Rules and Regulations
Stirling, as part of Morris County and New Jersey, follows federal and state laws regulating methadone clinics and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs. These aim to ensure ethical, effective treatment while preventing misuse.
Certification Procedures
Methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and accredited by national organizations like CARF International or The Joint Commission. This involves inspections, staff credentials review, and more.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
MAT with methadone has been shown to:
- Reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Lower risk of overdose death
- Allow stabilization and recovery
- Improve ability to function at work, school, and home
How Clinics Operate
Methadone clinics provide daily supervised methadone doses and counseling to those recovering from opioid addictions. The medication prevents withdrawal and cravings. Counseling helps address behaviors and coping strategies. The goal is to support sobriety and well-being long-term.
Insurance Coverage
MAT is covered by:
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Most private health insurance plans
Some clinics offer treatment without insurance coverage or the ability to pay, often relying on state and federal grants to subsidize free treatment. Those without coverage should inquire about low-cost or free options.
Drug Use in Stirling
The opioid crisis declared a public health emergency
In 2017, there were 218 overdose deaths involving opioids in Morris County, a rate of 20.1 deaths per 100,000 persons compared to 14.9 nationally.
The most commonly cited drugs in overdose deaths:
- Heroin
- Synthetic opioids excluding methadone (fentanyl)
- Cocaine
- Benzodiazepines
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
The average length of stay is 30 days. Treatment involves medically managed detox, counseling, group therapy, and aftercare planning.
Outpatient Treatment
Patients attend sessions 1-5 times per week for 2-4 hours per day. Outpatient treatment provides counseling, therapy, and medication management.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-15% of admissions in New Jersey are unreported. These may involve unlicensed facilities or insufficient reporting.
Comparison of Treatment in Stirling vs. Newark
| City | Facilities | Inpatient Beds | Cost |
| Stirling | 5 | 50 | $10,000 per month |
| Newark | 15 | 200 | $5,000 per month |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It works by activating the body’s opioid receptors, preventing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. As part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), methadone is dispensed through opioid treatment programs (OTPs) that provide counseling and support services alongside controlled daily doses.
Society has mixed opinions on methadone treatment. While it helps individuals recover and reduces crime associated with opioid addiction, some view it as merely substituting one opioid for another. However, research shows that properly monitored methadone treatment can be an effective part of recovery.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is strictly regulated with monitoring requirements:
- Urine testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight tests in the first year of treatment.
- Take-home requirements: During the first 14 days of treatment, the take-home supply of methadone is limited to a 24-hour supply.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team providing counseling and coordinating care.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to carefully cross-reference opioid dosage, as methadone has a narrow therapeutic index.
Methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947. Studies show methadone reduces opioid use, disease transmission, and crime when properly monitored:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests for patients in methadone treatment
- Patients were 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment compared to non-medication approaches
- 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 when combined with other substances
Research shows methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective in reducing opioid use. While not without risks, carefully managed methadone treatment can provide benefits for individuals and communities.
About Stirling
Stirling is a census-designated place located within Long Hill Township, Morris County, New Jersey, United States.
Location, County & Neighboring States
Stirling is located in northern New Jersey. Morris County borders Sussex County to the north, Passaic County to the east, Essex County to the southeast, Warren County to the west, and Somerset County to the south.
The state of New Jersey is bordered by New York to the north and east, Pennsylvania to the west, and Delaware to the southwest.
Capital and Largest City
Trenton is the capital of New Jersey, while Newark is the largest city.
Land Area
The land area of Stirling CDP is 4.697 square miles.
Population Statistics
Total Population
The population of Stirling CDP is 2,767 as of 2010.
Demographics
Gender
Of the total population, 49.5% are male and 50.5% are female.
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 24.1%
- 18 to 64 years: 59.5%
- 65 years and over: 16.4%
Occupations
The top occupations are management, business, science, and arts occupations (50.6%), sales and office occupations (24.2%), and service occupations (16.7%).
