| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Addiction Resources Inc | 4337 West Indian School Road, Suite 107, Phoenix, AZ 85031 | (602) 233-9401 |
| Alpha Medical Service | 3825 North 24th Street Phoenix, AZ 85016 | (602) 955-7997 |
| Center for Behavioral Health | 1501 East Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85034 | |
| Center for Behavioral Hlth Phoenix Inc | 1501 East Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034 | (602) 253-6553 |
| Community Medical Services Larkspur | 2255 West Northern Avenue, Suite A-100, Phoenix, AZ 85021 | (602) 248-8886 |
| Community Medical Services 23rd Ave | 7830 N 23rd Ave Phoenix, AZ 85021 | |
| Community Medical Services Alpha | 3825 North 24th Street Phoenix, AZ 85016 | |
| Community Medical Services Camelback | 4527 N 27th Ave Phoenix, AZ 85017 | |
| Community Medical Services Inc | 2255 West Northern Avenue Suite A-100 Phoenix, AZ 85021 | |
| Community Medical Services Northern | 2301 W Northern Ave Phoenix, AZ 85021 |
Rules and Regulations
Phoenix adheres to strict regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Certification Procedures
- Methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state.
- Staff must meet educational and training requirements set by regulating bodies.
- Regular facility inspections enforce safety and treatment standards.
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
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide daily supervised methadone doses and counseling to support individuals in recovery from opioid addiction. The goal is to help patients gain stability so they can work, go to school, and engage in positive social relationships.
Insurance Coverage
Many clinics accept Medicaid and private insurance. Uninsured patients may qualify for state funding assistance if they meet income requirements. Some clinics offer uninsured patients treatment on a sliding fee scale based on income.
Drug Use in Phoenix
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Arizona specifically:
- Over 2,000 opioid overdose deaths occurred in 2020
- Heroin and prescription opioids are most commonly abused
- Fentanyl involved in overdose deaths increased by over 50% from 2019 to 2020
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
- Patients reside at the facility full-time for detox and counseling
- Typical stay is 28 days to 6 months
- Services include medical care, therapy, 12-step programs
Outpatient Treatment
- Patients undergo treatment while living at home
- Attend programs 3-5 days per week for several hours a day
- Receive group and individual counseling, medication
Treatment Level Unreported
- An estimated 10-20% of patients do not specify treatment level
- Likely a mix of inpatient and outpatient services
Comparison of Treatment in Phoenix vs. Tucson
| Category | Phoenix | Tucson |
| Treatment Facilities | 145 | 102 |
| Inpatient Beds | 1,102 | 796 |
| Cost of Treatment | $15,000/month | $10,000/month |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist medication used to treat opioid use disorder and prevent withdrawal symptoms. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and blocking euphoric effects if other opioids are used. Methadone is taken orally once daily in opioid treatment programs (OTPs).
Methadone activates opioid receptors as an agonist, preventing painful withdrawal symptoms without inducing a euphoric high. This allows people dependent on short-acting opioids like heroin to stabilize their lives and reduce the risk of overdose death. Methadone is only provided through OTPs with strict federal and state regulations to prevent diversion or misuse. Patients must visit the clinic daily to receive their dose under observation.
Methadone treatment has faced stigma due to misconceptions that it is simply replacing one addiction with another. However, research shows methadone helps people regain control of their lives. With reduced cravings and withdrawal symptoms, patients can focus on their health, relationships, and employment. Still, careful monitoring is necessary to ensure safety.
Methadone tricks the brain into thinking it is still getting the problem opioid by activating the same receptors. This stops withdrawal sickness. People don’t get high from the right dose of methadone, but if they add other opioids on top, an overdose can happen. Clinics watch patients take every dose to make sure the medication is not misused.
Methadone Distribution
Description of monitoring and regulations:
- Urine testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight tests in the first year of treatment to ensure no other illegal drugs are being used.
- Take-home requirements: During the first 90 days of treatment, the take-home supply of methadone is limited to just 1-2 doses per week. More take-homes are allowed over time if patients follow program rules and test negative for other drugs.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs have nurses, counselors, and doctors watching patients for signs of misuse. Dosages are adjusted carefully to avoid over-medication.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians check the state prescription database before prescribing methadone to ensure safe dosage based on other medications the patient is taking. Methadone has a narrow therapeutic window so mixing drugs can be dangerous.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947.
Evidence for Effectiveness
Studies show methadone reduces opioid use, disease transmission, and crime. Methadone patients have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests. They are also 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment, which reduces overdose risk and increases employment.
Major Drawbacks
However, methadone does carry risks including potential for misuse and diversion. Withdrawal symptoms after stopping methadone suddenly are more severe than with other opioids. Methadone may cause heart rhythm issues in some patients. It can also cause fatal respiratory depression if combined with alcohol or sedatives.
Comparison to Other Medications
Research shows methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective in reducing illicit opioid use.
Methadone is beneficial but requires careful monitoring and management to minimize risks.
About Phoenix
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Phoenix is the capital and largest city in the U.S. state of Arizona and the county seat of Maricopa County. It is located in central Arizona and borders the states of:
Capital and Largest City
Phoenix is the capital and most populous city in Arizona.
Land Area
Phoenix has a total area of 517.9 square miles.
Infrastructure
Phoenix has a major international airport, an extensive freeway system, and a rapidly developing public transportation system.
Population Statistics
Total Population
Phoenix has an estimated population of 1,660,272 as of 2020.
Demographics
Gender
- Male: 50.7%
- Female: 49.3%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 22.2%
- 18 to 64 years: 63.3%
- 65 years and over: 14.5%
Occupations
The most common occupations in Phoenix are:
- Office and administrative support
- Sales
- Food preparation and serving
- Transportation
- Management
