Rules and Regulations
West Valley City, Salt Lake, Utah adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Utah Department of Health.
Certification Procedures
- Clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state health department
- Staff must meet educational and licensing requirements
- Regular inspections ensure compliance with regulations
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Methadone reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Allows people to focus on counseling and behavioral therapies
- Greatly increases chances of overcoming opioid addiction
How Clinics Operate
- Provide methadone doses for opioid addiction treatment
- Offer counseling and behavioral therapies
- Conduct drug tests and comprehensive treatment planning
- The goal is to help people recover and live healthy, productive lives
Insurance Coverage
- Medicaid covers methadone treatment
- Most private health plans cover treatment due to federal parity laws
- Some clinics offer income-based payment assistance
Drug Use in West Valley City
- In 2017, opioids were involved in 47% of Utah drug overdose deaths, higher than the national rate of 67%
- Utah had 454 opioid overdose deaths in 2020, a 45% increase from 2017
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
- Length of stay is typically 28 days or longer depending on individual needs
- Treatment includes medical detox, behavioral therapies, counseling, group meetings, and aftercare planning
Outpatient Treatment
- Treatment sessions occur 1-5 days per week depending on the intensity
- Outpatient treatment centers are located throughout the community
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of people with a substance use disorder do not seek any kind of treatment (SAMHSA)
Comparison of Treatment in West Valley City vs. Salt Lake City
| City | Treatment Centers | Inpatient Beds | Cost Range |
| West Valley City | 15 | 250 | $5,000-$20,000/month |
| Salt Lake City | 45 | 850 | $5,000-$25,000/month |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to treat opioid use disorder. It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Provided in federally-regulated opioid treatment programs (OTPs), allow people to function normally without the negative effects of illicit opioid use.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. While it helps treat addiction, some view it as merely replacing one opioid with another. However, research shows methadone helps patients reduce or stop opioid misuse. When combined with counseling, it allows patients to improve their health and social functioning.
Methadone Distribution
- Urine Testing: Patients must undergo at least eight urine tests for illicit drugs in the first year to ensure compliance.
- Take-Home Requirements: For the first 14 days, methadone doses must be consumed on-site daily under supervision to avoid misuse. After meeting program rules, take-home doses can gradually increase to a 30-day supply.
- Monitoring: OTPs utilize an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, counselors and social workers to coordinate care.
- Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians should utilize Utah’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) to carefully track patients’ controlled medication prescriptions from multiple providers, watching for unsafe combinations with methadone.
In Salt Lake City and West Valley, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance, indicating it has legitimate medical use but also potential for abuse.
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:
- Patients had 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests
- 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment
- Retention reduces overdose risk and increases employment
However, methadone does carry risks:
- Potential for misuse and diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Possible heartbeat issues if combined with certain drugs
- Respiratory depression/overdose risk with alcohol or benzodiazepines
Research shows methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective in reducing opioid use. Benefits can outweigh risks with careful management.
About West Valley City
Location, County & Neighboring States
West Valley City is located in Salt Lake County, Utah. Utah borders Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Capital and Largest City
Salt Lake City is the capital and largest city in Utah.
Land Area
West Valley City covers an area of 35.5 square miles.
Infrastructure
- Public transportation system with bus routes
- Interstate highway access
- Salt Lake City International Airport
Population Statistics
Total Population
As of the 2020 census, the population of West Valley City was 141,885.
Demographics:
Gender
- Male: 50.2%
- Female: 49.8%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 31.4%
- 18 to 64 years: 59.3%
- 65 years and over: 9.3%
Occupations
- Management, professional and related: 31.2%
- Service: 20.4%
- Sales and office: 24.8%
- Construction, maintenance, and repair: 12.9%
- Production and transportation: 10.7%
