| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| CHAMP Clinic Honolulu | 173 S. Kukui Street Honolulu, HI 96813 | |
| Comprehensive Health and Attitude Management Program Inc (CHAMP) | 173 South Kukui Street, Honolulu, HI 96813 | (808) 426-4515 |
| Drug Addiction Services of Hawaii Inc (DASH)/Methadone Maintenance | 1130 North Nimitz Highway Suite C-302 Honolulu, HI 96817 | (808) 538-0704 |
| Paradise Recovery LLC | 1050 Bishop Street Suite 162 Honolulu, HI 96813 | (866) 478-9898 |
- Rules and regulations: Honolulu adheres to strict regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Hawaii Department of Health’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD). These regulations ensure that clinics provide safe, effective, and ethical treatment for individuals with opioid use disorders.
- Certification procedures: Methadone clinics in Honolulu must be certified by ADAD and follow federal guidelines set by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This certification process involves a thorough review of the clinic’s policies, procedures, and staff qualifications to ensure they meet the required standards.
- Benefits of medication-assisted treatment: Methadone, a synthetic opioid, is used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help individuals manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. MAT, combined with counseling and behavioral therapies, has been shown to be an effective approach in treating opioid use disorders, promoting long-term recovery, and reducing the risk of relapse and overdose.
- How clinics operate and their purpose: Methadone clinics in Honolulu provide a structured and supervised environment for individuals to receive their daily methadone doses. Patients are required to visit the clinic daily to receive their medication, which is administered by trained healthcare professionals. In addition to medication, clinics offer counseling services, support groups, and other resources to help patients achieve and maintain recovery.
Insurance Coverage
- Free clinics: While there are no completely free methadone clinics in Honolulu, some clinics offer sliding-scale fees based on a patient’s income and ability to pay. These clinics aim to make treatment more accessible to individuals who may not have insurance or the financial means to pay for treatment out-of-pocket.
- Public and private insurance coverage details: Many methadone clinics in Honolulu accept both public and private insurance plans. Hawaii’s Medicaid program, Med-QUEST, covers methadone treatment for eligible individuals. Private insurance plans vary in their coverage of methadone treatment, so it is essential for patients to check with their insurance provider to understand their specific benefits and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Drug Use in Honolulu
- The opioid crisis was declared a public health emergency in Hawaii in 2018, with over 200 opioid-related deaths that year alone
- In 2021 there were 152 overdose deaths involving opioids in Honolulu county, a rate of 11.2 per 100,000 persons
- Methamphetamine and alcohol remain the most widely used substances, with marijuana and prescription opioids also common
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
- Patients reside at a treatment facility 24/7, participating in counseling, group therapy, medication management
- Typical stays range from 28-90 days depending on individual needs
- Services include medical care, counseling, group sessions, recreational activities, aftercare planning
Outpatient Treatment
- Patients live at home and attend regular treatment sessions at a facility
- Frequency varies but often involves 1-2 daily sessions on weekdays
- Located in community clinics, private practices, hospitals
Treatment Level Unreported
- Approximately 18% of admissions in Hawaii lack details on treatment level
- Likely a mix of inpatient, outpatient, and residential services
Comparison of Treatment in Honolulu vs. San Francisco
| City | Treatment Centers | Inpatient Beds | Average Cost |
| Honolulu | 123 | 1,820 | $10,000 |
| San Francisco | 256 | 3,102 | $25,000 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
- Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal.
- There are differing societal perspectives on methadone – while it does assist many people in recovery, some view it as merely replacing one opioid addiction with another.
- In simpler terms, methadone is a prescription opioid medicine that allows people dependent on opioids to stabilize their lives and reduce their drug use.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is strictly monitored:
- Urine testing: Patients must undergo at least eight urine tests for illicit drugs in the first year of treatment.
- Take-home doses: For the first 14 days, the maximum take-home supply is 24 hours worth. More take-homes are allowed over time if patients follow program rules.
- Interprofessional teams including doctors, nurses and counselors carefully monitor each patient’s progress.
- Clinicians review Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data to cross-reference other opioid prescriptions and prevent misuse.
In Hawaii, methadone is a Schedule II controlled medication, indicating it has medical uses but also potential for abuse.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone treatment for opioid addiction began in 1947 and many studies demonstrate its efficacy.
Evidence for Effectiveness
Studies show participation in a methadone program improves outcomes:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug screens
- 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment
Retention reduces disease transmission risks and mortality while improving employment.
Major Drawbacks
However, there are also risks like diversion, withdrawal if stopped abruptly, QTc prolongation, overdose potential when combined with other central nervous system depressants.
Comparison to Other Medications
Research suggests methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective for reducing illicit opioid use.
Conclusion
Methadone offers benefits but also risks requiring careful patient monitoring and management by experienced providers.
About Honolulu
- Honolulu is the capital and largest city in the state of Hawaii
- It is located on the island of Oʻahu and Honolulu County includes the rest of the island
- Neighboring counties include Maui County, Kauaʻi County, and Hawaiʻi County
- Total land area of Oʻahu is 596.7 square miles, with a population density of 1,636 people per square mile
Population Statistics
The population of Honolulu County is estimated at 992,605 as of 2019
Demographics:
Gender:
- 50.5% Female
- 49.5% Male
Age brackets:
- 18.3% under 18
- 83.4% over 18
- 14.3% over 65
Top Occupations:
- Management, business, science and arts (39.7%)
- Sales and office (27.2%)
- Service (15.9%)
- Production, transportation (12.0%)
The population is diverse with a minority-majority of Asians, Pacific Islanders and mixed races. Honolulu attracts tourists and transplants drawn to the tropical climate, natural beauty and island culture.
