Rules and Regulations
Edmond, Oklahoma adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. These regulations cover certification, operating procedures, medication dispensing, and more.
Certification Procedures
All methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state medical board. Certification requirements include security measures, counseling services, urine drug screening, and more. Staff must also be licensed and trained appropriately.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone maintenance therapy provides the following scientifically proven benefits:
- Reduces illicit opioid use and cravings
- Improves patient survival rates and health outcomes
- Allows patients to focus on recovery and lifestyle changes
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Certified methadone clinics provide daily supervised methadone dosing, counseling, and wraparound services to support recovery from opioid addiction. The purpose is to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings without inducing euphoria.
Insurance Coverage
Medicaid and many private insurances cover methadone treatment. Some clinics offer sliding-scale fees or arrangements based on financial need. Grants and public funding also help offset costs for uninsured patients.
Drug Use in Edmond
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Oklahoma specifically:
- Overdose deaths increased 11% from 2019 to 2020
- Prescription opioids account for the most overdose deaths
- Methamphetamine and heroin deaths are also increasing
According to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the most commonly abused substances in the state are:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Prescription drugs
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs in Oklahoma provide 24/7 supervised care and include:
- Medically-managed detox
- Individual and group counseling
- Aftercare planning
A typical inpatient treatment stay is 30 days.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient programs offer similar services to inpatient but allow clients to live at home while attending scheduled 1–5 days per week. Services are offered at clinics, community health centers, and private practices.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-15% of Oklahomans struggling with addiction do not report what type of treatment they receive, if any. Barriers to treatment include a lack of providers, especially in rural areas, as well as cost and social stigma.
Comparison of Treatment in Edmond vs. Oklahoma City
| Category | Edmond | Oklahoma City |
| Treatment Centers | 15 | 32 |
| Inpatient Beds | 150 | 850 |
| Cost of Treatment | $15,000/mo | $10,000/mo |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs called opioid treatment programs (OTPs). It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing patients to focus on recovery.
Methadone treatment is controversial, with some viewing it as merely replacing one opioid with another. However, research shows MAT with methadone is an evidence-based treatment that reduces opioid use, infectious disease transmission, and crime when patients are retained in treatment. Still, stigma persists in some communities.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is highly regulated to prevent misuse and diversion. Regulations include:
- Urine Testing: Patients must undergo at least 8 random urine tests in the first year to detect continued opioid use.
- Take-Home Doses: For the first 14 days, take-home doses are limited to 24 hours’ worth. As patients progress, take-homes increase up to 1 month’s supply.
- Program Oversight: OTPs must have an interprofessional team overseeing treatment plans.
- Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians should review the state’s PDMP to coordinate care and prevent adverse drug interactions.
According to the state’s PDMP, in Edmond misuse of prescription opioids is lower than the rest of Oklahoma. Methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Studies show it is an effective medication for opioid use disorder. Evidence includes:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests for patients in MAT.
- Patients on MAT have 4.44 higher odds of staying in treatment compared to non-medication treatments. Retention reduces mortality risk and infectious disease transmission while increasing employment.
However, methadone does carry risks:
- Potential for misuse and diversion of medication
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Risk of QTc interval prolongation and cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression and overdose when combined with other substances
Methadone and buprenorphine, another MAT medication, have comparable effectiveness in reducing opioid use based on clinical trials.
In conclusion, while methadone carries risks and is not appropriate for all patients, it remains an important evidence-based treatment option for opioid addiction that should be available. Careful patient selection and monitoring by qualified providers is necessary to maximize benefits and mitigate risks.
About Edmond
Edmond is a city in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, United States.
Location, County & Neighboring States
Edmond is located in central Oklahoma in Oklahoma County. It is part of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area.
The neighboring states of Oklahoma are:
Capital and Largest City
Oklahoma City is the capital and largest city in the state of Oklahoma.
Land Area
Edmond has a total area of 87.9 square miles.
Infrastructure
Edmond is home to the University of Central Oklahoma. The city has a public library and hospital system. The major highways serving Edmond are Interstate 35 and Broadway Extension.
Population Statistics
The population of Edmond is over 90,000 people.
Demographics
Gender
- Male: 47%
- Female: 53%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 26%
- 18 to 65 years: 59%
- Over 65 years: 15%
Occupations
The major industries and occupations in Edmond are:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Retail
- Professional services
