Rules and Regulations
Summerville and Dorchester, South Carolina adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs. These regulations ensure safe, effective, and ethical treatment practices.
Certification Procedures
- Clinics must be certified by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
- Staff must meet educational and licensing requirements
- Regular facility inspections enforce safety and record-keeping rules
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
- MAT with methadone or buprenorphine helps people recover from opioid addiction
- It eliminates withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings
- It allows people to focus on counseling and lifestyle changes
- It greatly reduces the risk of overdose and transmitting infections
- It helps people regain healthy, productive lives
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide MAT services to help communities impacted by the opioid epidemic. They offer:
- Methadone dosing in a supervised, structured environment
- Health testing and counseling
- Referrals for psychiatric, medical, and social services
- Support groups and community resources
The goal is to mitigate the effects of addiction and support long-term recovery.
Insurance Coverage
Most clinics accept various insurance plans, including:
- Medicaid
- Private health insurance
- Some clinics provide treatment without insurance or on a sliding fee scale based on income
Drug Use in Summerville
The opioid crisis has been declared a public health emergency in the United States. In Dorchester County, South Carolina, which includes the city of Summerville:
- There were 123 drug overdose deaths in 2020, a 45% increase from 2019
- Opioids were involved in 78% of these overdose deaths
- The drugs most commonly involved in overdoses were fentanyl, heroin, prescription opioids
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for 1-3 months typically. It includes medical detox, counseling, group therapy, medication management, and aftercare planning.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment consists of periodic services for 1-2 hours at a time, 1-3 days per week. It may include therapy, support groups, and medication management.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of those receiving treatment do not report the treatment level. This may include those in non-medical settings like church programs.
Comparison of Treatment in Summerville vs. Charleston
| Category | Summerville | Charleston |
| Treatment facilities | 15 | 35 |
| Inpatient beds available | 250 | 850 |
| 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 prevent withdrawal. It binds to opioid receptors, reducing cravings and blocking the euphoric effects of other opioids. Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) involves daily administration of methadone doses in opioid treatment programs (OTPs) to provide a stabilizing effect. This allows patients to function normally without the disruptive effects of withdrawal or intoxication. MMT follows an “opioid substitution treatment” approach, replacing a short-acting opioid like heroin with a longer-acting one in a structured clinical setting.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. Some see it as merely replacing one addiction with another. However, methadone relieves withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings when taken as prescribed, allowing patients to focus on recovery. It does not produce the same intensity of euphoria as other opioids when taken in appropriate doses. MMT enables patients to regain control over drug use, improve health/social functioning, and reduce public health/safety risks. Still, stigma remains due to its nature as an opioid medication. Careful patient selection, dosing, and monitoring are necessary for successful outcomes.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is highly regulated with required monitoring to prevent misuse and ensure patient safety:
- Urine testing: Patients must undergo random urine drug screens at least 8 times in the first year of MMT to detect illicit drug use.
- Take-home requirements: For the first 14 days, methadone doses are only dispensed as a daily observed dose at the clinic. After meeting compliance requirements, take-home doses can be earned up to a 1-month supply.
- Monitoring: OTPs must have an interdisciplinary team including physicians, nurses, and counselors to coordinate care. They track patient progress and methadone adherence.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Providers should check the state PDMP to identify other prescribed medications and avoid unsafe polypharmacy involving methadone.
In Summerville, Dorchester, and across South Carolina, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance, indicating accepted medical use but also potential for abuse/dependence.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder that has been used since 1947.
Studies show methadone reduces opioid use, disease transmission, and crime. Patients on MMT have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests. They are also 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment, which reduces overdose and disease transmission risks while increasing employment opportunities.
However, methadone does have some major drawbacks. There is potential for misuse and diversion of methadone itself. Patients may experience severe withdrawal if methadone is stopped suddenly. It can prolong the QTc interval on electrocardiograms, increasing the risk of cardiac issues. Respiratory depression and overdose are possible if methadone is combined with other substances like benzodiazepines.
Methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective in reducing illicit opioid use in patients. However, careful patient selection and monitoring are still needed to manage the risks and maximize the benefits of methadone maintenance therapy.
Methadone is beneficial but also requires cautious use.
About Summerville
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Summerville is located in Dorchester County, South Carolina. It is bordered by the following states:
Capital and largest city
The capital and largest city in South Carolina is Columbia.
Land area
The land area of Summerville is approximately 12.5 square miles.
Infrastructure
Summerville has a developing infrastructure typical of a growing suburban community. It has a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The main roads are Highway 78 and Interstate 26.
Population Statistics
Total Population
The population of Summerville is approximately 50,000 residents.
Demographics:
Gender
- Male: 48%
- Female: 52%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 22%
- 18 to 65 years: 62%
- Over 65 years: 16%
Occupations
The major occupations in Summerville are:
- Healthcare
- Retail
- Education
- Construction
- Manufacturing
