Rules and Regulations
Midvale 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 of Utah
- Staff must meet educational and licensing requirements
- Regular facility inspections occur to ensure compliance
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment with methadone can:
- Reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Allow people to focus on their health and participation in positive social activities
- Lower the risk of overdose death
- Help people stay in treatment programs longer
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide daily doses of methadone to treat opioid use disorder. The medication blocks the euphoric effects of opioids, prevents withdrawal symptoms, and reduces cravings. Clinics offer counseling and connect patients to healthcare and social services. The ultimate purpose is to help patients achieve sobriety and improve their health and well-being.
Insurance Coverage
Many clinics accept Medicaid and private insurance. Some clinics offer treatment on a sliding fee scale based on income for uninsured patients. State and local programs may also provide funding assistance.
Drug Use in Midvale
In 2017, the opioid crisis was declared a nationwide public health emergency. Utah has not been exempt from this epidemic.
- In 2016, there were 460 opioid-related overdose deaths in Utah. Over half involved prescription opioids.
- The most commonly abused substances in Utah are alcohol, marijuana, prescription opioids, heroin, and methamphetamine.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
The typical length of stay is 28 days. Treatment involves medically managed detox, counseling, group therapy, education, and planning for aftercare.
Outpatient Treatment
Held at facilities patients attend 1-5 times per week for counseling, therapy, support groups, and education.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10% of facilities do not report their treatment level. This may include private, residential programs.
Comparison of Treatment in Midvale vs. Neighboring Major City
| Category | Midvale | Salt Lake City |
| Treatment Facilities | 15 | 64 |
| Inpatient Beds | 18 | 216 |
| 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 symptoms. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and blocking the euphoric effects of other opioids. Methadone is taken orally once daily in opioid treatment programs (OTPs).
Methadone activates opioid receptors providing stabilizing effects without euphoria. This allows patients to function normally and focus on recovery. Methadone is only provided through accredited OTPs with daily supervised dosing and take-home phases only after treatment progress. This ensures proper use as prescribed.
Societal views on methadone are mixed – some see it as trading one addiction for another while others recognize its medical value in managing addiction and related issues. Stigma still exists but education can highlight that addiction is a medical disorder and methadone simply provides medication stabilization.
In layman’s terms, methadone tricks the brain into thinking it is still getting the problem opioids but without getting high. This stops cravings and withdrawal symptoms so patients can work on underlying recovery without being controlled by substance use.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is strictly monitored with urine drug testing and gradual earning of take-home doses to prevent misuse. Key regulations include:
- Urine testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight tests in the first year of treatment to ensure no ongoing illicit drug use.
- Take-home requirements: During the first 14 days of treatment, the take-home supply of methadone is limited to a 24-hour supply with daily observed dosing. After progress, take-homes increase gradually up to 30 days maximum.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team overseeing dosing, counseling, case management, and coordination of care. This ensures patient progress and appropriate clinical oversight.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to carefully cross-reference other opioid medications and doses prescribed, as methadone has a narrow therapeutic window and overdose risk.
In Midvale, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance allowing use only under medical supervision in accredited OTPs. Possession without a prescription is illegal.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947. Studies show methadone reduces opioid use, disease transmission, and crime when properly managed in treatment programs.
Evidence for Effectiveness
Research shows participants on stable methadone doses have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests. Methadone patients also have 4.44 times higher rates of staying in treatment, which itself reduces overdose risk, HIV risk behaviors, and criminal behavior while increasing employment.
Major Drawbacks
However, methadone does carry risks including the potential for misuse and diversion as an opioid itself. Stopping suddenly causes severe withdrawal symptoms. Methadone may also prolong the QT interval on ECGs, increasing cardiac issues. Especially when combined with other substances, methadone retains overdose and respiratory depression risks requiring careful dosing and monitoring.
Comparison to Other Medications
Methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective for reducing illicit opioid use and retaining patients in medication-assisted treatment.
Methadone has demonstrated effectiveness but also risks requiring careful management under the monitoring and regulations of accredited opioid treatment programs.
About Midvale
Midvale is located in Salt Lake County, Utah, United States.
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Utah is bordered by these states:
Capital and Largest City
The capital and largest city in Utah is Salt Lake City.
Land Area
Midvale has a total area of 7.1 square miles.
Infrastructure
Midvale has access to a major interstate highway, rail transport, and public transportation.
Population Statistics
The population of Midvale is 33,000 (2020 census).
Demographics
Gender
- Male: 51%
- Female: 49%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 31%
- 18 to 65 years: 53%
- Over 65 years: 16%
Occupations
- Management, business, science, arts: 32%
- Sales and office: 26%
- Service: 19%
- Production, transportation: 14%
- Construction, maintenance: 9%
