Rules and Regulations
Astoria, Queens adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).
Certification Procedures
- Clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by OASAS
- Staff must meet education and licensing requirements
- Medication ordering, dispensing, administering, and storage must follow protocols
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Methadone and buprenorphine effectively treat opioid addiction
- Clinics provide counseling, health services, and community referrals
- Treatment improves employment prospects, relationships, and health
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
- Provide daily supervised methadone or buprenorphine dosing
- Conduct drug tests and behavioral counseling
- Connect patients to healthcare, housing, and social services
- The goal is opioid addiction recovery through medication, counseling, and support
Insurance Coverage
- Medicaid and many private insurance plans cover methadone treatment
- Some clinics operate on sliding-scale fees based on patient income
Drug Use in Astoria
- Overdose deaths involving opioids in New York City increased by 30% from 2016 to 2017
- Approximately 80% of people in NYC who need addiction treatment do not receive it
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
- Typically 28 days, but can range from 3 days to 6+ months
- 24/7 medical and psychiatric care
- Detoxification, counseling, group therapy, medication
Outpatient Treatment
- Sessions 1-5 days per week for several hours per day
- Offered at clinics, community health centers, and private practices
Treatment Level Unreported
- Approximately 20-40% of all addiction treatment cases are unreported
- Likely a mix of inpatient, outpatient, and unofficial support groups
Comparison of Treatment in Astoria, Queens vs. Newark
| City | Treatment Facilities | Inpatient Beds | Cost |
| Astoria | 15 | 250 | $10,000-50,000 |
| Newark | 37 | 850 | $5,000-100,000 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It is taken orally once daily in supervised opioid treatment programs (OTPs).
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed, with some seeing it as trading one addiction for another. However, research shows MAT with methadone is effective for treating addiction when properly monitored.
Methadone Distribution
MAT programs have strict monitoring and regulations around methadone:
- Urine testing: Patients must undergo at least 8 random urine tests in the first year to detect illicit drug use.
- Take-home requirements: Patients can only take home a 24-hour methadone supply for the first 14 days. More take-homes are allowed over time without positive drug tests.
- Monitoring: OTPs require an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and counselors.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review the state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data to carefully manage dosage and watch for dangerous drug interactions.
The state of New York categorizes methadone as a Schedule II controlled substance.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947. Studies show:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests for patients in MAT with methadone
- 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment compared to behavioral treatment alone
- Retention in treatment reduces the risk of overdose and disease transmission and increases employment
However, methadone does carry risks:
- Potential for misuse and diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Possible QTc prolongation and cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression and overdose when combined with other substances
Methadone is equally effective as buprenorphine in reducing illicit opioid use. However, both medications have benefits and risks requiring careful management.
Methadone is beneficial but also requires careful monitoring and responsible prescribing.
About Astoria
Astoria is located in the northwestern corner of the New York City borough of Queens. It borders the East River and is adjacent to Manhattan across the river.
Location, County & Neighboring Areas
- Astoria is located in Queens County, which is coextensive with the New York City borough of Queens.
- Neighboring areas include Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside, and East Elmhurst.
Capital and Largest City
New York City is the capital and largest city in New York state.
Land Area
Astoria covers approximately 2.2 square miles of land area.
Infrastructure
As part of New York City, Astoria has access to the city’s expansive infrastructure and public transportation systems. This includes the New York City Subway, buses, airports, and other facilities.
Population Statistics
Total Population
The population of Astoria is approximately 78,721 as of the 2020 census.
Demographics:
Gender
There is a nearly equal split of males (49%) and females (51%) residing in Astoria.
Age Brackets
Over 75% of residents are between the ages of 18-65 years old. Approximately 18% are under 18 and 7% are over 65.
Occupations
Common occupations for Astoria residents include management, sales, office support, food service, education, law enforcement, construction, maintenance, and personal care.
