Rules and Regulations
Mentone, San Bernardino County, California, United States 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
To be certified, a clinic must:
- Be accredited by an authorized accreditation body
- Renew accreditation and certification annually
- Follow rules on patient limits, security, record keeping, and more
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment with methadone provides many benefits, including:
- Reducing opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Allowing patients to focus on recovery and rehabilitation
- Lowering the risk of overdose and transmitting infections
- Improving overall health and social functioning
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide medication-assisted treatment to people with opioid use disorder. Patients visit daily to receive methadone doses under medical supervision. The clinics offer counseling and behavioral therapies to support recovery. Their purpose is to treat addiction through evidence-based methods.
Insurance Coverage
Many insurance plans cover methadone treatment, including:
Free or low-cost methadone clinics are available for uninsured patients, provided by state and county health departments and nonprofit organizations.
Drug Use in Mentone
Opioid Crisis Declared Public Health Emergency
In 2017, the opioid crisis was declared a nationwide public health emergency. According to the California Opioid Overdose Surveillance Dashboard, in 2018 there were 1,969 opioid overdose deaths in California, a 4% decrease from 2017. The synthetic opioid fentanyl was involved in over 71% of these deaths.
Statistics on Drug Overdoses and Deaths
- In San Bernardino County, there were 237 opioid overdose deaths in 2018.
- The drugs most commonly involved in overdoses in the county are heroin, prescription opioids, and fentanyl.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a rehab facility 24/7 for 1-3 months. It includes medical detox, counseling, group therapy, medication management, etc.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment involves visiting a treatment center up to 5 days a week for 2-4 hours per day. It includes therapy, group counseling, medication management, etc.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of treatment in Mentone is unreported. This includes support groups, religious organizations, and informal community programs.
Comparison of Treatment in Mentone vs. Riverside
| Category | Mentone | Riverside |
| Treatment facilities | 5 | 20 |
| Inpatient beds available | 50 | 200 |
| Cost of treatment | $5,000/month | $7,500/month |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is an opioid medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, also known as opioid treatment programs (OTPs). It activates opioid receptors in the brain, blocking the euphoric effects of other opioids and relieving withdrawal symptoms. This allows patients to stabilize and focus on recovery. Methadone has a long half-life, requiring a single daily dose.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment range from viewing it as “trading one addiction for another” to recognizing its benefits in harm reduction. Some see methadone as a crutch, while experts explain it corrects a medical issue for those dependent on opioids. The benefits and risks require careful management by patients and providers.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is strictly monitored and regulated:
- Urine testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight tests in the first year of treatment to ensure they are not using other opioids or illicit drugs.
- Take-home requirements: During the first 14 days of treatment, the take-home supply of methadone is limited to a 24-hour supply to prevent misuse and diversion. After 90 days of compliance, patients can earn up to a 30-day supply.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team including counselors, social workers, and nurses to provide comprehensive care.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review PDMP data to carefully cross-reference opioid dosage, as methadone has a narrow therapeutic index.
In Mentone, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance, available only through licensed opioid treatment programs.
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. Patients had 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests and were 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment. Retention in treatment reduces overdose and disease transmission risk and increases employment.
However, methadone does have risks including potential for misuse, severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly, cardiac issues, and respiratory depression/overdose when combined with other substances. It is equally effective as buprenorphine for reducing opioid use. With careful management, methadone’s benefits can outweigh its risks for many patients.
About Mentone
Mentone is a census-designated place in San Bernardino County, California, United States.
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Capital and Largest City
- Capital of California: Sacramento
- Largest city in California: Los Angeles
Land Area
Total area: 7.4 square miles
Population Statistics
Total Population
8,720 (2010 Census)
Gender
- Male: 4,176
- Female: 4,544
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 1,957
- 18 to 64 years: 4,868
- 65 years and over: 1,895
Occupations
- Management/business/science/arts: 1,708
- Sales/office: 1,002
- Natural resources/construction/maintenance: 1,211
- Production/transportation/material moving: 678
- Service: 2,269
