supply.
  • Monitoring: MMT programs should have an interprofessional team including counselors, social workers, and medical staff to coordinate care.
  • Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should check the state PDMP to ensure safe methadone dosage and avoid dangerous drug interactions.

In Mesa, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance requiring a prescription and is monitored by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy’s Controlled Substances Prescription Monitoring Program.

Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research

Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Studies show MMT is an effective treatment. Compared to no treatment, MMT results in 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests and makes patients 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment. Retention in treatment reduces overdose risk, disease transmission, and unemployment.

However, methadone does carry risks. It has the potential for misuse and diversion. Suddenly stopping methadone can cause severe withdrawal. It can prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk of cardiac issues. Combining methadone with other substances like benzodiazepines increases the risk of respiratory depression and overdose. Compared to buprenorphine, methadone has similar efficacy in reducing illicit opioid use but requires more careful oversight due to its higher overdose potential.

In conclusion, methadone is beneficial but also requires careful management due to its risks.

About Mesa

Location, County & List of Neighboring States

Mesa is located in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. It borders the following states:

Capital and Largest City

Phoenix is the capital and largest city in Arizona.

Land Area

Mesa has a total area of 133.14 square miles.

Infrastructure

Mesa has a council-manager form of government. The city provides police, fire, medical, library, parks and recreation, airport, street maintenance, utilities, and city jail services to its residents. Major highways include US 60 and Loop 101.

Population Statistics

Total Population

The population of Mesa was 508,958 as of 2020.

Demographics:

Gender

  • Male: 49.7%
  • Female: 50.3%

Age Brackets

  • Under 18 years: 24.4%
  • 18 to 64 years: 61.5%
  • 65 years and over: 14.1%

Occupations

The top occupations in Mesa are:

  • Management, business, science, and arts: 32.3%
  • Sales and office: 27.2%
  • Service: 18.1%
  • Production, transportation, and material moving: 11.5%
  • Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: 10.9%