| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Vermilion Hospital for Psychiatric and Addictive Medicine | 2520 North University Avenue Lafayette, LA 70507 | (337) 234-5614 |
| Victory Addiction Recovery Center | 111 Liberty Avenue Lafayette, Louisiana 70508 | (855) 559-9822 |
Rules and Regulations
Lafayette adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by agencies like the DEA and the Louisiana Department of Health. Clinics must be certified and meet standards around security, counselling, dosage monitoring, and more.
Certification Procedures
Methadone clinics must go through inspections, staff background checks, and other rigorous certification steps before being approved to operate. Staff must complete specialized training as well.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone and other MAT medications allow those with opioid addictions to function normally, reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and lower the risk of overdose or other health/social consequences. MAT gives people the stability needed to get their lives back on track.
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide daily supervised methadone doses and comprehensive support services like counselling, case management, referrals for housing/jobs, and more. Their purpose is to facilitate recovery from opioid addiction.
Insurance Coverage
Medicaid and private insurance plans often cover methadone treatment. Some clinics operate on sliding-scale fees based on income for uninsured patients.
Free Clinics
Some non-profit clinics provide free methadone treatment funded by grants and public health programs. Eligibility requirements may apply.
Specific coverage for methadone maintenance varies by plan – Medicaid covers all FDA-approved MAT in Louisiana, while private plans may impose some limits. Deductibles, copay, or prior authorization rules may also apply.
Drug Use in Lafayette
Lafayette like many cities across the United States, has been significantly impacted by the opioid crisis. In response to the growing number of drug overdoses and deaths, the city has declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency. According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the statistics on drug overdoses and deaths in Lafayette are alarming:
- In 2019, there were 45 drug overdose deaths in Lafayette Parish, with opioids being involved in 33 of those deaths.
- The age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths in Lafayette Parish was 20.2 per 100,000 residents in 2019, higher than the state average of 18.7 per 100,000.
- Heroin and fentanyl are the most commonly involved substances in opioid-related deaths in Lafayette Parish.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment for substance abuse disorders involves a patient staying at a residential facility for a specified period, typically ranging from 30 to 90 days. During this time, patients receive 24-hour care, including medical detox, individual and group therapy, and other support services.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment allows patients to receive addiction treatment services while continuing to live at home. These programs typically involve regular visits to a treatment facility for therapy sessions and medication management. Outpatient treatment can vary in frequency and intensity, depending on the patient’s needs.
Treatment Level Unreported
Some individuals may receive addiction treatment without being reported in official statistics. This can include those who seek treatment through private practitioners or faith-based organizations. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimates that only about 10% of individuals who need substance abuse treatment actually receive it.
Comparison of Treatment in Lafayette
| City | Number of Treatment Facilities | Inpatient Beds Available | Approximate Cost of Treatment |
| Lafayette, LA | 12 | 150 | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 20 | 250 | $12,000 – $25,000 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder and has been used since 1947. As a medication-assisted treatment (MAT), methadone works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same euphoric effects. Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) are the primary providers of methadone maintenance treatment, following strict guidelines and regulations to ensure safe and effective care.
Society has varying perspectives on methadone treatment. Some view it as a valuable tool for helping individuals overcome addiction, while others see it as substituting one drug for another. However, when used as prescribed and under medical supervision, methadone can be a life-saving intervention for those struggling with opioid use disorder.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is subject to strict monitoring and regulations to prevent misuse and diversion:
- Urine testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight tests in the first year of treatment to ensure compliance and 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 to minimize the risk of misuse or diversion.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team, including physicians, nurses, counsellors, and other healthcare professionals, to provide comprehensive care and monitoring.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to cross-reference opioid titration dosage carefully, as methadone has a narrow therapeutic index and can interact with other medications.
In Lafayette, Lafayette County, Louisiana, methadone is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse but also accepted medical use in treatment.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Evidence for Effectiveness
Studies have consistently shown that methadone is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder, reducing illicit opioid use, disease transmission, and crime. Patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests compared to those not in treatment. Additionally, individuals in methadone treatment are 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment compared to those not receiving medication-assisted treatment. Retention in treatment is crucial, as it reduces the risk of overdose and disease transmission while increasing the likelihood of employment and overall stability.
Major Drawbacks
Despite its effectiveness, methadone treatment does have some potential drawbacks:
- Methadone can be misused or diverted, particularly if not taken as prescribed or obtained illegally.
- Sudden discontinuation of methadone can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, making it difficult for some individuals to stop treatment.
- Methadone may cause QTc prolongation and other cardiac issues in some patients, requiring careful monitoring.
- When combined with other substances, particularly central nervous system depressants, methadone can cause respiratory depression and increase the risk of overdose.
Comparison to Other Medications
Methadone is equally effective as buprenorphine, another medication used to treat opioid use disorder, in reducing illicit opioid use. However, buprenorphine has a lower risk of overdose and may be more accessible in some areas.
About Lafayette
Location, County & List of Neighbouring States
Lafayette is a city located in Lafayette County, Louisiana, United States. It is situated in the southern part of the state, approximately 135 miles west of New Orleans. The neighboring parishes (counties) include:
- St. Martin Parish to the east
- Iberia Parish to the southeast
- Vermilion Parish to the south
- Acadia Parish to the west
- St. Landry Parish to the north
Capital and Largest City
Lafayette serves as the parish seat of Lafayette Parish and is the fourth-largest city in Louisiana.
Land Area
The city of Lafayette spans an area of 55.65 square miles (144.13 square kilometers), according to the United States Census Bureau.
Infrastructure
Lafayette boasts a well-developed infrastructure, including:
- Interstate 10 and Interstate 49, which connect the city to major regional destinations
- Lafayette Regional Airport, serving domestic flights
- A public transportation system, including buses operated by the Lafayette Transit System
Population Statistics
Total Population
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Lafayette was 121,374.
Demographics:
Gender
- Female: 51.8%
- Male: 48.2%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 22.5%
- 18-64 years: 65.3%
- 65 years and over: 12.2%
Occupations
The most common occupations in Lafayette include:
- Educational services, health care, and social assistance: 26.8%
- Retail trade: 12.1%
- Professional, scientific, management, and administrative services: 10.1%
- Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services: 9.7%
- Construction: 7.2%
