Methadone Clinics in Canton

Rules and Regulations

Canton, Stark 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

Methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA. Certification requires adhering to federal and state regulations regarding medication dispensing, counseling services, patient rights, and more. Clinics must renew certification annually through an onsite review.

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

• Reduces illicit opioid use and overdose deaths
• Improves patient survival rates and health outcomes
• Allows patients to regain functionality in work, family, and social domains

How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose

• Provide methadone doses daily for opioid addiction treatment combined with counseling and behavioral therapies
• The goal is to mitigate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and bring stability so patients can focus on health, relationships, work/school, and more

Insurance Coverage

• Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance plans cover methadone treatment
• Some clinics offer sliding-scale fees based on income for uninsured patients

Drug Use in Canton

The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. Stark County has seen significant impacts from substance abuse and overdoses:

• There were 98 overdose deaths county-wide in 2021
• Fentanyl contributed to over 75% of these
• Heroin, prescription opioids, and methamphetamine were also detected

Addiction Treatment Overview

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient facilities provide 24/7 supervised care. Typical programs last 30-90 days with detox, counseling, group therapy, medication management, and discharge planning.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient programs offer similar services but allow clients to live at home. Care is provided on a weekly basis for several hours a day. Many facilities and community health centers in Stark County offer outpatient addiction treatment.

Treatment Level Unreported

An estimated 10-15% of individuals with substance abuse disorders in the county have not connected with any formal treatment programs. Barriers like cost, availability, and social stigma prevent many from seeking help.

Comparison of Treatment in Canton vs. Cleveland

Methadone Treatment

What is Methadone

Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used to treat opioid use disorder within a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program, known as an opioid treatment program (OTP). It works by activating the opioid receptors in the brain, preventing cravings and withdrawal symptoms so patients can focus on recovery.

Methadone Distribution

Methadone distribution is carefully monitored and regulated:

• Urine testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight tests in the first year of treatment to ensure appropriate use.
• Take-home requirements: During the first 14 days of treatment, the take-home supply of methadone is limited to a 24-hour supply. After this period, take-home supplies can be increased for stable patients meeting program requirements.
• Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team to provide medical monitoring, counseling, and case management.
• Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to carefully cross-reference opioid dosage, as methadone has a narrow therapeutic window.

According to state data, in Canton methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance, indicating accepted medical use but also potential for abuse.

Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research

Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947. Studies show methadone treatment:

• Reduces opioid-positive drug tests by 33%
• Increases likelihood of staying in treatment 4.44 times
• Retention in treatment reduces overdose/disease transmission risk and increases employment

However, methadone does have risks:

• Potential for misuse/diversion
• Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
• Possible QTc prolongation/cardiac issues
• Respiratory depression/overdose if combined with other substances

Research shows methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective in reducing opioid use. In conclusion, methadone has demonstrated benefits but also risks requiring careful management.

About Canton

Location, Stark County & Neighboring States

Canton is located in Stark County in northeast Ohio, United States. Stark County borders the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• West Virginia

The largest city and county seat is Canton.

Land Area

The land area of Canton is approximately 24.8 square miles.

Population Statistics

The total population of Canton is 71,273 people as of the 2020 census.

Demographics

Gender

• Male: 47%
• Female: 53%

Age Brackets

• Under 18 years: 22.1%
• 18 to 64 years: 59.3%
• 65 years and over: 18.6%

Occupations

• Management, business, science, and arts occupations: 32.8%
• Service occupations: 26.2%
• Sales and office occupations: 23.6%
• Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations: 11.1%
• Production, transportation, and material moving occupations: 6.2%