Methadone Clinics in Newark

Rules and Regulations

Newark, New Castle County, Delaware adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, as outlined by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Delaware Department of Health. All clinics must be certified and meet requirements around security, dosing, counseling services, and more.

Certification Procedures

To operate legally in Newark, methadone clinics must:

• Obtain a license from the DEA after extensive application screening
• Get certification from the State of Delaware’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
• Pass inspections of facilities and operating procedures

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

Using MAT drugs like methadone helps patients recover by:

• Preventing painful withdrawal symptoms
• Reducing opioid cravings
• Allowing people to focus on counseling and support programs

How Clinics Operate

Certified methadone clinics aim to improve public health and safety by providing monitored, physician-approved treatment plans. Patients must show progress over time by submitting to regular drug tests and following their treatment plan.

Insurance Coverage

Most private health insurance and Medicaid cover MAT on some basis. Uninsured patients may qualify for state funding or clinics with grant-funded treatment slots. Those without coverage can still receive treatment on an out-of-pocket basis depending on clinic policy and state programs. Contact local clinics to discuss arrangements.

Drug Use in Newark

The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Delaware specifically:

• There were 431 drug overdose deaths statewide in 2021, a 15% increase over 2020
• Over 75% of overdoses involved fentanyl
• heroin, prescription opioids, and stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine are also common

Addiction Treatment Overview in Newark

Inpatient Treatment

• Typically lasts 28 days or longer
• 24/7 medical care and counseling
• Detoxification, group & individual therapy, medication

Outpatient Treatment

• 1-5 visits per week for counseling & therapy
• Offered at clinics, community centers, hospitals

Treatment Level Unreported

An estimated 10-20% of Delaware residents receive unspecified addiction treatment per year

Comparison to Philadelphia, PA

Methadone Treatment

 What is Methadone

Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is taken orally once daily in opioid treatment programs (OTPs). Patients must meet DSM criteria for moderate to severe opioid use disorder to qualify.

Methadone helps normalize brain function by acting on the same opioid receptors as illicit opioids, without causing the same cycle of euphoric high followed by difficult withdrawal. It enables patients to function normally, attend work/school, and reduce high-risk behavior.

Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. Some view it as “trading one addiction for another.” However, research shows methadone relieves withdrawal and craving without sedation or euphoria when taken as prescribed. Retention in methadone treatment is associated with reduced mortality and transmission of HIV and hepatitis C.

Methadone Distribution

Methadone distribution is strictly regulated with required prescriber training and daily supervised dosing. Monitoring includes:

• Urine testing: Patients must undergo at least eight random tests in the first year to detect any ongoing illicit drug use.
• Take-home doses: Limited to a 24-hour supply for the first 14 days then gradually increased for stable patients.
• Interprofessional monitoring team: Nurses, counselors, and social workers provide assessments and referrals.
• Prescription drug monitoring checks before dose changes due to methadone’s narrow therapeutic window.

In Delaware, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance, available only at licensed OTPs.

Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research

Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Studies show it is an effective medication for opioid use disorder. Evidence includes:

• 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests for patients on methadone versus placebo
• Patients on methadone 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment
• Retention in treatment reduces disease transmission risks and mortality while improving employment opportunities

However, methadone does carry risks:

• Potential for misuse/diversion with severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
• Possibility of QTc prolongation or cardiac issues
• Respiratory depression/overdose when combined with alcohol or benzodiazepines

About Newark

Newark is a city located in New Castle County, Delaware, United States.

Location, County & Neighboring States

Newark is located in northern Delaware, around 31 miles southwest of Philadelphia. It is situated in New Castle County, with the neighboring states being Pennsylvania to the north, New Jersey to the east, and Maryland to the south and west.

Capital and Largest City

Dover is the capital and largest city in Delaware.

Land Area

The land area of Newark is 9.4 square miles.

Population Statistics

Total Population

The total population of Newark was 33,858 at the 2010 census.

Demographics:

Gender

There are around 16,000 males (47.2%) and around 18,000 females (52.8%) according to the 2010 census data.

Age Brackets

Around 9.1% of residents are under age 18, and around 5.1% are aged 65 or older according to 2019 estimates. The median age is 21.3 years.

Occupations

Top occupations in Newark are education, healthcare, and social services (29.5%), retail trade (12.3%), and professional, scientific, management, and administrative services (11.2%) according to Data USA.