| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Veterans Affairs Medical Center/TVHs Substance Abuse Treatment Program | 3400 Lebanon Road Building 10 Murfreesboro, TN 37129 | (800) 876-7093x3813 |
Rules and Regulations
Murfreesboro and Rutherford County follow federal and state laws that regulate methadone clinics and medication-assisted treatment programs. These laws aim to ensure safe, effective, and ethical treatment practices.
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 set by SAMHSA and state laws.
- Clinics must adhere to opioid treatment standards and professional codes of ethics.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Methadone and other medications relieve withdrawal symptoms and reduce opioid cravings.
- Medication combined with counseling and behavioral therapies can be highly effective for opioid addiction recovery.
- Lower risk of overdose
- Reduce transmission rates of HIV and hepatitis
- Decrease criminal behaviors
- Improve patient functionality and wellbeing
How Clinics Operate
Methadone clinics provide supervised methadone dosing, counseling, health evaluations, and referrals. The medication blocks the euphoric effects and withdrawal symptoms to mitigate addiction behaviors. The additional services aim to help people gain skills needed for addiction recovery and to address associated medical/social issues.
Insurance Coverage
Some clinics accept Medicaid and private insurance. Those without insurance can still receive treatment on an affordable sliding fee scale based on income. Government grants also help fund low-cost and free treatment services. Uninsured patients are encouraged to apply for public assistance if eligible. Treatment is available regardless of one’s ability to pay for it.
Drug Use in Murfreesboro
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Tennessee, in 2020 there were 2,097 overdose deaths involving opioids.
Primary substances involved in overdoses in Tennessee:
- Fentanyl and fentanyl analogs (1,613 deaths)
- Prescription opioids (627 deaths)
- Heroin (401 deaths)
Rutherford County’s overdose death rate per 100,000 residents increased from 10.5 in 2019 to 20.8 in 2021.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
- Typically 28-90 days length of stay
- 24/7 medical monitoring and counseling
- Detoxification, behavioral therapies, medication
Outpatient Treatment
- 1-5 visits per week for counseling and therapy
- Offered at clinics, private practices, hospitals
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10.3% of Tennesseans needed but did not receive treatment for illicit drug use in 2019 based on national survey data.
Comparison of Treatment Options
| City | Treatment Facilities | Inpatient Beds | Cost Range |
| Murfreesboro | 12 | 143 beds | $5,000-$20,000 for 30 days |
| Nashville | 23 | 436 beds | $7,000-$25,000 for 30 days |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is a medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, also known as opioid treatment programs (OTPs), to treat opioid use disorder. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This allows patients to focus on other aspects of their recovery, like counseling and lifestyle changes.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. Some view it as merely substituting one opioid for another. However, research shows methadone maintenance is an evidence-based treatment that improves outcomes when combined with counseling and social support. Most patients utilize it temporarily as a bridge to abstinence.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is highly monitored due to overdose risks:
- 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 of treatment, the take-home supply of methadone is limited to a one-day (24-hour) supply. Restrictions gradually ease with demonstrated progress in treatment.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and counselors monitoring patient progress.
- Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians should review prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to carefully cross-reference other opioid medications with methadone, as it has a narrow therapeutic window.
In Tennessee, methadone is a Schedule II controlled prescription substance monitored by the PDMP.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder that has been used since 1947. Studies show:
Evidence for Effectiveness
Methadone reduces opioid use, disease transmission through intravenous drug use, and drug-related crime. Methadone patients had 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests and were 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment compared to individuals not on medication. Retention in treatment reduces overdose risk, disease transmission, and increases employment opportunities.
Major Drawbacks
Potential for misuse/diversion exists. Sudden discontinuation can cause severe withdrawal. Possible QTc prolongation or cardiac issues. Can cause fatal respiratory depression if combined with certain substances.
Comparison to Other Medications
Research shows methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective in reducing illicit opioid use.
In conclusion, methadone has demonstrated benefits but also risks requiring careful management.
About Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro is a city located in Rutherford County, Tennessee, United States.
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Murfreesboro is located in middle Tennessee, 25 miles southeast of Nashville. It is the county seat and largest city in Rutherford County.
Neighboring states:
- Kentucky (north)
- Virginia (northeast)
- North Carolina (east)
- Georgia (southeast)
- Alabama (south)
Capital and Largest City
- Capital: Nashville
- Largest city: Memphis
Land Area
Murfreesboro has a total area of 55.4 square miles.
Infrastructure
- Education: Middle Tennessee State University, 13 elementary schools
- Transportation: Interstate 24, Nashville International Airport
- Healthcare: Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital
Population Statistics
Total Population
The population of Murfreesboro is 151,884 as of 2021.
Demographics
Gender
- Male: 48%
- Female: 52%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 23.4%
- 18 to 64 years: 62.1%
- 65 years and over: 14.5%
Occupations
- Management, business, science and arts: 39%
- Sales and office: 24%
- Service: 18%
- Production, transportation, material moving: 11%
