Methadone Clinics in Quincy

Rules and regulations

Methadone clinics in Quincy must adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding dispensing and dosing of methadone. These regulations aim to ensure the safe administration of methadone and prevent diversion for improper use.
At the federal level, methadone clinics must register with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), keep accurate dispensing records, report inventory, and track take-home dosing eligibility for patients. Clinics must also comply with Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) regulations specifying required services, patient limits, facility security, and staff credentials.

Certification procedures

Clinics must be certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and licensed by the state health department. Staff must complete comprehensive training programs.

Benefits of medication-assisted treatment

Studies show methadone and other medication-assisted treatments are effective at reducing illicit opioid use, overdose deaths, and transmission of infectious diseases. Treatment is linked with improved social functioning and reduced criminal behavior.

How clinics operate and their purpose

Methadone clinics provide supervised methadone doses and comprehensive support services to those with opioid use disorder. The structured environment helps stabilize individuals in treatment and recovery.

Insurance Coverage

Free clinics: Some clinics offer treatment free of charge or on a sliding scale based on a patient’s income and financial situation. These clinics receive government and grant funding.

Public and private insurance coverage details: Most private insurance plans and Medicaid cover methadone treatment provided at certified opioid treatment programs. Coverage may include services like counseling and drug testing along with medication.

Top Methadone Clinics in Quincy

• Granite State Treatment Center

1. 1. • Location address: 31 Franklin Street
      • Treatment methods: Methadone maintenance, medication management, counseling

• Habit OPCO

1. 1. • Location address: 22 Cottage Avenue
      • Treatment methods: Methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, individual & group counseling

• South Shore Recovery Home

1. • Location address: 471 Furnace Brook Parkway
   • Treatment methods: Methadone, counseling, case management, peer support

Drug Use in Quincy

• The opioid crisis was declared a public health emergency in 2017, with over 70,236 overdose deaths nationwide that year according to the CDC.
• In Quincy, the number of opioid overdose deaths has risen from 5 in 2014 to 12 in 2020 based on data from the MA Department of Public Health. Overdose emergency department visits increased as well from 153 to 312 during the same period.
• Fentanyl and heroin are the most commonly used illicit opioids according to local law enforcement, with cocaine/crack and methamphetamine also frequently involved in overdoses.

Addiction Treatment Overview

Inpatient Treatment

• Inpatient facilities provide 24/7 supervised care including medical detoxification, counseling, group therapy, medication management, and aftercare planning.
• Typical stays range from 1-3 months depending on individual needs.

Outpatient Treatment

• Outpatient programs offer similar services but allow clients to live at home while attending regular appointments for treatment.
• Frequency ranges from 1-5 days per week for 1-2 hours per visit. Locations are dispersed throughout the community.

Treatment Level Unreported

• An estimated 40% of those with substance abuse disorders in Quincy receive no treatment according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Barriers include cost, availability, and social stigma.

Comparison of Treatment in Quincy vs. Neighboring Major City

Methadone Treatment

What is Methadone

• Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to treat opioid use disorder. It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms when taken properly.
• There are differing societal perspectives on methadone treatment. Some view it as merely replacing one addiction with another. However, research shows that methadone enables patients to function normally, restores decision-making capacities, and gives them control over their life.
• In essence, methadone stabilizes patients so they can focus on their recovery without the pressures of withdrawal or drug-seeking.

Methadone Distribution

• Methadone distribution is highly regulated with strict federal and state guidelines regarding dispensing and take-home doses to prevent diversion or misuse. Key regulations include:

1. Methadone patients must undergo random urine drug testing at least eight times in the first year of treatment.
2. Take-home doses are restricted during the first 2 weeks of treatment, then gradually increased for stable patients.
3. Interprofessional teams including counselors and social workers monitor patient progress.
4. Providers review prescription drug monitoring data to coordinate care and prevent dangerous drug interactions.

• In Quincy, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has accepted medical uses but also potential for abuse.

Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research

• Methadone maintenance treatment has been used since 1947 as an effective harm reduction approach for opioid addiction.

Evidence for Effectiveness

• Studies associate methadone treatment with 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests and 4.44 times greater treatment retention compared to non-medication approaches.
• Retention in methadone treatment is linked to reduced mortality, overdose risk, HIV transmission, and criminal behavior, alongside increased employment.

Major Drawbacks

• Methadone does carry risks including potential for misuse/diversion, severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly, QTc prolongation, and overdose when mixed with certain substances.

Comparison to Other Medications

• Research suggests methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective for reducing illicit opioid use.

About Quincy

• Quincy is located in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. It borders the states of Rhode Island and Connecticut.
• Boston is the capital and largest city in Massachusetts.
• Quincy covers a land area of 26.9 square miles.
• Major infrastructure includes Interstate 93 and State Routes 3A and 128 for transportation access. The MBTA Red Line provides public transit within the city.

Population Statistics

According to 2019 Census estimates, Quincy has a total population of 94,472 residents.

Key demographics include:

Gender:

• 51% female
• 49% male

Age:

• 20% under 18
• 63% between 18-65
• 17% over 65

Occupations:

• 26% management/professional
• 21% sales/office
• 19% service sector
• 8% construction/production
• 5% transportation
• 21% other/not specified