| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Addiction Research and Treatment Inc | 4920 South Avalon Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90011 | (323) 235-5035 |
| Addiction Research and Treatment Inc | 1926 West Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90057 | (213) 353-1140 |
| Aegis Treatment Centers Wilmington | 1322 N. Avalon Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90744 | |
| ALT Recovery Group 2 | 20946 Devonshire St UNIT 100 Los Angeles, CA 91311 | |
| American Health Services Hollywood Medical Mental Health Svs | 5015 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90019 | (323) 653-1677 |
| BAART - Beverly | 1926 W. Beverly Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90057 | |
| BAART Programs Beverly | 1926 W Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90057 | |
| BAART Programs Boyle Heights | 1701 Zonal Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90033 | |
| BAART Programs Southeast | 4920 Avalon Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90011 | |
| Buena Care AltaMed Health Services | 1701 Zonal Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90033 | (323) 223-6146 |
Rules and Regulations
Los Angeles 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 register with the DEA and acquire a certification of approval to dispense methadone
- Clinics must adhere to federal and state regulations regarding dispensing and storage of methadone
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment with methadone can provide several benefits for those with opioid use disorder, including:
- Reducing opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Allowing one to regain control of their life and focus on recovery
- Lowering the risk of overdose or transmitting infections like HIV or hepatitis
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide medication-assisted treatment to help individuals recovering from opioid use disorders. Clinics provide counseling and community referrals along with daily monitored methadone doses to support recovery.
Insurance Coverage
- Many private insurance plans cover methadone treatment
- Medicaid and Medicare also provide coverage in most cases
- Some low-cost and free treatment options are available for those without insurance
Drug Use in Los Angeles
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.
Statistics on Drug Overdoses and Deaths
- In 2020, there were 2,202 overdose deaths involving opioids in Los Angeles County. This is a 46.7% increase from 2019.
- Fentanyl is involved in over 75% of opioid overdose deaths.
Data on Prevalence of Different Substances
- Methamphetamine is the most commonly used illicit drug in L.A. County besides cannabis.
- Cocaine and prescription opioids also remain highly prevalent.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a rehab facility 24/7 for 1-3 months typically. It includes medical detox, counseling, group therapy, etc.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment allows the patient to live at home while attending treatment sessions 1-5 times a week for several hours a day.
Treatment Level Unreported
It is estimated that only 10.6% of people with a drug use disorder receive specialty treatment per SAMHSA.
Comparison of Treatment in Los Angeles vs. San Diego
| City | # of Treatment Facilities | Inpatient Beds Available | Cost of Treatment |
| Los Angeles | 500 | 1,800 | $15,000-30,000 |
| San Diego | 320 | 1,100 | $10,000-25,000 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist medication used to treat opioid use disorder and dependence. As medication-assisted treatment (MAT), methadone helps prevent opioid withdrawal and reduces drug cravings by activating opioid receptors in the brain, similar to other opioid drugs. Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) provide methadone doses daily for patients to take orally under supervision.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed – while it does help many people recover, some view it as merely replacing one addiction with another. However, research shows that properly monitored methadone treatment can be an effective part of addiction recovery.
Methadone Distribution
OTPs distributing methadone must follow strict federal and state regulations including:
- Urine testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight random drug tests in the first year of treatment to detect any unauthorized drug use.
- Take-home requirements: During the first 14 days of treatment, the take-home supply of methadone is limited to just a 24-hour dose. More take-home doses are allowed over time for patients who meet certain criteria.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team including counselors, social workers, and medical staff to monitor patient progress.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to carefully cross-reference other opioid medications a patient is prescribed, as methadone has a narrow therapeutic index.
In Los Angeles, methadone is a Schedule II controlled prescription drug, requiring strict record-keeping and security measures.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Studies show it is an effective MAT medication that:
- Reduces opioid use, based on 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests for patients in methadone treatment
- Improves treatment retention – patients on methadone are 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment long-term compared to non-medication therapies
- Lowers risk of disease transmission from IV drug use when patients stop using other opioids
- Increases employment opportunities when patients reduce opioid use
However, methadone does carry risks:
- Potential for misuse/diversion of medication
- Severe withdrawal if treatment is stopped suddenly
- QTc prolongation or other cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression or overdose when combined with alcohol or other medications
Research shows methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective for reducing opioid use during medication-assisted treatment.
Methadone is beneficial for treating opioid addiction but requires careful monitoring and management due to risks.
About Los Angeles
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Los Angeles is located in Los Angeles County in the U.S. state of California. California shares borders with Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and the Mexican state of Baja California.
Capital and Largest City
Sacramento is the capital of California, while Los Angeles is the largest city in California and the second-largest city in the United States after New York City.
Land Area
- Los Angeles County covers 4,751 sq miles.
- California covers 163,696 square miles.
Infrastructure
Los Angeles is a city with local government and public services.
Population Statistics
Total Population
- Los Angeles County has a population of over 10 million.
- California has a population of over 39 million.
Demographics
Gender
- Los Angeles County: 49% male, 51% female
- California: 50% male, 50% female
Age Brackets
- Los Angeles County: 6% under 5 years, 22% under 18 years, 13% over 65 years
- California: 6% under 5 years, 23% under 18 years, 14% over 65 years
Occupations
Top occupations in Los Angeles County include:
- Office and administrative support
- Sales
- Food preparation and serving
