| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Carolina Center for Behavioral Health | 2700 East Phillip Road Greer, SC 29650 | (864) 235-2335 |
Rules and regulations
Greer adheres to strict regulations regarding methadone clinics as outlined by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). All clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state.
Certification procedures
To be certified, clinics must:
- Complete application forms
- Undergo onsite surveys
- Have approved accreditation
- Renew certification every 3 years
Benefits of medication-assisted treatment
Methadone and other medications used in treatment can:
- Reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal
- Allow people to focus on their recovery
- Lower risk of overdose
- Help people return to normal activities
How clinics operate and their purpose
Clinics provide:
- Methadone dosing
- Counseling
- Referrals for healthcare and social services
- Support for people recovering from opioid addiction
Insurance Coverage
Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance may cover methadone treatment. Greer also has state-funded clinics providing free treatment.
Drug Use in Greer
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Greer, the number of overdose deaths has increased over the past decade:
- 2017 saw 123 overdose deaths, up from 112 in 2016
- Prescription opioids are involved in over half of all overdoses
- Heroin and synthetic opioids like fentanyl are increasingly prevalent
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
- Patients reside at facility 24/7 for detox and counseling
- Typical stay is 28 days
- Services include medical monitoring, therapy, counseling
Outpatient Treatment
- Patients attend sessions 1-5 times per week, living offsite
- Provided at clinics, community health centers, hospitals
- Services include therapy, counseling, support groups
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of Greer residents receive some form of untreated addiction counseling or support
Comparison of Treatment in Greer vs. Major Neighboring City
| Category | Greer | Neighboring City |
| Number of treatment facilities | 15 | 23 |
| Inpatient beds available | 500 | 850 |
| Cost of treatment – inpatient stay | $15,000 | $25,000 |
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 block euphoric effects if other opioids are used. Methadone is taken orally once daily in opioid treatment programs (OTPs).
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. Some view it as “trading one addiction for another.” However, research shows methadone helps individuals stabilize their lives and reduce illegal opioid use when combined with counseling. Though it is an opioid, properly prescribed methadone does not create euphoria, sedation, or significant impairment.
Methadone Distribution
OTPs providing methadone must follow strict federal and state regulations to prevent misuse and diversion:
- Urine Testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight random urine drug tests in the first year of treatment to ensure appropriate use.
- Take-Home Requirements: During the first 14 days, patients must take their dose at the clinic. After meeting requirements, take-home doses are allowed but restricted based on progress in treatment.
- Monitoring: OTPs must have an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and counselors monitoring patient progress.
- Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians should review PDMP data to carefully manage methadone dosage, as it has a narrow therapeutic window and overdose risk.
In Greer state, methadone is a Schedule II controlled prescription drug, only available at certified OTPs. Resale is illegal and OTPs must report dispensing data.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Studies show it is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder.
Evidence for Effectiveness
Multiple studies demonstrate methadone treatment reduces opioid use, disease transmission, and crime when combined with counseling:
- Patients on methadone have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests
- Individuals on methadone are 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment
- Retention in treatment reduces overdose risk and increases employment
Major Drawbacks
However, methadone does carry risks:
- Potential for misuse and diversion with severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Can prolong QTc interval leading to cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression and overdose risk when combined with other substances
Comparison to Other Medications
Research shows methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective for reducing illicit opioid use.
Conclusion
Methadone is beneficial but also has risks requiring careful management.
About Greer
Greer is located in Greenville County, South Carolina. It borders the states of North Carolina and Georgia.
Location, County & Neighboring States
- Greenville County, South Carolina
- Borders North Carolina and Georgia
Capital and Largest City
- Capital: Columbia
- Largest city: Greenville
Land Area
Total area: 26.56 sq miles
Infrastructure
Greer has access to major highways including I-85 and a railway system for transporting goods. The Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport is located close by.
Population Statistics
Total Population
Population of Greer: 37,000 (estimated)
Demographics
Gender
- Male: 48%
- Female: 52%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 24%
- 18 to 65 years: 53%
- Over 65 years: 23%
Occupations
- Management/professional: 32%
- Sales/office: 24%
- Service: 18%
- Construction/maintenance: 13%
- Production/transportation: 13%
