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Sweetser Affiliate
Primary Focus:
Substance Abuse Treatment
209 Lincoln Avenue
Rumford, United States (ME)
4276 -
Northeast Occupational Exchange
Primary Focus:
Substance Abuse Treatment
157 Park Street
Bangor, United States (ME)
4402 -
MaineGeneral
Primary Focus:
Substance Abuse Treatment
24 Chase Avenue
Waterville, United States (ME)
4901 -
Available Spot
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Available Spot
Maine Drug Rehab
Maine has experienced an alarming rate of illicit drug-related deaths over the past several years. To help inform the general public about prevention, treatment and recovery, state officials are putting additional resources into substance abuse programs and services..
Maine Addiction Treatment
Benzodiazepine and heroin abuse across Maine is a serious concern among many residents. In addition, the non-medical use of prescription drugs has spiked among young adults ages 18 to 25. Nearly one in 10 people aged 18 to 25 years old admitted to misusing pain relievers in the past year
In Maine, more than one in three overdose deaths involve benzodiazepines. Heroin and morphine account for more than one in four overdose deaths.
Substance addictions most often treated in Maine rehab facilities include:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Crack/cocaine
- Heroin/morphine
- Methadone/buprenorphine
- Synthetic opioids
- Methamphetamine
- Stimulants
Laws of Maine Drug Use
Maine has enacted severe penalties for the possession, sale or distribution of illicit substances. Drugs are organized into four schedules: W, X, Y and Z. Schedules W and X entail drugs that are high risk for dependency and involve the strictest forms of punishment. Schedules Y and Z, on the other hand, consist of less dangerous drugs and minimal legal consequences.
Substance schedules in Maine are broken down accordingly:
- Schedule W: Cocaine, amphetamine, LSD, MDMA, lysergic acid, phencyclidine, heroin, methadone, oxycodone, morphine, hydrocodone, fentanyl and other opium derivatives
- Schedule X: Hashish, methaqualone, some depressants, ketamine, GHB, diethylpropion, glutethimide, methyprylon
- Schedule Y: Codeine, diazepam, sedatives, phenobarbital, ethinamate, methohexital, paraldehyde, ergot and phentermine
- Schedule Z: All prescription drugs other than those listed in schedules X, Y and Z, nonprescription drugs, some synthetic cannabinoids and butyl nitrite
If you’re found in possession of large amounts of drugs, the criminal charges may rise. For instance, a schedule W substance can range from a class D to a class B crime depending on the drug and quantity.
Marijuana Laws in Maine
- AIDS
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Crohn’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- HIV
- Huntington’s disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Nausea
- Nail-patella syndrome
- Parkinson’s disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Addiction Treatment Laws in Maine
Maine harm reduction laws aim to reduce the negative impact that substance abuse can have on individuals, communities and states. Addiction is a disease that affects people in many different ways. By focusing on public health measures, prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery, harm reduction laws strive to keep communities safe and healthy.
Needle Exchange Programs (NEPs)
Needle exchanges have been allowed in Maine since 1997. However, many programs did not begin operating until the early 2000s. Needle exchange programs (NEPs) are put in place to reduce the number of injecting drug users (IDUs) from sharing contaminated needles. When IDUs share needles, they put themselves and others at risk for transmitting HIV, hepatitis and other blood-borne diseases.
Through NEPs, individuals are able to obtain clean, sterile needles in exchange for used needles. There are currently four state-certified NEPS operating at six sites in Maine: Portland, Lewiston, Augusta, Bangor, Ellsworth and Machias. The programs also provide referrals and other resources including treatment information, affordable housing, job sources and medical tests.
Between 2010 and 2015, Maine saw a 225 percent increase in the number of its needle exchange program (NEP) enrollees. In 2014, the state’s NEPs made more than 3,000 referrals which included HIV and hepatitis tests, as well as substance abuse programs.
Chapter 488 Public Law
Maine’s Chapter 488 Public Law was enacted to strengthen the state’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP). PDMPs allow health providers and pharmacists to track dispensed schedule II – IV controlled substances. This helps prescribers identify potential drug abuse, doctor shopping, insurance fraud or other red flags.
Under Chapter 488 Public Law, new rules and guidelines will be put in place as of the following dates:
- July 29, 2016: New prescriptions cannot exceed 100 Morphine Milligram Equivalent (MME) per day. In addition, existing prescriptions cannot exceed 300 MME per day (with some exceptions)
- January 1, 2017: Prescribers will be required to check the database for new benzo or opioid prescriptions. They must then recheck every 90 days thereafter. Chronic pain treatment will be limited to a 30-day supply of an opioid medication. Acute pain treatment will be limited to a seven-day supply of an opioid medication.
- July 1, 2017: Opioids must be electronically prescribed. Existing opioid prescriptions will be limited to 100 MME per day.
In 2014, 350,000 Maine residents were prescribed 80 million opioid painkillers – roughly one quarter of the population. The state’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) focuses on tracking prescription drug use and limiting the supply duration.
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program
Substances are transported into Maine by private or commercial vehicle, plane, train or cargo ship. With numerous transportation outlets for moving drugs, it takes top-notch technology and equipment to combat drug trafficking organizations (DTOs).
The New England High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program coordinates drug-related initiatives among local, state and Federal law enforcement agencies. Some of the most recent projects include:
- Southern Maine HIDTA Task Force: Locate and stop large drug trafficking efforts that take place in Maine’s southern region, specifically Cumberland County.
- Fugitive Task Force: Colombian and Dominican DTOs are the biggest trafficking threat to Maine. This task force targets the major dealers of these groups in an effort to break apart the organization.
- Financial Task Force: Conduct detailed investigations to block money laundering activities among DTOs.
Treatment Centers in Maine
Although the demand for addiction treatment programs in Maine continues to rise, lawmakers are struggling with insufficient funding. For example, Maine spent $47 million in 2010 on substance abuse treatment including inpatient and outpatient rehab facilities, halfway houses and different types of therapy. In 2013, however, that number dropped to $43.7 million.
While Maine does not have state-funded treatment centers, some programs provide financial assistance based on need. Other methods of paying for treatment are private insurance, payment plans, a sliding scale and grants from local organizations.
When exploring different treatment options, check out facilities both in state and out of state. Traveling for treatment can give you access to specialized therapies, programs and recovery amenities.
We can help you find the right treatment center that fits your needs. Call us today to get started.
When you invest in treatment and recovery programs for substance abuse, you’re investing in a better tomorrow.
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