Rules and Regulations
Alpharetta, Fulton County, Georgia adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Georgia Department of Community Health.
Certification Procedures
All methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state. Certification requirements include:
- Complying with opioid treatment standards
- Employing qualified staff
- Providing counseling services
- Conducting drug testing
- Meeting patient admission criteria
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
The benefits of methadone maintenance treatment include:
- Reducing opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Decreasing illicit opioid use
- Lowering the risk of overdose
- Allowing people to focus on their health and life goals
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide medication-assisted treatment to people diagnosed with an opioid use disorder. Patients receive methadone doses daily under medical supervision. The clinics also offer counseling and behavioral therapies to support recovery. Their purpose is to facilitate recovery and rehabilitation.
Insurance Coverage
Both public and private insurance plans help cover methadone treatment:
- Medicaid covers methadone clinic costs
- Medicare Part B covers treatment from certified opioid treatment programs
- Private plans are required to cover addiction treatment under the Affordable Care Act
Some clinics offer treatment on a sliding scale for low-income patients without adequate insurance coverage.
Drug Use in Alpharetta
Opioid crisis declared public health emergency:
- In 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency.
- Drug overdoses are the leading cause of injury death in the U.S., with 68% involving an opioid in 2017.
Statistics on drug overdoses and deaths:
- In 2020, there were an estimated 92,183 drug overdose deaths in the U.S.
- In Georgia, there were 1,776 drug overdose deaths in 2020.
- The age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths in Georgia was 16.5 per 100,000 persons in 2020.
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 involves periodic services for 1-2 hours at a time, 1-3 days per week typically. It includes counseling, group therapy, and medication management.
Treatment Level Unreported
Approximately 2.1 million people received treatment for a substance use disorder in 2020 according to SAMHSA. However, 40.3% did not report their treatment level.
Comparison of Treatment in Alpharetta vs. Atlanta
| Cities | Facilities | Inpatient Beds | Cost |
| Alpharetta | 12 | 150 | $10,000-$20,000/month |
| Atlanta | 35 | 850 | $5,000-$15,000/month |
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 There are mixed societal perspectives on methadone treatment. While it is an evidence-based treatment, some view it as simply substituting one opioid for another. However, research shows methadone helps patients stay in treatment, reduce opioid use, and improve social functioning when properly managed.
In Layman’s Terms Methadone is a long-acting opioid medication that is taken orally once daily to treat opioid addiction. It relieves withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings without causing a significant “high” when taken as prescribed.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone clinics must follow strict federal and state regulations including:
- Urine Testing: Patients must pass at least 8 urine tests for opioids and other drugs in the first year.
- Take-Home Doses: For the first 14 days, patients must take methadone at the clinic daily, then can earn take-home doses for consistent attendance and negative drug tests.
- Oversight: Clinicians, counselors, and pharmacists oversee dosing and treatment plans.
- Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians should review state PDMP data to coordinate care and prevent dangerous drug interactions.
In Georgia, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has accepted medical use but also potential for abuse.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Studies show it is an effective treatment option.
Evidence for Effectiveness
Research indicates participants in methadone treatment programs have:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests
- 4.44 times higher rates of staying in treatment
- Reduced overdose and disease transmission risk
- Increased employment rates
Major Drawbacks
However, methadone does carry risks including:
- Potential for misuse and diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- QTc prolongation and cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression and overdose when combined with other substances
Comparison to Other Medications
Methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective in reducing illicit opioid use.
Methadone is beneficial but requires careful regulation and management.
About Alpharetta
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Alpharetta is located in north Fulton County, Georgia, United States. It is bordered by the U.S. states of:
Capital and Largest City
Atlanta is both the capital and largest city in the state of Georgia.
Land Area
Alpharetta has an area of 27.1 square miles.
Population Statistics
Total Population
As of the 2020 census, the population of Alpharetta was 71,075.
Demographics:
Gender
- Male: 51%
- Female: 49%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 26.4%
- 18 to 65 years: 63.2%
- Over 65 years: 10.4%
Occupations
The top occupations in Alpharetta are:
- Management, business, science, and arts: 60.2%
- Sales and office: 24.3%
- Service: 10.8%
- Production, transportation, and material moving: 4.7%
