| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| BrookStone Medical Center | 198 N. 100 E. St George, UT 84770 | (435) 628-1111 |
| Saint George Metro Treatment Center | 354 East 600 South Saint George, UT 84770 | (435) 656-8918 |
Saint George adheres to strict regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Utah Department of Health and local ordinances. These regulations cover certification, operation protocols, and insurance requirements.
Rules and Regulations
Saint George methadone clinics must follow regulations including:
- Certification by the Utah Department of Health
- Security and diversion control protocols
- Dosage and treatment planning oversight
- Reporting and auditing requirements
Certification Procedures
To operate in Saint George, a methadone clinic must be certified by the Utah Department of Health. This involves inspections, staff credentials review, and treatment planning approval. Clinics must renew their license annually.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone and other medication-assisted treatments for opioid addiction can:
- Reduce illicit drug use and overdose deaths
- Improve patient functionality and social outcomes
- Lower transmission rates for HIV and hepatitis
- Pave the way for long-term recovery
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide medication-assisted treatment for those recovering from opioid addiction. Patients visit the clinic daily to receive their prescribed methadone dose onsite. The clinics offer counseling and case management to support the recovery process. Their goal is to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and reduce illicit opioid use.
Drug Use in Saint George
Opioid Crisis Declared Public Health Emergency
- In 2018, the state declared an opioid epidemic due to rising overdose deaths
- Overdose deaths increased 30% from 2016 to 2017
Statistics on Drug Overdoses and Deaths
- In 2019, there were 152 overdose deaths in the county, a 10% increase from 2018
- The drugs most commonly involved in overdoses:
Opioids – 65% of deaths
Methamphetamine – 25%
Cocaine – 15%
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
- Patients reside at facility 24/7 for detox and counseling
- Typical stay is 28 days
- Services include medical care, therapy, 12-step programs
Outpatient Treatment
- Patients undergo treatment while living at home
- Attend programs 3 times a week for several hours
- Receive counseling, medication management
Treatment Level Unreported
- An estimated 18% of patients do not report treatment level
- Likely a mix of inpatient and outpatient services
| Treatment Option | Saint George | Neighboring City |
| # of Treatment Facilities | 15 | 56 |
| Inpatient Beds Available | 180 | 850 |
| 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. It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone maintenance treatment provides the medication along with counseling and other services in an opioid treatment program (OTP).
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. Some view it positively as an evidence-based treatment that improves outcomes. Others see it negatively as simply replacing one opioid with another. Explained basically, methadone activates the same brain receptors as other opioids but acts slower and steadier, preventing withdrawal and cravings.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is strictly regulated with required urine testing, take-home limits, interprofessional monitoring, and prescription tracking:
- Urine Testing: Patients must pass at least 8 urine tests for opioids and other drugs in the first year.
- Take-Homes: For the first 14 days, take-home methadone is limited to a 1-day supply. More take-homes are allowed over time for patients who follow program rules.
- Monitoring: Opioid treatment programs have counselors, nurses, and doctors monitoring patient progress.
- Prescription Tracking: Clinicians check the prescription drug monitoring database to coordinate methadone dosage carefully.
According to state data, methadone is a Schedule II controlled prescription substance with a high potential for abuse and dependence.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Studies show it is an effective medication for opioid use disorder.
Evidence for Effectiveness
Multiple studies over decades demonstrate methadone’s benefits. Patients on methadone have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests. They are 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment compared to non-medication approaches. Staying in treatment reduces disease transmission through IV drug use and increases employment.
Major Drawbacks
However, methadone does carry risks including potential for misuse and diversion, severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly, QTc prolongation and cardiac issues, and respiratory depression/overdose when combined with other sedating substances.
Comparison to Other Medications
Research shows methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective for reducing illicit opioid use.
About Saint George
Saint George is located in Washington County in southwestern Utah, United States. It borders Arizona to the south and Nevada to the west.
Location, County & Neighboring States
- Washington County
- Bordering States:
Arizona
Nevada
Capital and Largest City
The capital and largest city is Saint George with a population of 87,178 as of 2021.
Land Area
Saint George has a total land area of 64.9 square miles.
Infrastructure
Saint George has a regional airport, Interstate 15 and highway access, and a public transportation system.
Population Statistics
Total Population
The total population of Saint George is 87,178 as of 2021.
Demographics:
Gender
- Male: 43,391
- Female: 43,787
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 24.1%
- 18 to 64 years: 62.3%
- 65 years and over: 13.6%
Occupations
- Management, business, science and arts occupations: 32.2%
- Sales and office occupations: 24.8%
- Service occupations: 18.3%
- Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations: 12.9%
- Production, transportation, and material moving occupations: 11.8%
