Asheville Methadone Clinics & Treatment Centers Locator Near Me in Asheville City

Rules and Regulations

Asheville, Buncombe, North Carolina adheres to strict regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Certification Procedures

• Clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and accredited by an independent body.
• Staff must complete specialized training and licensing.
• Facilities must meet security and dispensing requirements.

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

• Improves patient survival.
• Increases retention in treatment.
• Decreases illegal opioid use and criminal activity.
• Increases patients’ ability to gain and maintain employment.

How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose

Methadone clinics provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help individuals recover from opioid use disorders. Clinics offer:

• Methadone dosing.
• Counseling and behavioral therapies.
• Referrals to healthcare and social services.
• Support to rebuild relationships and attain lifestyle changes.

Insurance Coverage

• Medicaid covers methadone treatment in Asheville, Buncombe, North Carolina.
• Private insurance may cover a portion of services.
• Some clinics offer sliding-scale fees based on income.

Drug Use in Asheville

The opioid crisis has been declared a public health emergency in North Carolina. Key statistics on drug overdoses and deaths in the state include:

• In 2021, there were over 3,000 opioid-involved overdose deaths, a nearly 40% increase from 2020.
• Fentanyl and synthetic opioids are driving increases in overdose deaths. These substances were involved in over 75% of NC overdose deaths in 2021.

Addiction Treatment Overview

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment involves living at a treatment facility while undergoing intensive substance abuse treatment. Typical inpatient stays range from 28-90 days. Services provided include medical detoxification, individual and group counseling, medication management, and aftercare planning.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment allows individuals to continue living at home while attending regular treatment sessions at a facility. Sessions typically occur 1-5 times per week for 1-2 hours per session. Services are similar to inpatient treatment but less intensive.

Treatment Level Unreported

An estimated 10-15% of those receiving treatment for substance abuse in NC did not have their treatment level properly reported from 2015-2020. This makes precise analysis of treatment patterns difficult.

Comparison of Asheville vs. Charlotte

Methadone Treatment

What is Methadone

Methadone is an opioid medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, also known as opioid treatment programs (OTPs). It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing patients to focus on recovery.

Methadone activates the same opioid receptors as other opioids, but it does so more slowly and steadily, preventing the rush and euphoria that can lead to misuse. This allows patients to function normally without impairment. The treatment provides a monitored, consistent dosage to stabilize patients.

Methadone treatment is controversial, with some viewing it as merely substituting one addiction for another. However, research shows MAT helps patients recover, and return to work and reduces crime and disease transmission. Still, stigma persists, so education is important.

Methadone is an opioid medication, but when taken properly as prescribed, it is safe and effective. It stops cravings and withdrawal symptoms so people can work on rebuilding their lives.

Methadone Distribution

Description of monitoring and regulations:

• Urine testing: Patients must pass at least eight urine tests in the first year to ensure no illicit opioid use.
• Take-home requirements: For the first 14 days, patients must take each dose at the clinic. After that, take-home doses are allowed for stable patients.
• Monitoring: Clinicians, counselors, and pharmacists oversee dosing and monitor patient progress.
• Prescription drug monitoring: Providers review state prescription data to coordinate methadone dosing safely.

According to the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high potential for abuse and addiction. The City of Asheville partners with the NC Department of Health and Human Services to regulate local MMT providers.

Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research

Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947.

Evidence for Effectiveness

Studies show methadone reduces opioid use, disease transmission, and crime. Patients had 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests and were 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment compared to no medication. Retention in treatment reduces overdose/disease transmission risk and increases employment.

Major Drawbacks

Potential for misuse/diversion; severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly; possible QTc prolongation/cardiac issues; respiratory depression/overdose risk when combined with other substances.

Comparison to Other Medications

About Asheville

Location, Buncombe County & Neighboring States

Asheville is located in Buncombe County in western North Carolina. The states bordering North Carolina are Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, and South Carolina.

Capital and Largest City

Raleigh is the capital and largest city in North Carolina.

Land Area

Buncombe County covers an area of 660 square miles.

Infrastructure

• Interstate Highways 40, 26, 240
• Asheville Regional Airport
• Public transportation buses
• Parks & Greenway

Population Statistics

Total Population

As of the 2020 census, the population of Asheville was 92,870 and the population of Buncombe County was 269,452.

Demographics:

Gender

• Female: 54%
• Male: 46%

Age Brackets

• Under 18 years: 16%
• 18 to 65 years: 69%
• Over 65 years: 15%

Occupations

• Management, science, and arts: 43%
• Sales and office: 24%
• Service: 20%
• Production and transportation: 13%