| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Mission Treatment Services of Escondido | 161 North Date Street Escondido, CA 92025 |
Rules and Regulations
Escondido adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the California Department of Health Care Services.
Certification Procedures
- Clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state
- Staff must meet educational and licensing requirements
- Regular facility inspections are conducted
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Allows people to regain control of their lives
- Improves social functioning and participation in counseling
- Decreases risk of overdose and associated health issues
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide medication-assisted treatment to people recovering from opioid addiction. Patients must receive dosage daily under the supervision of medical staff. The goal is to help people achieve sobriety and become productive members of society.
Insurance Coverage
Most private insurance plans and Medical cover methadone treatment. Patients should check with their specific plan for coverage details. Some clinics offer treatment on a sliding scale based on income for those without insurance.
Drug Use in Escondido
The opioid crisis was declared a nationwide public health emergency in 2017. According to the CDC, there were over 100,000 drug overdose deaths in 2021, with 75,673 involving opioids specifically.
- In San Diego County, there were 812 fentanyl-related deaths in 2021, a 550% increase from 2016.
- Methamphetamine is another major concern, causing 309 deaths county-wide in 2020.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
- Typically 28-30 days in length.
- 24/7 medical monitoring and counseling.
- Detoxification, behavioral therapies, medication management.
Outpatient Treatment
- Sessions 1-5 days per week for several hours at a time.
- Provided at clinics, private practices, and hospitals.
- Individual, family, and group counseling.
Treatment Level Unreported
- An estimated 2.1 million people received unspecified addiction treatment in 2020.
- Likely a mix of inpatient, outpatient, and residential services.
Treatment Comparison
| Category | Escondido | Los Angeles |
| Treatment Centers | 15 | 326 |
| Inpatient Beds | 18 | 3,102 |
| Cost per Day | $500-1,500 | $400-1,200 |
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 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 with opioid addictions 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 it does help treat addiction, some view it as simply replacing one opioid for another. However, research shows methadone helps stabilize individuals struggling with addiction, allowing them to hold jobs, avoid crime, and improve their health. It is not a cure but rather a form of harm reduction.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is strictly monitored and regulated:
- Urine testing: Patients must undergo at least eight random drug tests in the first year to ensure they are not using other opioids or substances.
- Take-home requirements: For the first 14 days, patients must visit the clinic daily for observed dosing. After meeting certain criteria, take-home doses can be allowed but are limited based on the length of treatment.
- Monitoring: OTPs must have an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and counselors to coordinate care.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review the state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data to ensure safe opioid dosage and prevent dangerous drug interactions.
The federal government classifies methadone as a Schedule II controlled substance. The State of California and San Diego County also designate it as a Schedule II drug indicating it has a high potential for abuse but an accepted medical use.
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 compared to non-medication approaches. Retention in treatment reduces overdose and disease transmission risks and increases employment opportunities.
However, methadone does carry risks including potential for misuse/diversion, severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly, QTc prolongation/cardiac issues, and respiratory depression/overdose when combined with other substances. It is equally as effective as buprenorphine for reducing opioid use but requires more intensive monitoring.
In conclusion, methadone provides benefits but also risks requiring careful management.
About Escondido
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Escondido is located in San Diego County in southern California, around 30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego. It borders the following counties:
- Riverside County
- Orange County
- Imperial County
Capital and Largest City
The capital and largest city in California is Sacramento.
Land Area
Escondido has a total area of 37.0 square miles.
Infrastructure
Escondido, located in inland North County San Diego, has an extensive road network including Interstate 15 and State Routes 78 and 15. Public transportation includes buses and the Sprinter light rail line. Utilities like water, sewer, electricity, and telecommunications serve the city’s homes and businesses.
Population Statistics
Total Population
The population of Escondido is 151,613 as of 2019.
Demographics
Gender
- Male: 49%
- Female: 51%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 24.4%
- 18 to 64 years: 62.1%
- 65 years and over: 13.5%
Occupations
- Management, business, science, and arts occupations: 32.2%
- Service occupations: 26.8%
- Sales and office occupations: 24.1%
- Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations: 12.9%
- Production, transportation, and material moving occupations: 4%
