Rules and Regulations
Colcord, Delaware County, Oklahoma, 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). These regulations help ensure safe and effective treatment.
Certification Procedures
Methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and accredited by an independent body. Staff must complete specialized training and licensing. Patients undergo medical and psychological assessments before starting treatment. Regular drug testing and counseling are required.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Allows normalization of brain function
- Suppresses euphoric effects of opioids
- Facilitates engagement in counseling and behavioral therapies
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide medication-assisted treatment for those with opioid use disorder. Patients visit daily to receive methadone doses under medical supervision. The goal is to support recovery and prevent relapse and overdose.
Insurance Coverage
Many insurance plans cover methadone treatment including:
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Private insurers
Some clinics offer treatment on a sliding fee scale for low-income patients.
Drug Use in Colcord
The Opioid Crisis Declared a Public Health Emergency
The opioid epidemic has hit rural communities like Colcord hard. According to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services:
- There were 702 opioid-related overdose deaths in Oklahoma in 2020, a 47% increase from 2019.
- Prescription opioids are involved in nearly half of all overdose deaths in the state.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab facilities provide 24/7 care and monitoring. Typical inpatient treatment involves medically supervised detox, behavioral therapies, peer support groups, and aftercare planning. The average length of stay is 30 days.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment provides substance abuse care on a part-time basis, allowing the patient to live at home. It involves regular therapy sessions, support groups, and medication management. Outpatient is recommended for mild to moderate substance abuse.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of Oklahoma’s struggling with addiction do not report their treatment level. Reasons may include cost, stigma, or lack of treatment options. Expanding treatment resources could help more people access appropriate levels of care.
Comparison of Treatment in Colcord vs. Tulsa
| Categories | Colcord | Tulsa |
| Treatment Facilities | 2 | 25 |
| Inpatient Beds | 16 | 300 |
| Cost of Treatment | $15,000/month | $10,000/month |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is a medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. It binds to opioid receptors, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is taken orally once daily in opioid treatment programs (OTPs). It allows patients to function normally without the negative effects of illicit opioid use.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. Some view it positively as an evidence-based treatment that improves outcomes. Others see it negatively as simply replacing one opioid with another. However, research shows methadone facilitates recovery better than abstinence-only approaches. When provided in a regulated setting with counseling, methadone relieves suffering and helps people rebuild their lives.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is carefully monitored:
- Urine Testing: Patients must undergo at least eight urine tests for illicit drugs in the first year to ensure compliance.
- Take-Home Doses: For the first 14 days, take-home doses are limited to 24 hours’ worth. As patients demonstrate progress, take-homes increase incrementally as a privilege.
- Oversight: OTPs must have an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and counselors to coordinate care.
- Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians check the state PDMP to ensure safe opioid prescribing with other medications.
As an example, in Colcord, Delaware County, methadone treatment is categorized as a Schedule II controlled substance by Oklahoma state law. The PDMP helps prevent diversion or misuse.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Studies show it is an effective MAT option.
Evidence for Effectiveness
Research indicates participation in a methadone program:
- Reduces opioid-positive urine drug tests by 33%
- Increases treatment retention 4.44 times
- Lower overdose death rates
- Decreases infectious disease transmission
- Increases employment opportunities
Remaining in treatment is critical for reducing relapse risks and increasing social functioning.
Major Drawbacks
Potential drawbacks of methadone include:
- Risk of misuse/diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- QTc prolongation or cardiac arrhythmias
- Respiratory depression or overdose when combined with other sedatives
Careful patient selection and monitoring mitigate these risks.
Comparison to Other Medications
Methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective in reducing illicit opioid use. Both improve outcomes more than placebo or no medication. Patient characteristics determine optimal treatment.
Methadone provides benefits but also risks requiring careful management. Still, it remains a well-established, evidence-based treatment for opioid addiction.
About Colcord
Location, County & List of Neighbouring States
Colcord is a town in Delaware County, Oklahoma, United States. It is located in northeastern Oklahoma near the Arkansas border.
Delaware County borders the following counties: Adair County, Cherokee County, Mayes County, Ottawa County, and Wagoner County. The neighbouring states are Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, and Texas.
Capital and Largest City
The capital and largest city in Oklahoma is Oklahoma City.
Land Area
Colcord has a total area of 1.9 square miles.
Infrastructure
Colcord has a public library, post office, water tower, city hall, and police department. The main road through Colcord is U.S. Route 59.
Population Statistics
The population of Colcord was 2,085 at the 2010 census.
Gender:
The gender breakdown is 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
Age Brackets:
- 27.3% are under age 18
- 7.7% are aged 18-24
- 23.3% are age 25-44
- 25.2% are age 45-64
- 16.5% are over age 65.
Occupations:
The most common occupations are management, sales, office, production, transportation, construction, maintenance, retail trade, healthcare, social assistance, and education.
