Rules and Regulations
Abbottstown, Adams County, Pennsylvania, 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:
- Be accredited by an approved accreditation body like CARF or The Joint Commission.
- Meet all local, state, and federal regulations.
- Have qualified and credentialed staff including a program doctor, nurses, and counselors.
- Maintain thorough patient records and treatment plans.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone treatment provides several benefits such as:
- Preventing opioid withdrawal symptoms.
- Reducing opioid cravings.
- Allowing patients to focus on therapy, counseling, and getting their life back.
- Lowering the risk of overdose.
- Improving overall health and well-being.
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Clinics provide daily supervised methadone doses and counseling to help patients recover from opioid addiction. The medication relieves withdrawal symptoms while therapy helps address the root causes of addiction. The ultimate goal is to help patients achieve sobriety and improved health.
Insurance Coverage
- Most private and public insurance plans cover methadone treatment, including Medicaid and Medicare.
- Some clinics offer free or low-cost treatment for uninsured patients.
Drug Use in Abbottstown
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, drug overdose deaths have steadily increased in recent years, with many involving prescription opioids or heroin:
- In 2020, there were 5,172 drug overdose deaths statewide, a 5% increase from 2019.
- Overdose deaths involving prescription opioids have declined since 2017, while deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl have sharply increased.
- Adams County reported 51 overdose deaths in 2020.
The most commonly reported drugs resulting in overdose deaths are:
- Opioids – 3,797 deaths in 2020
- Cocaine – 1,210 deaths
- Benzodiazepines – 888 deaths
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient drug rehab involves 24/7 care and supervision. Typical inpatient treatment lasts 30-90 days. Services include medical detox, behavioral therapy, group counseling, medication management, and aftercare planning.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment typically involves 3-5 hours of services 3 days per week. Outpatient rehab allows the flexibility to live at home while receiving evidence-based therapies to address substance abuse.
Treatment Level Unreported
Due to stigma, many do not report substance abuse treatment. However, experts estimate nearly 10% of Americans need treatment for alcohol or drug abuse annually.
Comparison of Treatment in Abbottstown vs. Nearby Cities
| City | Treatment Facilities | Inpatient Beds | Cost per Month |
| Abbottstown | 2 | 50 | $10,000 |
| Gettysburg | 5 | 150 | $15,000 |
| York | 12 | 300 | $20,000 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is a medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help people with opioid use disorder. It activates opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is taken orally once a day and administered through opioid treatment programs (OTPs). Patients must visit clinics for daily doses until they meet certain requirements.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. Some view it as vital for treating addiction, while others see it as simply replacing one opioid with another. Properly prescribed methadone allows patients to function normally and reduces the harm of obtaining drugs illicitly. However, methadone does have the potential for misuse and diversion. Careful patient monitoring and education are important.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is highly regulated with strict protocols:
- Urine testing: Patients must undergo at least eight random urine tests in the first year to detect illicit drug use.
- Take-home doses: For the first 14 days, methadone is only dispensed as a daily dose. After meeting program requirements, take-home doses can increase gradually.
- Monitoring: OTPs should have an interprofessional team of medical, counseling, and social work staff monitoring patient progress.
- Prescription monitoring: Clinicians should check the state Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) to ensure safe methadone dosage based on patients’ other medications.
In Abbottstown, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance requiring a prescription. The PDMP helps prevent diversion and misuse.
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. Methadone reduces illicit opioid use, disease transmission through injection drug use, and drug-related crime. Patients on methadone have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests versus no medication. They are also 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment, which reduces overdose risk and increases employment.
However, methadone does have risks. It can be misused and diverted. Stopping suddenly causes severe withdrawal. It can prolong the QT interval, increasing cardiac issues. Combining with other substances increases overdose risk through respiratory depression.
Research shows methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective in reducing illicit opioid use. Overall, methadone provides benefits but requires careful management of risks.
About Abbottstown
Abbottstown is located in Adams County, Pennsylvania, United States.
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Abbottstown is located in south-central Pennsylvania. Part of Adams County.
Neighboring states:
- Maryland
- West Virginia
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
Capital and Largest City
Harrisburg is the capital and Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania.
Land Area
Abbottstown has a total area of 0.75 square miles.
Infrastructure
Abbottstown has a small local government and relies on the county and state for many services. It features residential housing, a few small businesses, parks, and community centers.
Population Statistics
Total Population
As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,011 residents.
Gender
- Male: 49%
- Female: 51%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 24.4%
- 18 to 64 years: 54.1%
- 65 years and over: 21.5%
Occupations
Most people living in Abbottstown work in manufacturing, retail trade, construction, healthcare, and social assistance.
