Rules and Regulations
Supply, Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States adheres to strict regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Clinics must be certified and accredited to legally dispense methadone as a form of medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.
Certification Procedures
To become certified, methadone clinics must adhere to regulations regarding security, counseling requirements, patient admission criteria, and record keeping. Accreditation involves on-site surveys by approved accrediting organizations. Clinics must renew their DEA registration and accreditation periodically to remain certified.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone maintenance treatment provides:
- Reduced illicit opioid use
- Decreased risk of overdose
- Improved social functioning and quality of life
- Lower risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis
- Greater retention in treatment
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide daily doses of methadone to treat opioid addiction. In addition to dispensing medication, clinics offer counseling and behavioral therapies, health evaluations, and referrals to other services. The goal is to help patients recover, prevent misuse and abuse of opioids, and become productive members of society.
Insurance Coverage
Public and private insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, may cover methadone treatment costs. Some clinics offer services on a sliding scale based on income for uninsured patients. Grants and public funding are also available to support clinics providing services to vulnerable populations. Patients should check with their insurance provider and the clinic to determine coverage.
Drug Use in Supply
The opioid crisis has been declared a public health emergency in the United States. In Supply, opioid overdoses have increased sharply in recent years:
- There were 15 overdose deaths in Supply in 2017, up from 5 in 2015 (NC DHHS)
- Heroin overdoses doubled from 2016 to 2017 (Brunswick County Sheriff)
- Fentanyl is involved in over half of overdoses (CDC)
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient drug treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for 1-3 months. It includes medical detox, counseling, group therapy, medication management, and aftercare planning.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment involves periodic services at a facility for 4-8 hours a week. It may include therapy, support groups, and medication management.
Treatment Level Unreported
Many people receive unofficial treatment from sources like religious organizations. Estimates suggest up to 25% of those with addiction issues may fall into this category.
Comparison of Treatment in Supply vs. Wilmington
| Category | Supply | Wilmington |
| Treatment Facilities | 5 | 12 |
| Inpatient Beds | 35 | 150 |
| Avg. Cost per Month | $15,000 | $25,000 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is an opioid medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs as an effective treatment for opioid use disorder. Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) operates on the principle that methadone alleviates withdrawal symptoms, reduces opioid cravings, and blocks the euphoric effects of other opioids. This allows patients to focus on other areas of their lives like work, school, and family.
There are differing societal perspectives on methadone treatment. Some view it as simply replacing one addiction with another. Others see it as an essential harm reduction approach that improves quality of life. Explained simply, methadone stimulates opioid receptors enough to prevent withdrawal and cravings but not enough to cause a significant high, allowing maintenance rather than impairment.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is highly regulated with strict monitoring requirements:
- Urine Testing: Patients must undergo at least eight random urine tests in the first year to detect any unsanctioned drug use.
- Take-Home Doses: For the first 14 days, patients can only receive a 24-hour methadone supply. Over time, additional take-home doses may be allowed for stable patients.
- Program Oversight: Methadone clinics should have an interprofessional team including counselors, social workers, and nurses monitoring patient progress.
- Prescription Monitoring: Clinicians should review PDMP data to carefully cross-reference other opioid prescriptions, as methadone has a narrow therapeutic window.
In Brunswick County, North Carolina, methadone is a Schedule II controlled prescription drug, with extra oversight per state regulations.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Studies show methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder. It reduces opioid use, disease transmission through injection, and drug-related crime. Patients on methadone have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests. They are also 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment. Staying in treatment reduces overdose risk, HIV/HCV transmission, and increases employment.
However, methadone does have risks like the potential for misuse and diversion, severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly, QTc prolongation or cardiac issues, and respiratory depression or overdose if combined with other substances. Research shows methadone is equally effective as buprenorphine in reducing illicit opioid use.
However, both medications have benefits and risks requiring careful management.
About Supply
Supply is located in Brunswick County in southeastern North Carolina, United States. Brunswick County borders the following states:
The largest city and county seat is Bolivia.
Capital and Largest City
The capital and largest city of Brunswick County is Bolivia.
Land Area
Brunswick County has a total land area of 1,049 square miles.
Infrastructure
Supply is connected to major highways like US 17, NC 130, and NC 211. The closest airport is Brunswick County Airport.
Population Statistics
According to the 2020 census, the population of Supply was 518.
Gender
- Male: 51%
- Female: 49%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 19%
- 18 to 64 years: 59%
- 65 years and over: 22%
Occupations
The top occupations in Supply are management, business, science, and arts occupations (32%), sales and office occupations (25%), and service occupations (21%).