Everett Methadone Clinics & Treatment Centers Locator Near Me in Everett City

Rules and Regulations

Everett adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Washington State Department of Health.

Certification Procedures

• Methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state health department
• Staff must meet educational and licensing requirements
• Regular inspections are conducted to ensure compliance

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

• Reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
• Allows people to function normally and reconnect with family/society
• Lowers risk of overdose and transmitting infections
• Is part of a comprehensive treatment plan including counseling

How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose

Methadone clinics provide medication-assisted treatment to people recovering from opioid addiction. Patients must visit the clinic daily to receive their prescribed methadone dose on-site. The medication blocks the euphoric effects and symptoms of withdrawal. Over time, patients may reduce the frequency of visits.

Insurance Coverage

• Medicaid covers methadone treatment
• Most private health insurance plans cover treatment to some extent
• Some clinics offer treatment on a sliding fee scale for low-income patients

Drug Use in Everett

In 2017, the opioid epidemic was declared a nationwide public health emergency by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Statistics on Drug Overdoses and Deaths

• In 2020, there were 388 overdose deaths involving opioids in Washington state – a rate of 5.1 deaths per 100,000 persons compared to the national rate of 20.6 deaths per 100,000 persons.
• Over half of these opioid-involved deaths also involved stimulants like methamphetamine.

Among Washingtonians, alcohol, and marijuana are the most commonly used substances, with opioid pain relievers being the most commonly misused prescription drug.

Addiction Treatment Overview

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for 1-3 months depending on medical need. It includes detoxification, counseling, group therapy, medication management, and discharge planning.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment allows the patient to live at home while attending counseling and support groups 1-5 times per week for several months. Services are offered at clinics, community health centers, and private practices.

Treatment Level Unreported

An estimated 9.5% of Washingtonians needed but did not receive treatment for illicit drug use in 2019 based on national survey data. (2)

Comparison of Treatment in Everett vs. Seattle

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 liquid or tablet form and allows patients to function normally without the disruption of chasing illicit opioids.

Methadone is used as a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in opioid treatment programs (OTPs). Patients receive a daily methadone dose under medical supervision. The dose is gradually adjusted to prevent withdrawal symptoms for 24-36 hours. This allows the individual to focus on counseling, recovery meetings, and rebuilding life skills.

Society has mixed views on methadone treatment. While it helps individuals recover, some see it as merely replacing one addiction with another. However, research shows MAT helps prevent relapse and overdose deaths. When provided alongside counseling, methadone allows people to hold jobs, have stable housing, and reduce high-risk behaviors.

Methadone Distribution

Methadone distribution is highly monitored and regulated:

• Urine Testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight random urine tests in the first year to detect any unsanctioned drug use.
• Take-Home Requirements: For the first 14 days, the take-home methadone supply is limited to a single daily dose. As patients progress, take-home doses are increased gradually but can be revoked for continued drug use.
• Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs have an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and behavioral health counselors to coordinate care.
• Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians should review prescription records before adjusting methadone doses, as it has a narrow therapeutic window and overdose risk.

In Snohomish County, methadone is a Schedule II controlled medication, meaning it has accepted 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. People on MAT have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests. MAT patients are 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment, which reduces overdose risk and increases employment.

However, methadone does have risks requiring careful management. There is potential for misuse and diversion. Stopping suddenly causes severe withdrawal symptoms. It can prolong the QT interval on an ECG. Combining with other substances increases overdose and respiratory depression risk.

Research shows methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective for reducing illicit opioid use. But ultimately, MAT saves lives when paired with counseling and social support.

About Everett

Location, County & List of Neighboring States

Everett is located in Snohomish County in the U.S. state of Washington. It borders Skagit County to the north, King County to the south, Island County to the west and Chelan County to the east across the Cascade Mountain range.

Capital and Largest City

Olympia is the capital of Washington while Seattle is the largest city.

Land Area

Everett has a total area of 48.49 square miles.

Infrastructure

• Port of Everett – public port district including a deep-water seaport
• Everett Station – a multi-modal transportation hub
• Everett Memorial Stadium – multi-purpose stadium

Population Statistics

Total Population

As of 2021, the population of Everett was 116,854.

Demographics:

Gender

• Male: 57%
• Female: 43%

Age Brackets

• Under 18 years: 19%
• 18 to 64 years: 69%
• 65 years and over: 12%

Occupations

• Management/business/science: 31%
• Sales/office: 26%
• Production/transportation: 17%
• Service: 15%
• Construction/maintenance: 11%