Rules and Regulations
Fremont adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, as outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the California Department of Health Care Services.
Certification Procedures
- Methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state health department
- Staff must meet educational and licensing requirements
- Regular facility inspections are conducted
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with methadone helps individuals with opioid use disorder by:
- Preventing painful withdrawal symptoms
- Reducing opioid cravings
- Allowing patients to focus on recovery and rehabilitation
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide daily supervised methadone dosing and counseling to support recovery from opioid dependence. The ultimate purpose is to help patients achieve lasting sobriety and improved health.
Insurance Coverage
- Medicaid and Medicare cover methadone treatment
- Most private insurance plans cover treatment under federal parity laws
- Some low-cost and free treatment options are available for uninsured patients
Drug Use in Fremont
In 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency.
Statistics on Drug Overdoses and Deaths
- In 2020, there were an estimated 104,288 drug overdose deaths in the United States, including 750 in Alameda County.
- The most common drugs involved in overdose deaths nationally in 2020 were synthetic opioids like fentanyl, followed by stimulants like methamphetamine.
Data on Prevalence of Different Substances
- An estimated 13.6 million people aged 12 or older misused opioids in 2019 in the U.S.
- An estimated 5.5 million people misuse stimulants.
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 discharge planning.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment involves periodic services for 1-2 hours at a time while living at home. It includes counseling, group therapy, and medication management.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 2.7 million people received treatment at an unknown level in 2019, per SAMHSA.
Comparison to Oakland
| Category | Fremont | Oakland |
| Treatment Facilities | 25 | 35 |
| Inpatient Beds | 500 | 650 |
| Cost of Treatment | $15,000 | $25,000 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, also known as opioid treatment programs (OTPs), to treat opioid use disorder. It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing patients to focus on recovery.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. Some view it as merely replacing one opioid with another. However, research shows methadone enables patients to hold jobs, avoid disease transmission, and reduce criminal behavior when properly managed.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is strictly regulated to prevent misuse:
- Urine Testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight random urine tests in the first year to detect illicit drug use.
- Take-Home Requirements: During the first 14 days, take-home methadone is limited to a one-day supply. More take-homes are allowed over time for patients who follow program rules.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team including counselors, social workers, and nurses to provide comprehensive care.
- Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians should review prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to carefully manage methadone dosage, as it has a narrow therapeutic window.
In Fremont and Alameda County, methadone is a Schedule II controlled prescription drug.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Studies show it is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder. Evidence includes:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests for patients in a methadone program
- Patients were 4.44 times more likely to stay in methadone treatment compared to non-medication treatments
- Retention in treatment reduces overdose risk, and disease transmission from IV drug use, and increases employment
However, methadone does carry risks:
- Potential for misuse/diversion of medication
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Possible QTc prolongation/cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression/overdose when combined with other substances
Research shows methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective in reducing illicit opioid use. Overall, methadone provides benefits but requires careful management to minimize risks.
About Fremont
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Fremont is located in Alameda County in the state of California, United States. California borders Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, the Pacific Ocean, and the country of Mexico.
Capital and Largest City
- Capital of California: Sacramento
- Largest city in California: Los Angeles
Land Area
The land area of Fremont is 77.8 square miles.
Infrastructure
Fremont has a major regional hospital, an Amtrak station, and a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station.
Population Statistics
Total Population
As of 2021, the population of Fremont was 242,898.
Demographics
Gender
- Male: 51.1%
- Female: 48.9%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 21.5%
- 18 to 64 years: 66.7%
- 65 years and over: 11.8%
Occupations
Top occupations in Fremont:
- Computer and Mathematical: 17.3%
- Management: 11.4%
- Business and Financial Operations: 10.2%
