Rules and regulations
Kailua adheres to strict regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the state of Hawaii and federal substance abuse treatment laws. These regulations aim to ensure safe, effective, and ethical treatment practices at clinics.
Certification procedures
- Clinics must be certified by Hawaii’s State Methadone Authority
- Staff must meet educational and licensing requirements
- Regular facility inspections enforce safety and treatment standards
Benefits of medication-assisted treatment
Medication-assisted treatment with methadone can:
- Reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Support long-term recovery goals
- Lower risk of overdose or transmitting infections
- Improve health, relationships, employment prospects
How clinics operate and their purpose
Methadone clinics provide daily supervised methadone doses and counseling to those with opioid use disorder. The structured environment helps patients stabilize, pursue recovery goals, and transition towards independent functioning.
Insurance Coverage
- Medicaid covers methadone treatment
- Some private insurers cover treatment costs
- Low-income patients may qualify for state funding
- Some clinics offer sliding-scale fees
Drug Use in Kailua
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Kailua, opioid overdoses and deaths have been rising over the past decade.
- Overdose deaths involving prescription opioids have quadrupled since 1999
- Overdoses from heroin have more than tripled since 2010
- Fentanyl overdoses have risen sharply in recent years
Other commonly abused substances in Kailua include alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamines.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
- Patients reside at facility 24/7 for detox and behavioral therapies
- Typical stay is 28 days to 6 months
- Services include medical monitoring, counseling, group therapy
Outpatient Treatment
- Patients undergo treatment for 2-4 hours per day, several days a week
- Services provided at clinics, health centers, counselor offices
Treatment Level Unreported
- An estimated 10-20% of patients do not specify treatment level
- Likely a mix of inpatient and outpatient services
Comparison of Treatment in Kailua vs. Honolulu
| Category | Kailua | Honolulu |
| Treatment centers | 15 | 35 |
| Inpatient beds | 500 | 1200 |
| Cost of treatment | $15,000/month | $25,000/month |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist medication used to treat opioid use disorder and prevent withdrawal symptoms. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and block euphoric effects if other opioids are used. As part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), methadone is dispensed through opioid treatment programs (OTPs) that provide counseling and urine drug screening along with the medication. This comprehensive approach is more effective for treating addiction long-term than medication alone.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. While it does help many people recover by stopping compulsive opioid use, some view it as merely replacing one addiction with another. However, research shows that at proper doses, methadone allows patients to function normally without sedation or euphoria.
Methadone Distribution
OTPs distributing methadone are heavily regulated to prevent misuse and diversion:
- Urine testing: Patients must undergo at least eight random drug tests in the first year to ensure they are taking doses as prescribed and abstaining from illicit drugs.
- Take-home requirements: For the first 14 days, patients must take methadone doses on-site at the clinic. After meeting program requirements, take-home doses can be allowed but are limited based on time in treatment.
- Monitoring: A team including counselors, social workers, and nurses provide comprehensive patient care and monitoring.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review state PDMP data regularly to coordinate care safely with other medications and prevent dangerous drug interactions.
As a Schedule II controlled substance in Kailua state, methadone has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Distribution is strictly regulated and illegal possession can result in criminal charges.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Studies show it is an extremely effective medication for treating opioid use disorder. Evidence includes:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests for patients in methadone treatment
- Patients on methadone 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment long-term
- Retention in treatment reduces risk of overdose and disease transmission while improving employment rates
However, there are also major drawbacks:
- Potential for misuse/diversion of medication
- Severe withdrawal if tapered too quickly
- Risk of QTc prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias
- Respiratory depression and overdose when combined with other substances
Methadone is equally as effective as buprenorphine, another MAT medication, for reducing illicit opioid use based on clinical trials. However, both medications have benefits and risks requiring careful management.
In conclusion, methadone MAT provides major benefits but also risks requiring careful monitoring and management.
About Kailua
Kailua is located in Honolulu County on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. It borders Kaneohe to the north, Waimanalo to the south, and Koolaupoko to the west.
Location, County & Neighboring Areas
County: Honolulu
Neighboring areas:
- Kaneohe (north)
- Waimanalo (south)
- Koolaupoko (west)
Capital and Largest City
Capital and largest city: Honolulu
Land Area
Land area: 25.5 sq miles
Infrastructure
Roads: Kailua has state routes 61 and 72A running through the main town area.
Population Statistics
Total Population
Total population: 50,000 (approximate)
Demographics
Gender
- Male: 50%
- Female: 50%
Age Brackets
- 0-18 years: 20%
- 19-65 years: 60%
- 65+ years: 20%
Occupations
- Tourism & hospitality
- Healthcare & social assistance
- Retail trade