Rules and Regulations
Wahiawa adheres to strict regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). All clinics must be certified and accredited.
Certification Procedures
To be certified, methadone clinics must:
- Be accredited by an independent accreditation body approved by SAMHSA
- Renew accreditation and certification annually
- Follow federal and state regulations for dispensing and administering methadone
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone maintenance treatment provides:
- Reduced illicit opioid use
- Decreased risk of overdose
- Improved social functioning and quality of life
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to those with opioid use disorder. Patients receive methadone doses daily under the supervision of medical staff to prevent misuse. The goal is to curb withdrawal and drug cravings.
Insurance Coverage
Many clinics accept Medicaid and Medicare. Some also take private insurance or offer cash pricing. Uninsured patients may qualify for state-funded treatment or apply for financial assistance.
Drug Use in Wahiawa
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Hawaii specifically:
- Annual drug overdose deaths increased from 206 in 2013 to 323 in 2020 (56% increase)
- The most commonly detected substances in overdose deaths are fentanyl and methamphetamine
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a medical facility while receiving care for substance addiction. Typical components include:
- Length of stay: 30, 60 or 90 days
- Detoxification, behavioral therapy, medication management, group counseling
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment allows the patient to live at home and visit a facility for services. It typically involves:
- 1-5 visits per week for counseling, therapy, medication management
- Care takes place at clinics, community health centers, therapist offices
Accurate statistics on treatment prevalence in Wahiawa specifically are unavailable. Statewide, over 9,000 patients receive addiction treatment per year.
Comparison of Treatment in Wahiawa vs. Neighboring Major City
| Category | Wahiawa | Honolulu |
| Treatment facilities | Unavailable | 32 |
| Inpatient beds | Unavailable | ~500 |
| Cost of treatment | Unavailable | $15,000+ 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 withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings by activating opioid receptors in the brain, reducing illicit opioid use. Under the opioid treatment program (OTP) model, methadone is dispensed daily in tapering or maintenance doses under medical supervision.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment explain both the benefits and risks. While it helps individuals recover by reducing unlawful drug use and transmission of diseases like HIV, some view it as merely replacing one addiction with another. However, research shows MAT with methadone is an evidence-based treatment for opioid addiction.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is highly monitored and regulated:
- Urine testing: Patients must undergo at least 8 random tests in the first year to detect illicit drug use.
- Take-home requirements: For the first 14 days, only a 24-hour methadone supply is allowed. More take-home doses are permitted over time if patients have negative drug tests.
- Monitoring: OTPs should have an interprofessional team overseeing treatment including assessment, dosing, and counseling.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review the state’s PDMP data to carefully manage methadone’s dosing due to its narrow therapeutic window.
In Wahiawa, Honolulu County, Hawaii, methadone is a Schedule II controlled prescription substance per state and federal drug classifications.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947.
Evidence for Effectiveness
Studies show methadone MAT reduces opioid use, disease transmission from injection drug use, and drug-related crime:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests
- 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment
- Retention in treatment reduces overdose risk and increases employment
Major Drawbacks
However, there are risks including:
- Potential for misuse and diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Possible QTc prolongation/cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression/overdose when combined with other substances
Comparison to Other Medications
Methadone is equally effective as buprenorphine for reducing opioid use.
Methadone has demonstrated benefits but also risks requiring careful management.
About Wahiawa
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Wahiawa is located in the center of the island of O’ahu in Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States. Honolulu County, which encompasses the entire island of O’ahu, is neighbored by the Pacific Ocean.
Capital and Largest City
Honolulu, located southeast of Wahiawa, is the capital and largest city in Hawaii.
Land Area
Wahiawa has a total land area of 3.4 square miles.
Infrastructure
Wahiawa has a small local government and public services.
Population Statistics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Wahiawa was 19,750.
Demographics
Gender
- Male: 51.1%
- Female: 48.9%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 19.5%
- 18 to 64 years: 62.3%
- 65 years and over: 18.2%
Occupations
The top occupations in Wahiawa are:
- Management, business, science, and arts occupations: 32.2%
- Sales and office occupations: 27.3%
- Service occupations: 20.6%
- Production, transportation, and material moving occupations: 13.2%
