| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Habit OPCO - Allentown | 4400 S. Cedarbrook Road Allentown, PA 18103 |
Rules and Regulations
Allentown adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics. These regulations govern licensing, certification, operating procedures, and standards of care.
Certification Procedures
Methadone clinics must be certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and licensed by the state. Staff must meet educational and training requirements. Clinics must follow DEA security protocols for storing and dispensing methadone.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Allows people to function normally and participate in counseling
- Reduces risk of overdose and transmitting infections
- Improves overall health and wellness
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to people recovering from opioid addiction. Patients must visit the clinic daily to receive their prescribed dose of methadone under supervision. The clinics offer counseling and other services to support recovery. The ultimate purpose is to help people achieve sobriety and better health.
Insurance Coverage
Many private insurance plans and Medicaid cover methadone treatment. Some clinics offer treatment on a sliding fee scale based on income for those without coverage. Grants and public funding also help support treatment access.
Drug Use in Allentown
In 2017, the opioid crisis was declared a nationwide public health emergency by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This impacts Allentown and the surrounding Lehigh County.
Statistics on Drug Overdoses and Deaths
- In 2020, there were 123 drug overdose deaths involving opioids in Lehigh County – a rate of 28.7 deaths per 100,000 persons compared to the national rate of 21.6 deaths per 100,000 persons.
- Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone increased over 45% from 2019 to 2020.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab facilities in Allentown provide 24/7 medical care and monitoring. Typical inpatient treatment involves:
- Medically-managed detoxification
- Individual and group counseling
- Aftercare planning for continued recovery
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient programs offer similar treatment services as inpatient, but allow the person to live at home. Outpatient treatment involves:
- Weekly individual and group therapy sessions
- Regular drug testing
- Medication management
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 43% of those struggling with addiction in Allentown do not seek treatment from a certified facility. Reasons may include cost, availability, social stigma, or lack of awareness of options.
Comparison of Treatment in Allentown vs. Bethlehem and Easton
| City | Treatment Facilities | Inpatient Beds | Cost Range |
| Allentown | 16 | 250 | $5,000-$20,000 |
| Bethlehem | 12 | 150 | $7,000-$25,000 |
| Easton | 8 | 100 | $6,000-$15,000 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist medication used to treat opioid use disorder and prevent withdrawal symptoms. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and blocking the euphoric effects of other opioids. Methadone is taken orally once daily in opioid treatment programs (OTPs).
Methadone maintenance treatment provides a legally obtained, orally effective opioid substitute to stabilize patients and avoid the peaks and valleys of short-acting opioids. This allows patients to function normally and focus on recovery. Methadone is only provided through closely monitored OTPs to reduce misuse.
Methadone helps opioid-addicted individuals stabilize their lives and reduce harm from injecting drugs, but some view it as merely replacing one addiction with another. However, research shows methadone maintenance is an evidence-based treatment that cuts mortality risk in half.
Methadone Distribution
Description of monitoring and regulations:
- Urine testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight tests in the first year of treatment to ensure no other opioid use.
- Take-home requirements: During the first 14 days of treatment, the take-home supply of methadone is limited to a 24-hour supply which must be ingested on-site. After 90 days of compliance, take-home doses can slowly increase with consistent negative drug tests.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team of medical, counseling and social work staff monitoring patient progress.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to carefully cross-reference opioid titration dosage, as methadone has a narrow therapeutic index.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947. Studies show methadone reduces opioid use, disease transmission, and crime:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests
- 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment
- Retention in treatment reduces overdose/disease transmission risk and increases employment
However, there are also major drawbacks:
- Potential for misuse/diversion
- Severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
- Possible QTc prolongation/cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression/overdose risk when combined with other substances
Comparison to Other Medications
About Allentown
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Allentown is located in Lehigh County in eastern Pennsylvania. It borders New Jersey to the east and New York to the north.
Capital and Largest City
Allentown is the third most populous city in Pennsylvania and the county seat of Lehigh County.
Land Area
Allentown covers over 18 square miles of land area.
Infrastructure
Key infrastructure in Allentown includes:
- Lehigh Valley International Airport
- Numerous highways including US 222 and PA 145
- Public transportation via LANTA bus services
Population Statistics
Total Population
As of the 2020 census, the population of Allentown was 121,433 making it Pennsylvania’s third-largest city.
Demographics:
Gender
- Male: 48%
- Female: 52%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 24.4%
- 18 to 65 years: 59.3%
- Over 65 years: 16.3%
Occupations
Top occupations in Allentown include:
- Office and administrative roles
- Sales related occupations
- Food preparation and service roles
