Methadone Clinics in Virginia Beach

Rules and Regulations

Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach County, Virginia, United States adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics. These regulations help ensure safe and effective treatment is provided to patients.

Certification Procedures

All methadone clinics must be certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and licensed by the state. Clinics must meet standards for dispensing and storing medications, counseling services, staff credentials, and more. Clinics are routinely inspected.

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

Benefits of methadone maintenance treatment include:

• Reducing illicit opioid use and overdose deaths
• Improving health and social functioning

How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose

Methadone clinics provide daily doses of methadone to treat opioid use disorder. In addition to medication, clinics offer counseling and behavioral therapies, health screenings, and referrals to other services patients may need. The goal is to help patients achieve sobriety and better health.

Insurance Coverage

Many clinics accept Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance. Some clinics offer cash pricing or sliding scale fees based on income for uninsured patients. Government grants help fund low-cost and free treatment programs. Patients are encouraged to contact clinics regarding costs and insurance coverage options.

Drug Use in Virginia Beach

The opioid crisis has been declared a public health emergency in Virginia Beach. According to the Virginia Department of Health, there were 438 opioid overdose deaths in Virginia Beach County in 2021, a 45% increase from 2020. The most commonly abused substances are:

• Prescription opioids like OxyContin, Vicodin, and methadone
• Heroin
• Synthetic opioids like fentanyl
• Cocaine
• Methamphetamine

Addiction Treatment Overview

Inpatient Treatment

• Patients reside at the facility 24/7 for detox and behavioral therapies
• The typical stay is 30 days
• Services include medical monitoring, counseling, group therapy

Outpatient Treatment

• Patients attend structured programming at the facility but do not stay overnight
• Frequency is typically 3 days per week for several hours per day
• Services similar to inpatient but less intensive

Treatment Level Unreported

• An estimated 30% of facilities do not report treatment level
• Likely a mix of inpatient and outpatient services

Comparison of Treatment in Virginia Beach vs. Neighboring Cities

Methadone Treatment

What is Methadone

Methadone is an opioid agonist medication that is taken orally for the treatment of opioid use disorder and prevention of withdrawal symptoms. It binds to opioid receptors in the body, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms in those with an opioid addiction. Methadone is typically administered daily in certified opioid treatment programs (OTPs). This form of treatment is referred to as medication-assisted treatment.

Methadone Distribution

Methadone distribution through opioid treatment programs is highly regulated and monitored:

• Urine Testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight random drug tests in the first year of treatment to monitor for other drug use.
• Take-Home Requirements: During the first 14 days of treatment, take-home supplies of methadone are limited to a 24-hour supply that must be consumed under staff observation at the clinic.
• Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team, including physicians, nurses, and counselors to monitor patient progress.
• Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians prescribing methadone should review statewide Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data to carefully monitor dosages and prevent risks due to methadone’s narrow therapeutic window.

Virginia classifies methadone as a Schedule II controlled prescription drug with a high potential for abuse and dependence. Dispensing without a prescription can result in fines or criminal charges.

Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research

Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947 in the U.S. Studies show methadone treatment reduces illicit opioid use, disease transmission, and crime. Patients in methadone treatment have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests and are 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment. Retention in treatment reduces overdose and disease transmission risks while increasing employment opportunities.

However, there are also risks associated with methadone that require careful management, including potential for misuse/diversion, severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly, cardiac issues, and respiratory depression when combined with other substances. Numerous studies show methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective for treating opioid addiction. Benefits can be substantial but risks mean oversight is critical.

About Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is located in Virginia Beach County, Virginia, United States.

Location, County & List of Neighboring States

Virginia Beach is situated in southeastern Virginia along the Atlantic Ocean

Bordered by:

• North Carolina to the south
• Chesapeake Bay to the north
• Atlantic Ocean to the east

Capital and Largest City

• Capital: Richmond
• Largest city: Virginia Beach

Land Area

498 sq miles

Infrastructure

Virginia Beach has a developed infrastructure that includes:

• Public transport system with bus services
• International airport
• Seaport
• Parks, trails, sports centers, and venues

Population Statistics

Total Population

452,602 (2020)

Demographics:

Gender

• Female: 51%
• Male: 49%

Age Brackets

• Under 18 years: 19%
• 18 to 65 years: 62%
• Over 65 years: 19%

Occupations

• Services (arts, entertainment, recreation): 13%
• Sales & office jobs: 27%
• Management and professional: 33%