Rules and Regulations
Henrico, Henrico County, Virginia, United States adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by agencies like the DEA and SAMHSA.
Certification Procedures
- Clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state
- Staff must meet educational and licensing requirements
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Methadone and buprenorphine effectively treat opioid addiction
- Reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Allow people to focus on their recovery and rebuild their lives
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
The purpose of methadone clinics is to provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to people diagnosed with an opioid use disorder. Clinics provide methadone and buprenorphine to prevent withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. In conjunction with counseling, MAT gives people the opportunity to recover from their addiction.
Insurance Coverage
Many clinics accept various insurance plans that cover methadone treatment including:
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Private insurance
Some clinics offer treatment on a sliding fee scale based on income for uninsured patients. Grants and public funding also help support treatment costs at some nonprofit clinics.
Drug Use in Henrico
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Virginia, there were 1,230 drug overdose deaths in 2021, a 9.5% increase from 2020. Henrico County reported 96 overdose deaths involving opioids in 2021.
- The most common drugs involved in overdose deaths in Virginia are fentanyl (76%) and heroin (13%).
- An estimated 4.6% of Virginians over 12 years old have an illicit drug use disorder.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
- Typically 28-90 days length of stay
- 24/7 medical monitoring and counseling
- Detoxification, behavioral therapy, medication
Outpatient Treatment
- 2-5 hours per week of group and individual therapy
- Offered at clinics, private practices, hospitals
- Focused on counseling, life skills, relapse prevention
Treatment Level Unreported
- Estimated additional 10-20% in self-help programs
- Includes support groups, faith-based organizations, peer services
Comparison of Henrico County to Richmond
| Location | Treatment Centers | Inpatient Beds | Cost Range |
| Henrico County | 12 | 250 | $5,000-$20,000 |
| Richmond City | 18 | 400 | $7,500-$25,000 |
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 treatment programs provide the medication along with counseling and other services in what is known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) provide methadone under directly observed therapy to reduce misuse.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. While it is an evidence-based treatment, some view it as merely substituting one opioid for another. However, research shows methadone relieves withdrawal and craving, allowing people to function normally. With proper monitoring, methadone enables recovery.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is highly regulated to prevent misuse:
- Urine testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight tests in the first year of treatment to detect 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. After 90 days of compliance, patients can earn one take-home dose per week, gradually increasing to one month’s supply for compliant patients.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and counselors to coordinate care.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review PDMP data to carefully cross-reference opioid dosage, as methadone has a narrow therapeutic index.
In Henrico County, methadone is a Schedule II controlled prescription drug, with dispensing regulated by federal and state laws.
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:
- Evidence for Effectiveness: Studies found methadone patients had 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests versus no treatment. Methadone patients were 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment, which reduces overdose risk and increases employment.
- Major Drawbacks: Potential for misuse/diversion; severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly; possible QTc prolongation/cardiac issues; respiratory depression/overdose risk when combined with other substances
- Comparison to Other Medications: Methadone is equally effective as buprenorphine for reducing opioid use.
In conclusion, methadone has demonstrated benefits but also risks requiring careful management under OTPs.
About Henrico
Henrico is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is part of the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Henrico County borders the following counties and independent cities:
- Goochland County
- Hanover County
- New Kent County
- Charles City County
- Chesterfield County
- City of Richmond
The state of Virginia borders the following states:
- Maryland
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Kentucky
- Tennessee
- North Carolina
Capital and Largest City
The capital and largest city in Henrico County is Richmond.
Land Area
The land area of Henrico County is 245 square miles.
Population Statistics
Total Population
As of the 2020 census, the population of Henrico County was 326,959 people.
Demographics
Gender
- Male: 48.5%
- Female: 51.5%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 22.1%
- 18 to 64 years: 61.5%
- 65 years and over: 16.4%
Occupations
The top occupations in Henrico County are management, business, science, arts, sales, office & administrative support roles.
