San Mateo Methadone Clinics & Treatment Centers Locator Near Me in San Mateo City

Rules and Regulations

San Mateo, San Mateo, California 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

• Methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state health department.
• Staff must meet educational and training standards set by regulations.
• Clinics must follow strict security, counseling, testing, and dosing protocols.

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment with methadone provides several benefits including:

• Reducing opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
• Allowing patients to focus on counseling and behavioral therapies
• Lowering the risk of overdose and relapse
• Allowing patients to function normally and reconnect with family/society

How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose

Methadone clinics provide medication, counseling, referrals, and support services. Their purpose is to facilitate recovery from opioid addiction. Patients must visit clinics daily to receive their prescribed methadone dose under supervision. With time, patients may qualify for take-home doses.

Insurance Coverage

• Medicaid and Medicare cover methadone treatment.
• Most private health plans cover treatment but copays and limits may apply.
• Some clinics offer treatment on a sliding fee scale based on income for those without insurance.

Drug Use in San Mateo

Opioid Crisis Declared Public Health Emergency

In 2017, there were 277 opioid overdose deaths in San Mateo County, a rate of 10.9 per 100,000 persons. This was higher than the statewide rate of 9.5 per 100,000.

The most common drugs involved in overdose deaths in San Mateo County in 2020:

• Fentanyl – 113 deaths
• Methamphetamine – 104 deaths
• Heroin – 32 deaths

Addiction Treatment Overview

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for 1-3 months. Treatment includes counseling, group therapy, medication management, and discharge planning.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment involves 1-5 visits per week to a facility for services like therapy, group counseling, and medical monitoring.

Treatment Level Unreported

An estimated 18% of San Mateo County residents needing drug treatment did not report their treatment level in 2020.

Comparison of Treatment in San Mateo vs. San Francisco

Methadone Treatment

What is Methadone

Methadone is an opioid medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. It is provided through federally regulated opioid treatment programs (OTPs) using an observed daily dosing model called methadone maintenance treatment.

Methadone treatment programs are strictly regulated due to methadone’s potential for misuse and diversion. However, research shows methadone MAT is effective for treating opioid addiction when properly managed, reducing illicit opioid use, disease transmission, and crime. There is still a stigma in some communities regarding medication-assisted treatment.

Methadone Distribution

Methadone distribution through OTPs is closely monitored with several specific regulations:

• Urine Testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight random drug tests in the first year of treatment to detect illicit drug use.
• Take-Home Dose: During the first 14 days of methadone treatment, take-home doses are limited to a single 24-hour supply, with on-site daily observed dosing.
• Program Oversight: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional care and counseling team including medical, nursing, and counseling staff.
• Prescription Monitoring: Clinicians should review the state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data when determining patient dosing, due to methadone’s potential interactions.

According to the state drug classifications, methadone is a Schedule II Controlled Substance in California.

Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research

Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Multiple studies demonstrate methadone MAT is effective for treating opioid use disorder. Evidence includes:

• 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests for patients in a methadone program
• 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment compared to non-medication programs
• Staying in treatment reduces the risk of overdose and disease transmission while improving employment opportunities

However, methadone does have risks:

• Potential for misuse and diversion
• Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
• Possibility of QTc prolongation or cardiac issues
• Respiratory depression or overdose when combined with other substances

Methadone has comparable efficacy to buprenorphine in reducing illicit opioid use in clinical trials. Both medications have benefits and risks requiring careful patient monitoring and management by OTPs.

About San Mateo

Location, County & List of Neighboring States

San Mateo is located in San Mateo County on the San Francisco Peninsula, halfway between San Francisco and San Jose. It borders the cities of Belmont, Burlingame, Foster City, and Hillsborough.

Capital and Largest City

San Mateo is the county seat and largest city in San Mateo County.

Land Area

San Mateo covers an area of 15.7 square miles.

Infrastructure

San Mateo features a variety of parks, public facilities, and an excellent public transportation system. Key infrastructure includes:

• Caltrain rail service
• SamTrans bus lines
• Bayshore Freeway (US 101)

Population Statistics

Total Population

As of the 2020 census, the population of San Mateo was 104,430.

Demographics:

Gender

• Male: 51%
• Female: 49%

Age Brackets

• Under 18 years: 19%
• 18 to 64 years: 69.8%
• 65 years and over: 11.2%

Occupations

Top occupations in San Mateo include:

• Management, scientific and technical: 33%
• Sales: 25%
• Office and administrative: 15%
• Education, legal, community service: 10%
• Production and transportation: 9%