Rules and Regulations
McCall, Valley County, Idaho, United States adheres to strict regulations regarding methadone clinics as outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Clinics must be certified and accredited to safely administer methadone as a medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.
Certification Procedures
Methadone clinics must complete certification procedures through SAMHSA and obtain a DEA registration to handle methadone. Staff must be properly trained and experienced. Clinics must meet safety and quality standards. Regular inspections occur to maintain accreditation.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone therapy provides:
- Reduced opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Decreased risk of overdose
- Improved social functioning
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide daily supervised methadone doses and counseling to those recovering from opioid addictions. The structured environment helps patients stabilize their lives. The goal is to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings.
Insurance Coverage
Most private and public insurance plans cover methadone treatment. Medicaid and Medicare specifically include coverage. Uninsured individuals may qualify for free or reduced-cost treatment through state and local programs. Coverage helps expand access to this beneficial treatment option.
Drug Use in McCall
The opioid crisis has been declared a public health emergency in the United States. In Idaho, drug overdose deaths have increased in recent years. The most commonly abused substances in the state are:
- Opioids – prescription pain relievers and heroin
- Methamphetamine
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
According to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, there were 337 drug overdose deaths in 2020 in the state. The drugs most frequently involved were opioids.
Addiction Treatment Overview in McCall
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient drug rehab involves staying at a facility 24/7 for 1-3 months typically. It includes medical detox, counseling, group therapy, education, and aftercare planning.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment consists of sessions 2-3 times per week for several hours each, allowing the patient to live at home. Services include therapy, support groups, and medication management.
Treatment Level Unreported
Accurate data on the number of people receiving unreported addiction treatment in McCall is unavailable. However, national estimates suggest a significant number do not report their treatment status.
Comparison of Treatment in McCall vs. Boise
| Location | Treatment Facilities | Inpatient Beds | Cost of Treatment |
| McCall, ID | 2 | 18 beds | $10,000 per month |
| Boise, ID | 12 | 300 beds | $15,000 per month |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is a medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, also known as opioid treatment programs (OTPs). It is a long-acting opioid agonist that binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms in people with opioid use disorder. It allows them to discontinue or reduce the use of other opioids. Methadone is taken orally once daily and administered by clinics.
Methadone activates the opioid receptors in the brain like other opioids, but doesn’t give the associated “high”. It stabilizes people physically and provides time for behavioral changes without intoxication or withdrawal. The OTP provides comprehensive support services like counseling and case management. The ultimate goals are to improve quality of life and reduce problems associated with opioid addiction.
Societal Perspectives on Methadone Treatment
Views on methadone are mixed. Some see it as “trading one addiction for another” and oppose MAT. Others recognize its medical value in treating opioid use disorder and supporting recovery. Stigmatization remains an issue. More education is needed on methadone’s role as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, rather than as a stand-alone solution.
In simple terms, methadone is a long-acting opioid medication. It activates opioid receptors enough to prevent withdrawal and drug cravings without producing euphoria. This allows people to focus on making lifestyle changes and progress in counseling programs to support recovery.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is highly monitored with several regulations:
- Urine testing: Patients must undergo at least 8 urine tests in the first year to detect any unsanctioned drug use.
- Take-home requirements: For the first 14 days, the supply is limited to 24 hours. More take-home doses are allowed over time for patients meeting treatment goals.
- Monitoring: OTPs should have an interprofessional team of medical, counseling, and case management staff monitoring patient progress.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review state PDMP data to safely manage methadone dosing, which has a narrow therapeutic range.
In McCall, Idaho, methadone is a Schedule II controlled prescription substance with special OTP dispensing regulations.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for opioid use disorder that has been used since 1947.
Studies show methadone reduces opioid use, disease transmission, and crime:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests versus no medication
- 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment versus placebo
- Retention in treatment reduces overdose risk and increases employment
However, there are some major drawbacks:
- Potential for misuse and diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Possible QTc prolongation and cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression and overdose risk when combined with other substances
Methadone is equally effective as buprenorphine in reducing opioid use.
In conclusion, methadone has demonstrated benefits but also risks requiring careful management.
About McCall
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
McCall is located in Valley County in west central Idaho. It is situated on the southern shore of Payette Lake.
Neighboring states:
Capital and Largest City
- Capital: Boise
- Largest city: Boise
Land Area
- Total area: 6.34 sq miles (16.42 km2)
- Land area: 5.85 sq miles (15.14 km2)
- Water area: 0.49 sq miles (1.27 km2)
Infrastructure
- McCall Municipal Airport
- St. Luke’s McCall Medical Center
- Shore Lodge Golf Course
- Brundage Mountain Resort
Population Statistics
Total Population
3,532 (2020 Census)
Gender
- Male: 51.6%
- Female: 48.4%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 19.4%
- 18 to 64 years: 59.2%
- 65 years and over: 21.4%
Occupations
- Management & professional: 42.3%
- Service: 20.9%
- Sales & office: 22.8%
- Natural resources, construction & maintenance: 8.3%
- Production & transportation: 5.8%
