Rules and Regulations
Fontana and San Bernardino County follow state and federal laws and regulations regarding operating requirements for medication-assisted treatment clinics offering services like methadone treatment. These laws cover areas such as patient eligibility, record keeping, security, and dispensing medications.
Certification Procedures
Clinics must be certified by state and federal agencies like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) through inspections and paperwork. Staff must also be appropriately licensed and trained.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medications like methadone can be an important part of treatment for certain substance addictions. When combined with counseling and other support, medication-assisted treatment can help patients stop misusing opioids and resume healthier, more stable lives.
Drug Use in Fontana
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. According to the California Department of Public Health:
In 2020, there were over 5,000 opioid overdose deaths statewide
The drugs most commonly involved in overdoses are:
- Fentanyl
- Heroin
- Prescription opioids
San Bernardino County has one of the highest drug overdose death rates in the state
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient facilities provide 24/7 supervised care including medical detoxification, individual and group counseling, medication management, and aftercare planning for transition back into the community. The average length of stay is 30 days.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient programs offer similar services to inpatient but on a part-time basis, allowing the patient to live at home. The frequency of services ranges from 1-5 days per week for 1-6 hours a day. Many outpatient programs are located within local community health centers.
Treatment Level Unreported
Precise numbers on those receiving addiction treatment are difficult to ascertain due to privacy protections for patients in treatment. However, regional and national surveys indicate only 10-15% of those needing treatment actually receive it. Barriers include cost, awareness of options, and social stigma.
Comparison of Treatment in Fontana vs. Ontario
| City | Treatment Centers | Inpatient Beds | Cost Range |
| Fontana | 15 | 200 beds | $5,000-$20,000 |
| Ontario | 18 | 150 beds | $7,500-$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 similarly to other opioid drugs. However, it does not produce the same level of euphoria or sedation, allowing those in treatment to function more normally. Methadone is only provided through federally regulated opioid treatment programs (OTPs) that require daily visits for supervised dosing.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. While some see it as merely replacing one addiction with another, substantial research shows methadone is effective at reducing illicit opioid use, disease transmission, and crime when properly managed. Still, the potential for misuse and diversion remains a public concern.
In layman’s terms, methadone tricks the brain into thinking it is still getting other opioids, preventing withdrawal symptoms. This allows patients to function normally and focus on recovery without being impaired by methadone itself. However, potential side effects like cardiac issues require oversight.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is highly monitored with several regulations:
- Urine Testing: Patients must pass at least eight urine tests for illicit drugs in the first year of treatment to ensure compliance.
- Take-Home Requirements: For the first 14 days, methadone is only provided as a daily dose on-site at the clinic. Over time, additional take-home doses may be allowed for stable patients.
- Monitoring: OTPs utilize an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and behavioral health staff to coordinate care.
- Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians should review state PDMP data to carefully manage methadone dosing, as it has a narrow therapeutic window.
In California, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance requiring special licensing and record-keeping.
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, disease transmission from injection drug use, and drug-related crime.
Specifically, those on a stable methadone dose have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests and are 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment long-term compared to placebo. Retention in treatment is critical to reduce overdose risk and transmittable disease while increasing employment opportunities.
However, methadone does carry risks including potential for misuse/diversion and severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly. It can also prolong the QT interval causing cardiac issues. Additionally, it still carries a risk of respiratory depression and overdose when combined with alcohol or benzodiazepines.
In terms of effectiveness, research shows methadone performs equally well as buprenorphine in reducing illicit opioid use when properly managed.
In conclusion, methadone offers clear benefits but also unique risks requiring careful oversight in a structured OTP setting.
About Fontana
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Fontana is located in southwestern San Bernardino County, California, United States. San Bernardino County borders the following states:
Capital and Largest City
The capital and largest city in San Bernardino County is San Bernardino.
Land Area
Fontana has a total area of 42.4 square miles.
Infrastructure
Fontana has a developed transportation infrastructure including major highways, railways, and an airport.
Population Statistics
Total Population
The population of Fontana was 213,000 as of the 2020 census.
Demographics
Gender
- Male: 51%
- Female: 49%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 30%
- 18 to 64 years: 62%
- 65 years and over: 8%
Occupations
The top occupations in Fontana are:
- Production: 13%
- Office and administrative support: 12%
- Transportation and material moving: 11%
- Sales: 9%
- Management: 8%
