Methadone Clinics in Myrtle Beach

Rules and Regulations

Myrtle Beach, Horry County, South Carolina adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, as outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Certification Procedures

All methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state. Certification requires adhering to opioid treatment standards regarding medication dispensing, counseling services, patient rights, and more. Clinics must renew licenses annually.

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

Methadone maintenance treatment provides the following benefits:

• Reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
• Allows normalization of brain function
• Suppresses euphoric effects of other opioids
• Improves health and social functioning
• Lowers risk of overdose and transmitting infections

How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose

Methadone clinics provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to those with an opioid use disorder. Patients receive a daily oral dose of methadone to prevent withdrawal and curb drug cravings without inducing a high. Clinics also offer counseling and case management services to support recovery. The ultimate purpose is to rehabilitate patients and help them function normally without the use of illegal or prescription opioids.

Insurance Coverage

Public and private insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, typically cover methadone treatment to some extent. Some clinics also offer sliding-scale fees based on income. Uninsured patients may qualify for state funding depending on eligibility.

Drug Use in Myrtle Beach

The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Horry County specifically:

• There were 123 opioid-involved overdose deaths in 2020 (31.3 per 100,000 persons)
• The most common drugs involved in overdoses are prescription opioids, heroin, synthetic opioids like fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine

Addiction Treatment Overview

Inpatient Treatment

• Patients reside at the facility 24/7 for detox and counseling
• Typical stays range from 30-90 days
• Services include medically supervised detox, individual and group therapy, aftercare planning

Outpatient Treatment

• Patients attend structured programming at a facility but do not stay overnight
• Generally meet 3-5 times per week for 2-4 hours per day
• Located in community settings like clinics, counselor offices

Treatment Level Unreported

• Estimated additional treatment through private practice and community services
• Accurate numbers are difficult to quantify

Comparison of Myrtle Beach to Charleston

Methadone Treatment

What is Methadone

Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, also known as opioid treatment programs (OTPs). It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms in people with opioid use disorder. It allows patients to focus on recovery without experiencing severe withdrawal.

Methadone is carefully monitored and regulated to prevent misuse and diversion. Patients must follow program rules to continue receiving treatment. Monitoring includes observed medication administration, urine drug testing, counseling, and limits on take-home doses.

Societal perspectives on methadone treatment vary. While it does carry risks, research shows MAT with methadone is an evidence-based treatment for opioid addiction. It helps patients reduce or stop opioid misuse and improves outcomes.

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 appropriate use and identify additional substance use issues.
• Take-home requirements: During the first 14 days of treatment, the take-home supply of methadone is limited to a 24-hour supply. More take-home doses are allowed over time for patients who follow program rules.
• Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team including counselors, social workers, nurses, and doctors monitoring patient progress.
• Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review PDMP data to carefully cross-reference opioid dosages when starting methadone, as it has a narrow therapeutic index.

South Carolina has scheduled methadone as a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has accepted medical uses but also potential for abuse and dependence with severe restrictions on prescribing and dispensing.

Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research

Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947.

Evidence for Effectiveness

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

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 Myrtle Beach

Location, Horry County & Neighboring States

Myrtle Beach is located in Horry County in northeastern South Carolina. The state of South Carolina borders North Carolina to the north, Georgia to the southwest, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and shares a water boundary with Tennessee via the Savannah River.

Capital and Largest City

The capital and largest city in South Carolina is Columbia.

Land Area

Horry County has a total area of 1,255 square miles.

Infrastructure

Myrtle Beach’s infrastructure includes:

• Myrtle Beach International Airport
• Several highways including U.S. Route 17 Business and U.S. Route 501
• Public bus system (Coast RTA)

Population Statistics

Total Population

The population of Myrtle Beach is approximately 32,240 as of 2019.

Demographics

Gender

Females make up 51.5% of the population in Myrtle Beach. Males make up 48.5%.

Age Brackets

• 15.1% are under age 18
• 8.3% are aged 18 to 24
• 34.8% are aged 25 to 44
• 25.3% are aged 45 to 64
• 16.5% are over age 65

Occupations

Top occupations are in:

• Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services
• Retail trade
• Construction