Rules and Regulations
Arizona City, Pinal County, Arizona, United States 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
All clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state. Clinicians must complete special training and licensing procedures. Patients undergo medical examinations, lab tests, and addiction counseling before beginning treatment.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone and other medications coupled with counseling have been shown to:
- Reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings
- Allow people to focus on their health and participation in positive social activities
- Greatly reduces the risk of overdose and death
- Help people maintain employment and stable housing
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide daily doses of methadone and counseling to help treat opioid addiction. The medication prevents withdrawal symptoms for 24-36 hours. Over time, the proper dose helps eliminate cravings. Patients visit clinics daily until they meet certain goals and transition to less intensive treatment.
Insurance Coverage
Medicaid and many private insurance plans cover methadone treatment. Some clinics offer sliding-scale fees based on income for uninsured patients. Grants help fund low-cost and free treatment programs. Patients are advised to check with their insurance provider for specific coverage details for methadone maintenance therapy.
Drug Use in Arizona City
Opioid Crisis Declared Public Health Emergency
In 2017, the opioid crisis was declared a nationwide public health emergency. Arizona has been hit hard by this epidemic.
Statistics on Drug Overdoses and Deaths
- In 2020, there were 2,021 drug overdose deaths in Arizona, a 34% increase from 2019.
- Opioids were involved in 75% of these deaths.
- Pinal County’s overdose death rate was 24.5 per 100,000 in 2020.
Data on Prevalence of Different Substances
- Alcohol and marijuana are the most commonly used substances in Arizona.
- After alcohol, methamphetamine is the second most commonly cited drug among primary treatment admissions.
- Prescription opioids are the most common prescription drugs abused.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for 1-3 months. It includes medical detox, counseling, group therapy, etc.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment involves visiting a facility up to several times a week for counseling, therapy, etc.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of addicts in Arizona City receive some form of treatment, based on statewide data.
Comparison of Treatment in Arizona City vs. Phoenix
| Category | Arizona City | Phoenix |
| Treatment Facilities | 2 | 50+ |
| Inpatient Beds | 20 | 500+ |
| Cost of Treatment | $10,000+/month | $15,000+/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 the euphoric effects of other opioids. Methadone is taken orally once daily in liquid or tablet form. It is only provided through federally-regulated opioid treatment programs (OTPs), also known as methadone clinics. OTPs provide counseling and urine drug screening along with the medication in a structured environment to promote recovery.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is highly regulated to prevent misuse and diversion. Patients must meet DSM criteria for opioid use disorder and are started on a low dose which is gradually increased to determine the optimal maintenance dose. Urine drug testing and take-home requirements aim to ensure patient safety and compliance:
- Urine Testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight tests in the first year of treatment to detect continued opioid or other drug use which may require dose adjustments.
- Take-Home Requirements: During the first 14 days of treatment, the take-home supply of methadone is limited to a 24-hour supply which must be ingested daily at the clinic. After meeting certain criteria, take-home doses can gradually increase up to a 30-day supply.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and behavioral health counselors to coordinate care.
- Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians should review PDMP data to carefully cross-reference other opioid prescriptions with methadone dosage due to its narrow therapeutic index and overdose risk when combined with other CNS depressants.
In Arizona, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance, available legally only through OTPs for treating opioid dependence.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947. Studies show methadone reduces opioid use, disease transmission, and crime. Patients on methadone maintenance have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests and are 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment. Retention in treatment reduces overdose and disease transmission risk and increases employment.
However, methadone does carry risks including the potential for misuse and diversion, severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly, QTc prolongation and cardiac issues, as well as respiratory depression and overdose when combined with alcohol or benzodiazepines. It is equally as effective as buprenorphine for reducing illicit opioid use but requires more intensive structure and monitoring. With careful medical management, methadone saves lives by preventing complications of active opioid addiction.
About Arizona City
Location, Pinal County & Neighbouring States
Arizona City is located in Pinal County in south-central Arizona. The state of Arizona borders Utah, New Mexico, California, Nevada, Mexico, and the U.S. state of Sonora.
Capital and Largest City
The capital and largest city in Arizona is Phoenix.
Land Area
The land area of Arizona City is estimated to be around 31.9 square miles.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure in Arizona City includes:
- Roads and highways
- Water and electricity
- Some public parks
Population Statistics
Total Population
The population of Arizona City was estimated to be 10,475 as of 2018.
Gender
- Male: 51%
- Female: 49%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 20%
- 18 to 65 years: 52%
- Over 65 years: 28%
Occupations
- Office and administrative roles
- Sales related occupations
- Transportation and moving occupations
- Construction and mineral extraction jobs
