| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Peachford Behavioral Health Systems | 2151 Peachford Road Atlanta, GA 30338 | (770) 455-3200 |
Rules and Regulations
Atlanta 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
- Methadone clinics must register with SAMHSA and obtain certification from the DEA
- Staff must undergo background checks and extensive training on methadone treatment protocols
- Facilities must meet security and storage standards for controlled substances
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment with methadone helps individuals with opioid use disorder by:
- Preventing painful withdrawal symptoms
- Reducing opioid cravings
- Allowing patients to focus on counseling and behavioral therapies
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide daily supervised methadone doses and counseling to those recovering from opioid addiction. The goal is to help patients achieve sobriety and become productive members of society.
Insurance Coverage
Many private insurance plans and Medicaid cover methadone treatment. Some clinics offer treatment on a sliding fee scale based on income for those without coverage.
Drug Use in Atlanta, DeKalb
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Georgia:
- There were over 1,000 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2016
- Over 850 babies were born with neonatal abstinence syndrome in 2017
The most commonly used substances in Atlanta and DeKalb County are:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Prescription opioids
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 1-5 times per week for several months. Services are provided at clinics, hospitals, or community centers.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of patients do not report their treatment level. Reasons may include privacy concerns or involvement in unofficial support groups.
Comparison of Treatment in Atlanta vs. Nashville
| City | Treatment Facilities | Inpatient Beds | Cost of Treatment |
| Atlanta | Over 300 | ~2,000 beds | $15,000+ for 30 days |
| Nashville | Over 275 | ~1,800 beds | $10,000+ for 30 days |
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 reduces 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 in treatment to function more normally. Methadone is taken orally once daily in supervised opioid treatment programs (OTPs).
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. While it helps stabilize individuals and reduce illegal opioid use and associated crime, some view it as merely replacing one addiction with another. However, research shows methadone significantly improves outcomes when properly regulated.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is strictly monitored with several regulations:
- Urine testing: Patients must undergo at least eight random drug tests in the first year to ensure compliance and prevent diversion.
- Take-home requirements: For the first 14 days, methadone is only dispensed as a single, daily dose. Over time, additional take-home doses may be allowed for stable patients.
- Interprofessional monitoring: OTPs should have teams of doctors, nurses, counselors, and social workers managing treatment.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review state PDMP data to coordinate care and prevent dangerous drug interactions.
Methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance in Georgia and the U.S. requiring special licensing for distribution.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Studies show it is an extremely effective MAT option.
Evidence for effectiveness:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests for patients in methadone treatment
- 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment long-term compared to non-medication treatments
- Retention in treatment reduces overdose risk and disease transmission while improving employment rates
Major Drawbacks
- Potential for misuse/diversion due to its opioid activity
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Risk of QTc prolongation and cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression and overdose when combined with other substances
Comparison: Methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective at reducing illicit opioid use.
In conclusion, methadone is beneficial but also carries risks requiring careful management.
About Atlanta
Location, county & list of neighbouring states
Atlanta is located in north central Georgia in the Piedmont region, part of the Appalachian Mountains. It lies in both Fulton and DeKalb counties. Neighbouring states include:
Capital and largest city
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the state of Georgia.
Land area
The land area of Atlanta is 134.0 square miles.
Infrastructure
Atlanta contains one of the world’s busiest airports, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The city is also home to a comprehensive network of freeways and rail systems, including MARTA.
Population Statistics
Total population
The Atlanta metropolitan area has a population of over 5.8 million as of 2018.
Demographics
Gender
- Male: 49%
- Female: 51%
Age brackets
- Under 18 years: 22.4%
- 18 to 65 years: 65.1%
- Over 65 years: 12.5%
Occupations
Atlanta residents are employed in diverse occupations, with many working in business, financial, healthcare, education and hospitality sectors. The city serves as a major transportation and economic hub.
