| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Addiction Recovery Resources of New Orleans (ARRNO) | 4836 Wabash Street Metairie, LA 70001 | (866) 399-4673x110 |
Rules and Regulations
Metairie and Jefferson, Louisiana adhere to federal and state regulations regarding licensing and certification of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs using methadone. Clinics must meet requirements around security, counseling services, and dispensing medications.
Certification Procedures
- Clinics must be certified by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Staff must meet educational and licensing criteria
- Regular state inspections enforce regulations
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
MAT with methadone can:
- Reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Allow people to focus on counseling and skills-building
- Lower the risk of overdose death
- Help people regain stability and function in work/family roles
How Clinics Operate
Methadone clinics provide:
- Methadone dosing daily under medical supervision
- Individual and group counseling and behavioral therapies
- Drug testing and checks for substance use
- Case management and referrals for healthcare/social services
Insurance Coverage
Coverage for MAT varies in Louisiana. Public and private insurance plans that include MAT treatment are required to cover methadone clinics. Uninsured individuals may qualify for state Medicaid coverage or clinics that offer treatment on an income-based sliding scale or for free.
Drug Use in Metairie
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Jefferson Parish specifically:
- There were 123 drug overdose deaths in 2021, a 45% increase over 2020
- Opioids were involved in 73% of these overdoses
The drugs most commonly involved were:
- Fentanyl
- Heroin
- Prescription opioids
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a treatment facility 24/7 for 1-3 months typically. Services include medical detox, individual and group counseling, medication management, aftercare planning, and more.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment provides services at a facility up to 5 days a week for several hours a day. It allows the patient to live at home while getting treatment. Services are similar to inpatient but less intensive.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 18% of patients in Louisiana do not report their treatment level. Reasons may include paying out-of-pocket or lack of insurance.
Comparison of Treatment in Metairie vs. New Orleans
| Category | Metairie | New Orleans |
| Treatment Facilities | 16 | 23 |
| Inpatient Beds | 124 | 216 |
| Cost of Treatment | $15,000 for 30 days | $10,000 for 30 days |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, also known as opioid treatment programs (OTPs). It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing patients to focus on recovery.
There are mixed societal perspectives on methadone treatment. While it has demonstrated effectiveness for treating opioid use disorder, some view it as merely replacing one opioid with another. However, research shows that methadone maintenance therapy helps stabilize patients, prevents withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings, and allows patients to function normally and pursue recovery when combined with counseling.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is highly monitored and regulated:
- Urine testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight tests in the first year of treatment to detect any illicit drug use.
- Take-home requirements: During the first 14 days of treatment, the take-home supply of methadone is limited to a 24-hour supply that must be ingested on-site under staff supervision.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and counselors to monitor patient progress.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to carefully cross-reference other opioid prescriptions and titration dosages since methadone has a narrow therapeutic window.
According to state data, methadone is a Schedule II controlled prescription substance in Metairie, Jefferson, Louisiana.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder that has been used since 1947. Studies show methadone reduces opioid use, disease transmission, and crime when combined with counseling. Specifically:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests
- 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment
- Retention in treatment reduces overdose/disease transmission risk and increases employment
However, methadone does carry risks:
- Potential for misuse/diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Possible QTc prolongation/cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression/overdose risk when combined with other substances
Research shows methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective for reducing opioid use when combined with counseling and supportive services.
In conclusion, methadone offers benefits but also risks requiring careful management under medical supervision.
About Metairie
Metairie is a census-designated place (CDP) in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. It is a major part of the New Orleans Metropolitan Area.
Location, County & Neighboring States
Capital and Largest City
- Capital: Baton Rouge
- Largest city: New Orleans
Land Area
Total area: 12.1 sq mi
Infrastructure
- Main highways: I-10, I-610
- Public transportation: Bus, streetcar
Population Statistics
Total population (2020 census): 138,481
Demographics:
Gender:
- Male: 66,032 (48%)
- Female: 72,449 (52%)
Age:
- Under 18 years: 19%
- 18 to 64 years: 59.5%
- 65 years and over: 21.5%
Occupations:
- Management/Business/Finance: 13%
- Sales: 11.4%
- Office/Administrative support: 15.6%
- Healthcare practitioners: 6.2%
- Transportation: 4.5%
