Rules and Regulations
Concord, California adheres to strict state and federal regulations regarding methadone clinics. These regulations aim to ensure the safe administration of medication-assisted treatment.
Certification Procedures
- Clinics must be certified by the State Methadone Authority as well as accredited by an independent agency
- Staff must meet educational and licensing requirements
- Regular facility inspections occur to ensure standards are met
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment with methadone helps individuals recover from opioid addiction. It curbs withdrawal and cravings, allowing people to focus on counseling and behavioral therapies to promote long-term recovery.
How Clinics Operate
Clinics provide daily monitored methadone doses and counseling to clients. The goal is to help clients achieve sobriety and productive lifestyles. Participants must follow program rules and regulations.
Insurance Coverage
Many private insurance plans and Medicaid cover methadone treatment. Those without insurance may qualify for state-funded treatment slots.
Drug Use in Concord
The Opioid Crisis Declared Public Health Emergency
- In 2017, the opioid epidemic was declared a nationwide public health emergency by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- According to the CDC, overdose deaths involving opioids have increased significantly in recent years in Contra Costa County.
Statistics on Drug Overdoses and Deaths
- In 2020, there were 331 drug overdose deaths in Contra Costa County, a rate of 15 per 100,000 persons.
- The drugs most commonly involved in overdose deaths were fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription opioids.
Data on the Prevalence of Different Substances
According to the California Health Care Foundation, the top 5 substances abused in Contra Costa County are:
- Alcohol – 273,000 people
- Marijuana – 161,000 people
- Pain relievers – 26,000 people
- Cocaine – 16,000 people
- Heroin – 9,000 people
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves living at a treatment facility while undergoing intensive treatment, including counseling, group therapy, medication management, and other services. Typical stays range from 30-90 days.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment provides services while the patient lives at home. It typically involves 1-5 hours of services 3-5 days per week. Services are provided at clinics, community health centers, and private practices.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of addiction treatment in Contra Costa County goes unreported to government sources annually.
Comparison of Treatment in Concord vs. Oakland
| City | Facilities | Inpatient Beds | Cost |
| Concord | 12 | 200 | $10,000/month |
| Oakland | 35 | 850 | $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. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is taken orally once daily and prescribed through opioid treatment programs (OTPs).
Methadone is a medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction. It is only available through OTPs, which provide counseling and urine drug screening along with methadone dosing. This comprehensive approach provides structure and support for people in recovery. Patients must visit the clinic daily for observed dosing in the initial phases of treatment.
There is a stigma against methadone as simply substituting one opioid for another. However, studies show methadone helps people reduce or stop the use of illicit opioids, stay in treatment, and improve social functioning when prescribed properly. Still, diversion and misuse of methadone do occur and can result in overdose. Careful patient selection and monitoring are necessary.
Simply put, methadone relieves the symptoms of opioid withdrawal and craving but does not produce the same intense high or sedation. It allows people dependent on opioids to normalize their lives and reduce the harm associated with addiction.
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 detect illicit drug use.
- Take-home requirements: During the first 14 days of treatment, the take-home supply of methadone is limited to a 24-hour supply. More take-home doses are allowed after progress in treatment.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team including counselors, social workers, and nurses monitoring patient progress.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to carefully cross-reference opioid dosages, as methadone has a narrow therapeutic window.
Concord, Contra Costa, California state drug classifications: Methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance in California, available only through OTPs.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947.
Evidence for Effectiveness
Studies show methadone reduces illicit opioid use, disease transmission, and crime. Patients on methadone have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests. They are also 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment. Retention in treatment reduces overdose and disease transmission risk and increases employment.
Major Drawbacks
Potential for misuse/diversion, severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly, possible QTc prolongation/cardiac issues, and respiratory depression/overdose risk when combined with other substances.
Comparison to Other Medications
About Concord
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Concord is located in central Contra Costa County in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California. It borders the following cities and communities:
- Pleasant Hill to the south
- Walnut Creek to the south
- Clayton to the southeast
- Pacheco to the east
- Martinez to the north
- Pittsburgh to the northeast
Capital and Largest City
Concord is the largest city in Contra Costa County and serves as the county seat.
Land Area
Concord has a total land area of 30.5 square miles.
Population Statistics
Total Population
The population of Concord was 129,295 as of 2019.
Demographics:
Gender
- Male: 63,434 (49%)
- Female: 65,861 (51%)
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 24%
- 18 to 64 years: 62.8%
- 65 years and over: 13.2%
Occupations
Top occupations in Concord include:
- Office and administrative support
- Sales related
- Management
- Business and financial
- Education, training, library
