| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Western Pacific Med Corp Western Pacific Fullerton Medical | 218 East Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832 | (714) 992-4770 |
Rules and Regulations
Fullerton, Orange, California adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Certification Procedures
- Clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state
- Staff must meet educational and licensing requirements
- Regular inspections ensure compliance with regulations
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment with methadone has been shown to:
- Reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Allow people to focus on recovery and lifestyle changes
- Greatly reduces the risk of overdose death
How Clinics Operate
Methadone clinics provide daily supervised methadone doses and counseling to those recovering from opioid addiction. The goal is to help patients gain stability so they can function and improve their health and well-being.
Insurance Coverage
Coverage for methadone treatment varies:
- Medicaid covers treatment at certified clinics in California
- Private plans are required to cover addiction treatment under the Affordable Care Act but may have variable methadone coverage
- Some clinics offer sliding-scale fees or arrangements for uninsured patients
Drug Use in Fullerton
In 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the opioid epidemic a public health emergency.
- In 2020, there were 156 drug overdose deaths involving opioids in Orange County, a rate of 5.1 deaths per 100,000 persons compared to the statewide rate of 5.3 per 100,000.
- Alcohol and methamphetamines are the most commonly cited substances among primary drug treatment admissions in Orange County.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient or residential treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for 1-3 months depending on medical need. It includes medical detoxification, counseling, group therapy, medication management, etc.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment consists of periodic services for 1-2 hours at a time, 1-5 days per week depending on medical need. Services are provided at clinics, hospitals, or private practices.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of addiction treatment in California consists of unreported services from individual counselors, faith-based organizations, and mutual aid groups.
Comparison of Treatment in Fullerton vs. Anaheim
| Category | Fullerton | Anaheim |
| Treatment Facilities | 15 | 37 |
| Inpatient Beds | 250 | 510 |
| Cost of Treatment | $15,000/mo | $15,000/mo |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is an opioid medication used to treat opioid addiction and dependence. It works by activating opioid receptors in the brain, preventing cravings and withdrawal symptoms in those dependent on opioids like heroin or prescription pain medications. Methadone is taken orally once a day in liquid or tablet form and allows individuals to function normally without the negative effects of addiction. It is primarily used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs with strict oversight.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is highly regulated with required monitoring to prevent misuse:
- Urine Testing: Patients must undergo at least 8 urine tests in the first treatment year to detect additional opioid use.
- Take-Home Access: For the first 14 days, methadone is only provided as a daily dose on-site. Over time, take-home access is increased for stable patients.
- Oversight Team: Methadone clinics have an interdisciplinary team overseeing treatment including counselors, social workers, and physicians.
- Prescription Checks: Providers verify the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) to ensure safe methadone dosage, as it has a narrow therapeutic range.
- Legal Status: Methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance in Fullerton, Orange, and statewide in California.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Research shows it is effective when properly managed:
Evidence for Effectiveness
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests for those on methadone
- 4.44 times more likely to stay in addiction treatment programs
- Retention in treatment reduces overdose risk and transmission of infections like HIV or hepatitis. It is also linked to higher employment rates.
Major Drawbacks
- Potential for misuse/diversion if not closely monitored
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Risk of QT interval prolongation and cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression and overdose when combined with certain substances
In comparison to other medication options, methadone performs equally well as buprenorphine for reducing illicit opioid use according to research.
Overall, methadone has demonstrated benefits for treating opioid addiction but also risks requiring careful management.
About Fullerton
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Fullerton is located in Orange County in the U.S. state of California. It borders the following neighboring states:
- Anaheim
- Brea
- La Habra
- Buena Park
Capital and largest city
The capital and largest city in California is Sacramento.
Land Area
The land area of Fullerton is 22.00 square miles.
Population Statistics
Total Population
As of 2021, the total population of Fullerton is 141,634.
Demographics:
Gender
- Male: 49%
- Female: 51%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 19%
- 18 to 64 years: 64%
- 65 years and over: 17%
Occupations
The top occupations in Fullerton are:
- Management, business, science, and arts occupations: 37%
- Sales and office occupations: 25%
- Service occupations: 18%
- Production, transportation, and material moving occupations: 13%
- Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations: 8%
