| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Thelma McMillen Center | 3333 Skypark Drive Torrance, CA 90505 | (310) 257-5760 |
Rules and Regulations
Torrance adheres to strict regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). These regulations govern licensing, dispensing of medication, security measures, and more.
Certification Procedures
Methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and accredited by an independent accreditation body. Staff must complete required training and clinics must meet standards of care. Clinics must renew accreditation periodically.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone and other medication-assisted treatment have been shown effective in treating opioid addiction, preventing withdrawal and drug cravings, supporting recovery by allowing people to function normally, and drastically reducing the risk of overdose or death.
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide daily doses of methadone to patients recovering from opioid addiction under medical supervision. The purpose is to support recovery by preventing withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings without causing intoxication. Clinics also provide counseling and community referrals.
Insurance Coverage
Medicaid and Medicare may cover methadone treatment. Private insurers that offer substance abuse treatment coverage may also cover treatment. Many clinics operate on a sliding scale based on income for uninsured patients.
Free Clinics
Some nonprofit clinics provide low-cost or free methadone treatment funded by grants and public health programs. Eligibility requirements are based on income and insurance status.
Drug Use in Torrance
In 2017, the opioid crisis was declared a nationwide public health emergency. Since then, federal and state governments have allocated resources to combat the rising death toll from drug overdoses.
Statistics on Drug Overdoses and Deaths
- In 2020, there were an estimated 104,288 drug overdose deaths in the United States, including 3,579 in Los Angeles County. Opioids were involved in 75% of these deaths.
- Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are primary drivers of increased overdose deaths.
Alcohol, marijuana, prescription opioids, heroin, and methamphetamine are the most commonly misused substances nationwide and in Los Angeles County. However, fentanyl has recently emerged as the top killer.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient or residential treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for substance abuse treatment under medical supervision. Typical inpatient treatment involves medically managed detox, individual and group counseling, medication management, and aftercare planning for 1-3 months typically.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment allows the patient to live at home and commute for services at a clinic. It involves regular therapy sessions and support groups weekly.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of people receive unofficial, unreported addiction treatment from sources other than licensed providers.
Treatment Comparison
| City | Treatment Facilities | Inpatient Beds | Cost of Treatment |
| Torrance | 12 | 200 | $10,000-50,000 |
| Long Beach | 18 | 300 | $5,000-40,000 |
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 withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings by activating opioid receptors in the brain through a daily oral dose administered under supervision at opioid treatment programs (OTPs).
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment range from seeing it as a lifesaving addiction treatment to criticism over its potential for misuse and diversion. Properly monitored methadone maintenance can be an effective form of MAT for many patients.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution through certified OTPs is carefully regulated with required monitoring 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 stable patients meeting certain criteria.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team including counselors and nurses monitoring patient progress.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to carefully cross-reference other opioid medications and dosages, as methadone has a narrow therapeutic index.
In Torrance, Los Angeles County, California, methadone is a Schedule II controlled prescription drug overseen by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
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 when properly managed.
Evidence for Effectiveness
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests for methadone patients
- Methadone patients 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment
- Retention in treatment reduces overdose/disease transmission risk and increases employment
Major Drawbacks
- Potential for misuse/diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Possible QTc prolongation/cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression/overdose risk when combined with other substances
Comparison to Other Medications
Methadone has demonstrated benefits but also risks requiring careful management.
About Torrance
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Torrance is located in Los Angeles County in the U.S. state of California. The neighboring states are:
Capital and Largest City
The capital and largest cities in California are Sacramento and Los Angeles, respectively.
Land Area
Torrance has an area of 20.5 square miles.
Infrastructure
Torrance is a mid-sized city in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County. It has a population of around 150,000 people and features a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and industrial zones. The city has an extensive road network and public transportation system to support its economy and population.
Population Statistics
Total Population
As of 2021, the population of Torrance was estimated to be 143,592.
Demographics:
Gender
As of the 2020 Census:
- Male: 69,130
- Female: 74,462
Age Brackets
As of 2019 estimates:
- Under 18 years: 22.1%
- 18 to 64 years: 63.3%
- 65 years and over: 14.6%
Occupations
As of 2019 estimates, the top occupations in Torrance are:
- Management, business, science, and arts: 40.3%
- Sales and office: 25.2%
- Service: 16.8%
- Production, transportation, and material moving: 11.2%
