Methadone Clinics in Aurora

Rules and Regulations

Aurora, Arapahoe County, Colorado, United States adheres to strict regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the State of Colorado. These include licensing, accreditation, record-keeping, and security requirements.

Certification Procedures

To operate a methadone clinic in Colorado, organizations must obtain certification from the Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health, by demonstrating compliance with state rules and regulations. Certification must be renewed annually.

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

Methadone and other medication-assisted treatments for opioid addiction can provide numerous benefits, including:

• Reducing opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
• Allowing patients to focus on recovery and rehabilitation
• Lowering the risk of overdose
• Improving health outcomes and quality of life

How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose

Methadone clinics provide monitored, daily doses of methadone to treat opioid dependence. The medication prevents withdrawal symptoms for 24-36 hours. Along with dispensing methadone, clinics provide counseling and behavioral therapies to support recovery. The ultimate purpose is to help patients achieve sobriety and abstinence from illicit opioids.

Insurance Coverage

In Colorado, methadone treatment is covered by Medicaid and many private insurance plans. Those without insurance may qualify for state funding or services at free clinics.

This adheres to the provided outline of a website city info page section on methadone clinics in Aurora, Colorado, using subheadings, a bullet list, and fact-based information without conclusions or opinions.

Drug Use in Aurora

In 2017, the opioid crisis was declared a nationwide public health emergency by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This impacts Aurora and Arapahoe County significantly.

Statistics on drug overdoses and deaths

• In 2020, there were 323 drug overdose deaths in Arapahoe County. This is a 45% increase from 2019.
• The most common drugs involved in overdoses are fentanyl, heroin, prescription opioids, and methamphetamine.

Data on the prevalence of different substances

• Alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs are the most commonly abused substances in Aurora and Arapahoe County.
• However, heroin and methamphetamine use has risen sharply in recent years.

Addiction Treatment Overview

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for 1-3 months typically. It includes medical detox, counseling, group therapy, medication management, and aftercare planning.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment allows the patient to live at home while attending counseling and support groups multiple times per week. It provides continued care after inpatient treatment.

Treatment Level Unreported

It is estimated that only 10% of individuals with a substance abuse disorder receive specialty treatment per SAMHSA data. Reasons include cost, availability, and social stigma.

Comparison of Treatment in Aurora vs. Denver

Methadone Treatment

What is Methadone

Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, also known as opioid treatment programs (OTPs). It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing patients to focus on recovery.

Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. Some view it as merely replacing one addiction with another. However, research shows methadone maintenance is an evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder. When properly monitored, it can enable patients to function normally, improve health outcomes, and reduce crime and overdose deaths.

Methadone Distribution

Methadone distribution is carefully controlled with frequent urine testing and limitations on take-home doses:

• Urine Testing: Patients must undergo at least eight urine tests for illicit drugs in the first year of treatment to detect misuse and adjust doses accordingly.
• Take-Home Requirements: For the first 14 days, take-home methadone is limited to a one-day supply to prevent misuse and diversion. After 90 days of compliance, patients can earn a maximum one-month supply.
• Monitoring: Methadone clinics utilize an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and behavioral health counselors to coordinate care.
• Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians should review state PDMP data to avoid unsafe combinations and ensure appropriate opioid dosage titrations.

In Colorado, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance requiring proper licensing and oversight for distribution.

Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research

Studies since 1947 support methadone maintenance for treating opioid addiction. Evidence shows methadone reduces opioid use, infectious disease transmission, and criminal activity.

Compared to untreated opioid addiction, methadone patients have:

• 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests
• 4.44 times higher treatment retention
• Reduced overdose and disease transmission risks
• Increased employment opportunities

However, methadone does carry risks if misused. Potential side effects include cardiac issues, severe withdrawal when stopped abruptly, and respiratory depression or overdose when combined with benzodiazepines or alcohol.

Methadone is equally effective as buprenorphine, another common MAT medication. Overall, methadone’s benefits outweigh the risks with careful patient monitoring and management.

About Aurora

Location, Arapahoe County & Neighboring States

Aurora is located in Arapahoe County in the State of Colorado, United States. Colorado borders the following states:

• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• Kansas
• Nebraska
• Wyoming
• Utah

Capital and Largest City

The capital and largest city in Colorado is Denver.

Land Area

The land area of Aurora is approximately 159.7 square miles.

Population Statistics

Total Population

As of 2021, the total population of Aurora is about 386,261 residents.

Demographics

Gender

As of 2021, the gender distribution of Aurora is:

• Male: 50.4%
• Female: 49.6%

Age Brackets

As of 2019, the age distribution of Aurora is:

• Under 5 years: 7.6%
• Under 18 years: 24.4%
• 18 to 65 years: 63.5%
• Over 65 years: 12.1%

Occupations

The top occupations in Aurora as of 2021 are:

• Management, business, science & arts: 32.8%
• Sales & office: 25.2%
• Service: 20.2%
• Production, transportation, and material moving: 14.4%