| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery County Methadone Center | 316 Dekalb Street Norristown, PA 19401 | (610) 272-3710 |
| Valley Forge Medical Center and Hospital | 1033 West Germantown Pike Norristown, PA 19403 | (610) 539-8500 |
Rules and Regulations
Norristown 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 licensed by the state
- Staff must meet educational and licensing requirements
- Regular facility inspections enforce safety and treatment standards
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Methadone and buprenorphine effectively treat opioid addiction
- Reduce drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Allow people to focus on recovery and rebuild their lives
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to people addicted to opioids. Clinics dispense methadone and buprenorphine to eliminate withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. In addition to medication, clinics offer counseling and behavioral therapies to support long-term recovery. The ultimate purpose is to help people achieve sobriety and improved health.
Insurance Coverage
Many clinics accept Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance. Uninsured patients may qualify for state funding or clinic payment plans based on income.
Free Clinics
Some clinics offer free treatment based on patient eligibility. Others provide free intake assessments to determine appropriate treatment options. Many also have information on low-cost rehabilitation resources. Public funding helps offset treatment costs to expand access.
Drug Use in Norristown
Opioid Crisis Declared Public Health Emergency
In 2017, the opioid crisis was declared a nationwide public health emergency by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Statistics on Drug Overdoses and Deaths
- In 2020, there were 96 drug overdose deaths involving opioids in Montgomery County — a rate of 20.3 deaths per 100,000 persons compared to the national rate of 20.6 deaths per 100,000 persons.
- Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone increased over 45% from 2019 to 2020 in the county.
Data on Prevalence of Different Substances
Alcohol, marijuana, prescription opioids, and heroin were identified as commonly used substances by Montgomery County residents receiving addiction treatment in 2020.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Typically lasts 28 days. Includes 24/7 medical care, counseling, group therapy, medication management, and aftercare planning.
Outpatient Treatment
Varies from 1-5 days per week depending on individual needs. Provided at clinics, hospitals, or private practices. Includes counseling, therapy, and peer support groups.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of addiction treatment is not formally reported. May include support groups, religious organizations, and independent counseling.
Comparison of Treatment in Norristown vs. Philadelphia
| Category | Norristown | Philadelphia |
| Number of treatment facilities | 15 | 267 |
| Inpatient beds available | 300 | 3,500 |
| Cost of treatment | $15,000/month | $25,000/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 withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings by activating opioid receptors in the brain through a daily oral dose administered under supervision at opioid treatment programs (OTPs).
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment range from seeing it as a lifesaving addiction treatment to criticism over its potential for misuse and diversion. However, evidence shows methadone is an effective MAT option when properly monitored.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution through OTPs is strictly regulated with the required:
- Urine testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight tests in the first year of treatment to detect illicit drug use.
- Take-home requirements: During the first 14 days of treatment, the take-home methadone supply is limited to a 24-hour dose. After 90 days of compliant treatment, patients may earn one take-home dose per week, gradually increasing over time with consistent adherence and abstinence from illicit opioids.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and counselors to coordinate care.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review state prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to carefully cross-reference other opioid medications and avoid unsafe dosing interactions, as methadone has a narrow therapeutic index.
According to Pennsylvania PDMP and ONDCP data, methadone is a Schedule II controlled prescription substance in the state. Montgomery County has 10 licensed OTPs dispensing methadone to treat opioid use disorder.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder that has been used since 1947. Studies show methadone MAT reduces opioid use, disease transmission, and crime for those who remain in treatment. Evidence includes:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests for methadone patients
- 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment compared to non-medication treatment
- Retention in methadone treatment reduces overdose and disease transmission risk and increases employment
However, methadone does carry risks requiring careful management:
- Potential for misuse/diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Possible QTc prolongation/cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression/overdose risk when combined with other substances
Research shows methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective in reducing illicit opioid use.
Methadone is beneficial but also has risks requiring stringent adherence monitoring and safety precautions.
About Norristown
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Norristown is located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, United States. It borders the following states:
Capital and Largest City
The capital and largest city in Pennsylvania is Philadelphia.
Land area
Norristown covers roughly 3.4 square miles of land area.
Infrastructure
Norristown has a small local government and public services.
Population Statistics
The total population of Norristown is around 34,324 people as of the 2010 census.
Demographics
Gender
- Male: 47%
- Female: 53%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 28.8%
- 18 to 64 years: 59.3%
- 65 years and over: 11.9%
Occupations
Top occupations in Norristown include:
- Office and administrative support
- Sales
- Healthcare practitioners
- Transportation
- Production
