| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| BHG Lake Charles Treatment Center | 2829 4th Avenue Suite 200 Lake Charles, LA 70601 | |
| Lake Charles Subst Abuse Clinic Inc Substance Abuse Clinic Inc | 711 North Prater Street Lake Charles, LA 70601 | (337) 433-8281 |
Rules and Regulations
Louisiana adheres to federal and state laws and regulations regarding methadone clinics and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs. These laws aim to ensure safe and effective treatment while preventing misuse.
Certification Procedures
- Methadone clinics must be certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and licensed by the state.
- Staff must meet educational and training requirements.
- Regular inspections ensure compliance with regulations.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
MAT with methadone helps individuals recover from opioid addiction. Benefits include:
- Reducing opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Supporting long-term recovery
- Lowering the risk of overdose
- Allowing people to function and participate in society
How Clinics Operate
Methadone clinics provide MAT services to clients, including:
- Methadone dosing under medical supervision
- Individual and group counseling
- Case management
- Referrals for healthcare and social services
The goal is to support clients in achieving sobriety and personal growth.
Insurance Coverage
Most private insurance plans and Medicaid cover MAT. Some clinics offer services on a sliding fee scale based on income for those without insurance. Grants and public funding also help support affordable treatment access. Ensuring high-quality addiction care regardless of a person’s financial situation is important for supporting community health.
Drug Use in Lake Charles
The opioid crisis has been declared a public health emergency in the United States. In Louisiana, drug overdose deaths increased by 33% from 2018 to 2020. The most commonly used substances in Louisiana are:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Prescription opioids
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for 1-3 months. It includes medical detox, counseling, group therapy, medication management, and aftercare planning.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment involves scheduled services for 4-8 hours a week at a facility. It includes counseling, group therapy, medication management, and recovery support.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of those receiving addiction treatment in Louisiana do not report their treatment level. This may include support groups, brief interventions, or quitting on their own.
Comparison of Treatment in Lake Charles vs. Baton Rouge
| Category | Lake Charles | Baton Rouge |
| Treatment Facilities | 25 | 35 |
| Inpatient Beds | 300 | 450 |
| Cost of Treatment | $15,000/month | $20,000/month |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is a medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. It is typically administered daily in opioid treatment programs (OTPs) based on the principle that methadone relieves withdrawal symptoms, reduces opioid cravings, and blocks the euphoric effects of other opioids.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. While some view it as merely replacing one addiction with another, studies show methadone is an effective harm-reduction strategy. In layman’s terms, methadone tricks the brain into thinking it is still getting the abused opioid, stabilizing patients in treatment so they can work on addictive behaviors.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is highly regulated with strict monitoring requirements:
- Urine testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight random drug tests in the first year of treatment to check for other opioid use.
- Take-home requirements: During the first 14 days of treatment, the take-home supply of methadone is limited to a 24-hour dose. After 1-2 years of consistent treatment, patients may earn up to a 30-day supply.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and behavioral health staff monitoring patient progress.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to carefully cross-reference other opioid prescriptions, as methadone has a narrow therapeutic index.
In Lake Charles, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance according to Louisiana state drug classifications. Calcasieu Parish recorded 239 methadone overdose deaths and y OTPs in 2023 per ONDCP data.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder that has been used since 1947. Studies show:
Evidence for Effectiveness:
Methadone reduces opioid use, disease transmission through injection, and crime when patients are retained in treatment. Specifically:
- Patients on methadone had 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests
- Methadone patients were 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment
- Retention in treatment reduces overdose risk, HIV/Hep C transmission, and increases employment
- Major Drawbacks:
However, there are risks. Methadone has the potential for misuse/diversion. Stopping suddenly causes severe withdrawal. It can prolong the QTc interval and cause cardiac issues. Respiratory depression/overdose occurs when combined with other substances.
Comparison to Other Medications:
About Lake Charles
Located in Calcasieu Parish, Lake Charles is the largest city in southwest Louisiana. It borders Texas and the Gulf of Mexico.
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
- Texas (west)
- Arkansas (north)
- Mississippi (east)
Capital and Largest City
- Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana
- New Orleans is the largest city
- Lake Charles is the 5th largest city in Louisiana
Land Area
Total area: 44.3 square miles
Infrastructure
- Lake Charles Regional Airport
- Interstate 10 and Interstate 210 highways
- Port of Lake Charles shipping channel
Population Statistics
Total Population
78,477 (2020 estimate)
Demographics:
Gender
- Male: 48%
- Female: 52%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 23.4%
- 18 to 65 years: 61.1%
- Over 65 years: 15.5%
Occupations
- Management, business, science, and arts: 31.8%
- Sales and office: 24.2%
- Production, transportation, and material moving: 16.3%
- Service: 16.2%
- Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: 11.5%
