Rules and Regulations
Burns 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
- Clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and accredited by an independent body
- Staff must meet educational and licensing requirements
- Regular inspections ensure compliance with regulations
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment with methadone can:
- Reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Allow people to focus on their health and participation in positive activities
- Lower the risk of overdose and transmission of infectious diseases
- Enable access to wrap-around medical, counseling, and social services
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide daily doses of methadone to treat opioid use disorder. The medication blocks the euphoric effects and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioids. Clinics offer counseling, medical exams, lab tests, and referrals to behavioral health and social services. The ultimate purpose is to support people on their path toward recovery.
Insurance Coverage
Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance plans in Oregon often cover methadone treatment. Those without insurance may seek treatment at state-funded facilities or nonprofit clinics aimed at making treatment more accessible. Coverage often includes the medication itself, related medical exams and lab work, and behavioral counseling.
Drug Use in Burns
Oregon declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency in 2018. According to the Oregon Health Authority:
Drug overdose deaths increased from 146 in 2000 to 550 in 2017
Top drugs involved in overdose deaths in 2017:
- Methamphetamine: 31%
- Heroin and prescription opioids: 30% each
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient drug rehab involves staying at a treatment facility 24/7 for 1-3 months typically. Services include medical detox, counseling, group therapy, medication management, nutritional therapy, fitness, and aftercare planning.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment involves scheduled services for 4-8 hours a week at a minimum while living at home. Services are similar to inpatient and focus on group counseling, relapse prevention planning, and community-based peer support.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of Oregonians struggling with addiction do not report their treatment level. Barriers to reporting include cost, availability, wait times, and social stigma around addiction.
Comparison of Treatment in Burns vs. Bend, Oregon
| Category | Burns | Bend |
| Treatment Centers | 2 | 15 |
| Inpatient Beds | 8 | 125 |
| Cost of Treatment | $5,000/month | $15,000/month |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist medication used to treat opioid use disorder and dependence. As medication-assisted treatment (MAT), methadone helps prevent opioid withdrawal and reduces drug cravings by activating opioid receptors in the brain similarly to other opioid drugs. However, it does not produce the same level of euphoria or sedation, allowing those in treatment to function more normally. Methadone is typically administered daily in oral form under observation at opioid treatment programs (OTPs).
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. While it helps stabilize individuals and reduce illegal opioid use and associated harms, some view it as merely replacing one addiction with another. However, research shows methadone significantly improves outcomes when properly regulated.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is strictly monitored due to risks of misuse and diversion:
- Urine testing: Patients must undergo at least eight random urine tests in the first year to ensure compliance and appropriate dosing.
- Take-home requirements: For the first 14 days, methadone is only dispensed as a daily dose on-site at the clinic. Over time, take-home doses may be allowed for stable patients meeting certain criteria.
- Monitoring: OTPs utilize an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and behavioral health staff to coordinate care.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review state PDMP data to carefully manage methadone dosing, as it has a narrow therapeutic index.
For example, in Harney County, Oregon, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance requiring proper documentation and safeguards.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Studies demonstrate methadone is an effective MAT for opioid use disorder when properly regulated:
- Evidence for Effectiveness: Research shows participation in methadone treatment reduces opioid use based on drug testing (33% fewer opioid-positive urine tests), improves retention in treatment (4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment), and decreases transmission of infectious disease and criminal behavior.
- Major Drawbacks: However, methadone does carry risks including potential for misuse/diversion, severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly, QTc prolongation and cardiac issues, respiratory depression and overdose when combined with other substances.
- Comparison to Other Medications: Studies show methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective for reducing illicit opioid use and relapse rates.
In conclusion, methadone is beneficial for treating opioid addiction but requires careful management due to risks.
About Burns
Location, Harney County & Neighbouring States
Burns is located in Harney County in the U.S. state of Oregon. Harney County borders the states of Idaho to the east and Nevada to the south.
Capital and Largest City
Salem is the capital and largest city in Oregon.
Land Area
Harney County has a total area of 10,132 square miles.
Infrastructure
- Roads including U.S. Route 20, U.S. Route 395 and Oregon Route 78
- Burns Municipal Airport
Population Statistics
The total population of Burns is around 2,800 people according to recent census data.
Gender
- Male: 50%
- Female: 50%
Age Brackets
- 0-18 years: 20%
- 19-65 years: 60%
- 65 years and over: 20%
Occupations
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting: 25%
- Educational services and healthcare: 20%
- Retail trade: 15%
- Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services: 10%
- Other services: 30%
