| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| ADS Alcohol and Drug Services East | 301 E. Washington Street Suite 101 Greensboro, NC 27401 | |
| Alcohol and Drug Services | 1101 Carolina St., Greensboro, NC 27401 | (336) 333-6860 |
| Alcohol and Drug Servs of Guilford Inc (ADS) East | 301 East Washington Street Suite 101 Greensboro, NC 27401 | (336) 333-6860 |
| Assessment Counseling and Testing Services | 620 South Elm Street Suite 312 Greensboro, NC 27406 | (336) 272-1630 |
| Crossroads Treatment Center of Greensboro | 2706 North Church Street Greensboro, NC 27405 | |
| Fellowship Hall Inc | 5140 Dunstan Road Greensboro, NC 27405 | (800) 659-3381 |
| Greensboro Metro Treatment Center | 2920 Manufactures Road Greensboro, NC 27406 | (336) 273-9611 |
| Greensboro Metro Treatment Center | 207 S. Westgate Drive Suites G-J Greensboro, NC 27407 | |
| Triad Psychiatric and Counseling Center | 3511 West Market Street Suite 100 Greensboro, NC 27403 | (336) 632-3505 |
Rules and Regulations
Greensboro and Guilford County, North Carolina adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, as outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Certification Procedures
- Methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state.
- Staff must meet educational and training requirements set by regulations.
- Regular inspections ensure compliance with operating standards.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone and other medications coupled with counseling and behavioral therapies can facilitate recovery from opioid addiction. Benefits include:
- Reducing opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Lowering the risk of overdose
- Improving social functioning
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide medication-assisted treatment to those recovering from opioid addiction under medical supervision. Patients must receive frequent counseling and submit to regular drug testing. The ultimate purpose is to support patients in achieving sobriety.
Insurance Coverage
Many clinics accept various insurance plans that cover treatment costs. Options include:
Free Clinics
Some clinics offer services at little or no cost based on patient income eligibility.
Public and Private Insurance
Most private plans and Medicaid can provide full or partial coverage. Coverage levels may depend on specific insurance plan details. Uninsured patients may qualify for state funding assistance.
Drug Use in Greensboro
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In North Carolina in 2020:
- There were over 2,700 opioid-related overdose deaths, a 36% increase from 2019
- Overdose deaths from synthetic opioids like fentanyl doubled
- Guilford County reported one of the highest rates of emergency room visits for opioid overdoses in the state
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
- Typically 28-30 days in length
- 24/7 medical monitoring and counseling
- Detoxification, group and individual therapy, education
Outpatient Treatment
- Sessions 1-5 times per week for several hours
- Provided in clinics, private practices, community health centers
- Includes therapy, support groups, medication management
Treatment Level Unreported
- An estimated 9-10% of facilities do not report treatment level
- Likely a mix of inpatient and outpatient services
Comparison of Greensboro to Winston-Salem
| Category | Greensboro/Guilford County | Winston-Salem/Forsyth County |
| Number of treatment facilities | 25 | 18 |
| Inpatient beds available | 150 | 100 |
| Cost of treatment | $15,000 per month | $12,000 per month |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) programs provide methadone doses daily for patients, allowing them to function normally without seeking out other opioids. MMT follows the opioid treatment program (OTP) model with strict regulations around distribution and monitoring.
Societal perspectives on MMT vary. Some view it as merely replacing one addiction with another. However, evidence shows MMT helps patients control addiction, improve health, reduce crime, and rebuild lives. With proper medical oversight, risks like misuse and overdose can be managed. Explaining the mechanics and regulations of MMT can help reduce stigma.
Methadone Distribution
MMT distribution follows a highly monitored model to prevent misuse and diversion:
- Urine testing: Patients undergo at least 8 randomized urine tests in the first year to ensure appropriate methadone metabolism and detect additional substance use.
- Take-home requirements: For the first 14 days, patients must take their daily methadone dose on-site at the clinic. As patients progress, take-home doses are allowed but still regulated.
- Monitoring: MMT programs have an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, counselors, and social workers monitoring patient progress.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review the state’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to carefully manage methadone doses, due to risky drug interactions.
Here in Guilford County, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance, with strict regulations around prescribing and dispensing.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Studies show MMT is an evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder.
Evidence for Effectiveness
Multiple studies confirm MMT helps patients reduce opioid use through:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests
- 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment long-term Staying in MMT lowers risks of overdose, disease transmission, and unemployment.
Major Drawbacks
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 sedatives
Comparison to Other Medications
Research shows methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective in reducing illicit opioid use.
While not without risks, strong evidence supports methadone’s effectiveness in treating opioid addiction with proper oversight.
About Greensboro
Location, Guilford County & Neighboring States
Greensboro is located in Guilford County in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina. It borders the following states:
Capital and Largest City
Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina, while Charlotte is the largest city.
Land Area
Greensboro covers a total land area of 131.2 square miles.
Population Statistics
Total Population
As of the 2020 census, the population of Greensboro was 294,722, making it the 3rd most populous city in North Carolina.
Demographics
Gender
- Female: 52.9%
- Male: 47.1%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 22.2%
- 18 to 64 years: 62.5%
- 65 years and over: 15.3%
Occupations
Major occupations in Greensboro include:
- Office and administrative support
- Sales
- Food preparation and service
- Education
- Healthcare
