Methadone Clinics in Indianapolis

Name rehabsAddressPhone
Community Hospitals of Indiana Inc7150 Clearvista Drive Indianapolis, IN 46256(317) 621-5700
Fairbanks Hospital8102 Clearvista Parkway Indianapolis, IN 46256(317) 849-8222
Health Recovery Centers of Indiana2305 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46208(317) 925-4508
Indianapolis Treatment Center Inc A Member of CRC Health Group2626 East 46th Street Suite J Indianapolis, IN 46205(305) 668-9000
Midtown Community Mental Health - Meridian Center 3171 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46202
Midtown Community Mental Health Center Narcotics Treatment832 North Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46204(317) 686-5634
Roudebush VA Medical Center Substance Abuse Treatment Section1481 West 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202(317) 554-0000
Saint Vincent Stress Center8401 Harcourt Boulevard Indianapolis, IN 46260(317) 338-4600

Rules and Regulations

Indianapolis adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Indiana State Department of Health. All clinics must be certified and accredited.

Certification Procedures

  • Clinics must apply for certification from SAMHSA
  • Staff must undergo background checks
  • Facilities must meet security and storage standards

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

  • Methadone and buprenorphine effectively treat opioid addiction
  • Reduce drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms
  • Allow people to focus on recovery and rebuild their lives

How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose

Methadone clinics provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to people addicted to opioids like heroin and prescription pain medications. Clinics offer:

  • Methadone or buprenorphine dosing
  • Counseling and behavioral therapies
  • Health and social services referrals
  • Community-based support

The goal is to stabilize patients so they can function and pursue addiction recovery.

Insurance Coverage

Many clinics accept Medicaid and private insurance. Some clinics offer treatment at little or no cost to uninsured patients. State and federal programs also provide funds to clinics serving low-income populations. Patients should check with individual clinics about options to pay for treatment if they lack coverage.

Drug Use in Indianapolis

The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. Key statistics for drug overdoses and deaths in Indianapolis and Marion County include:

  • Over 1,200 drug overdose deaths reported in Marion County in 2021
  • Increase of over 20% in overdose deaths from 2020 to 2021
  • Opioids are involved in over 75% of overdose deaths
  • Methamphetamine is involved in over 15% of overdose deaths

Addiction Treatment Overview

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient drug and alcohol treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for substance abuse treatment. The typical length of stay is 30 days. Procedures and services include detoxification, individual and group counseling, medication management, and aftercare planning.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment allows the patient to live at home and visit a treatment center up to several times per week for counseling and other services. Locations are available throughout Indianapolis and Marion County.

Treatment Level Unreported

An estimated 15-25% of people receive some form of unspecified addiction treatment, based on national data. This may include support groups, religious counseling, or other care.

Comparison of Treatment in Indianapolis vs. Chicago

CategoryIndianapolisChicago
Number of treatment facilitiesOver 100Over 300
Inpatient beds availableApproximately 2,000Over 5,000
Cost of 30 days of inpatient treatment$15,000 average$25,000 average

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 opioid withdrawal and reduces drug cravings by activating opioid receptors in the brain similarly to other opioid drugs. In an opioid treatment program (OTP), methadone is taken orally once daily and allows patients to function without the negative effects of illicit or prescription opioid misuse.

Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. While it does help treat addiction, some view it as merely replacing one opioid with another. However, research shows methadone helps stabilize patients, allowing them to focus on recovery without constantly seeking out drugs. When properly monitored, methadone enables patients to live healthier, more productive lives.

Methadone Distribution

Methadone distribution is highly regulated to prevent misuse:

  • Urine Testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight random drug tests in the first year of treatment to ensure they are not using other illicit substances.
  • Take-Home Requirements: During the first 14 days of treatment, the take-home supply of methadone is limited to a 24-hour dose. After 90 days of compliant treatment, patients may receive a maximum one-month supply.
  • Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and behavioral health specialists to monitor patient progress.
  • Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians should review prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to carefully cross-reference other opioid medications a patient receives, as methadone has a narrow therapeutic index.

In Indianapolis, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance, requiring an OTP license to distribute. Federal and Indiana state regulations tightly control methadone access to prevent misuse.

Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research

Methadone has been used to effectively treat opioid addiction since 1947. Studies show methadone MAT reduces opioid use, disease transmission through injection, and drug-related crime. Patients on methadone maintenance have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests. They are also 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment, which reduces overdose risk and increases employment opportunities.

However, methadone does carry risks including the potential for misuse and diversion, severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly, QTc prolongation raising cardiac issues, respiratory depression, and overdose when combined with other sedatives like benzodiazepines or alcohol.

Compared to other medications, methadone is equally effective as buprenorphine for reducing illicit opioid use. Ultimately, while beneficial for many patients, methadone requires careful monitoring and management due to its risks.

About Indianapolis

Location, Marion County & Neighboring States

Indianapolis is located in Marion County in central Indiana. The neighboring states are Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan.

Capital and Largest City

Indianapolis is the state capital and largest city in Indiana.

Land Area

The land area of Indianapolis is 368.2 square miles.

Infrastructure

Indianapolis has a small local government and public services. Businesses include building, agriculture, and tourism.

Population Statistics

The total population of Indianapolis is 876,862 (2020 estimate).

Demographics

Gender

  • Male: 49.1%
  • Female: 50.9%

Age Brackets

  • Under 18 years: 22.1%
  • 18 to 64 years: 63.3%
  • 65 years and over: 14.6%

Occupations

  • Management, business, science, and arts occupations: 39.3%
  • Sales and office occupations: 24.8%
  • Service occupations: 18.2%
  • Production, transportation, and material moving occupations: 11.4%
  • Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations: 6.3%