Rules and Regulations
West Portsmouth, Scioto County, Ohio, 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).
Certification Procedures
To be certified, clinics must:
- Meet standards for counseling, treatment planning, staff credentials, and patient admission criteria
- Clinics must comply with state and federal regulations around dispensing and storage of methadone
- Pass inspection surveys
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction:
- Reduces illicit drug use and overdose deaths
- Improves patient survival and increases retention in treatment
- Enhances ability to gain and maintain employment
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide medication-assisted treatment to those with an opioid use disorder. This involves prescribing methadone or other medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. The clinics also provide counseling and case management services to support recovery.
Insurance Coverage
Coverage for methadone treatment varies in West Portsmouth, but may include:
- Medicaid
- Private insurance
- Self-pay options on an income-based sliding scale
Drug Use in West Portsmouth
Opioid Crisis Declared Public Health Emergency
In 2017, the opioid crisis was declared a nationwide public health emergency. Ohio has been hit especially hard, with prescription opioid overdose deaths rising 898% from 1999 to 2017.
- In 2017, 4,293 Ohioans died from unintentional drug overdoses, a rate of 37.2 deaths per 100,000 persons compared to 14.9 nationally.
- Fentanyl and related synthetic opioids are now the leading cause of overdose deaths in Ohio.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for 1–3 months. It includes medical detox, counseling, group therapy, education, and planning for aftercare.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment provides services for up to 5 hours a day, 3–5 days a week. It includes counseling, therapy, support groups, and medication management.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of Ohioans with substance abuse disorders do not report their treatment level. Reasons may include cost, stigma, or lack of treatment options.
Comparison of Treatment in West Portsmouth vs. Columbus
| Location | Treatment Facilities | Inpatient Beds | Cost Range |
| West Portsmouth | 2 | 50 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Columbus | 12 | 300 | $15,000 – $30,000 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is an opioid medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, also known as opioid treatment programs (OTPs), to treat opioid use disorder. It works by activating opioid receptors in the brain, preventing cravings and withdrawal symptoms in patients who are physically dependent on opioids.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment vary. Some view it positively as an evidence-based treatment for addiction, while others are concerned about diversion risks or believe treatment enables continued drug use. Most experts feel that with proper safeguards, methadone provides a pathway to recovery for many people with opioid addiction.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution through registered OTPs is closely monitored and regulated:
- Urine testing: Patients must undergo at least 8 random urine drug screenings in the first year to detect any unauthorized substance use.
- Take-home doses: For the first 14 days, doses can only be administered daily on-site, not taken home. After 90 days of compliant treatment, patients may earn up to a 1 month supply of take-home doses.
- Monitoring: OTPs must have an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and counselors to coordinate care.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should routinely review the state’s PDMP database to ensure safe methadone dosage and prevent dangerous polypharmacy.
Methadone is a Schedule II controlled prescription drug in Ohio. The Board of Pharmacy regulates dispensing.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Studies since the 1960s supported methadone as an effective MAT for opioid addiction. Compared to abstinence models, studies show methadone:
- Reduces opioid use based on 33% fewer opioid-positive urine screens
- Improves treatment retention – patients are 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment long-term
- Lowers risks of overdose death and disease transmission
However, methadone does carry risks if misused. Concerns include diversion, severe withdrawal if stopped abruptly, QT prolongation causing heart issues, respiratory depression, and overdose when combined with other sedatives like benzodiazepines or alcohol.
Overall, methadone is considered equally effective as buprenorphine, another common MAT medication. Both play important roles in treating opioid addiction if properly managed under medical supervision.
About West Portsmouth
West Portsmouth is located in Scioto County, Ohio, United States. Scioto County borders Kentucky and West Virginia.
Location, Scioto County and Neighboring States
- Scioto County is located in southern Ohio along the Ohio River
- Bordered by Kentucky to the south and West Virginia to the east across the Ohio River
- Columbus is the capital and largest city in Ohio
Land Area
West Portsmouth has a total area of 0.15 square miles
Infrastructure
Roads, water, sewer, electric service
Population Statistics
West Portsmouth has a population of 3,171 as of the 2020 census.
Demographics
Gender
48% male, 52% female
Age Brackets:
- Under 18 years: 20%
- 18 to 64 years: 53%
- 65 years and over: 27%
Occupations
The most common occupations are sales, office support, transportation, education, food service, and production.
