Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
---|---|---|
Meridian Behavioral Healthcare Inc Addictions Outpatient and Residential | 4400 SW 13th Street Gainesville, FL 32608 | (352) 374-5600x8230 |
North Florida/South Georgia VA Health System | 1601 SW Archer Road Unit 116-A1 SATT Gainesville, FL 32608 | (352) 374-6089 |
University of Florida Florida Recovery Center | 3850 NW 83rd Street #201 Gainesville, FL 32606 | (352) 264-4357 |
University of Florida Springhill Health Center | 8491 NW 39th Ave Gainesville, FL 32606 | (352) 265-4357 |
Rules and Regulations
Gainesville adheres to strict regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by federal and state laws overseeing the distribution of controlled substances and the operation of substance abuse treatment facilities.
Certification Procedures
Methadone clinics must be certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and licensed by the state to dispense methadone as part of medication-assisted treatment programs. Staff must also meet training requirements.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone treatment has been shown effective in treating opioid addiction, preventing withdrawal symptoms, reducing opioid cravings, and allowing people to focus on other areas of their life and health. It facilitates rehabilitation and recovery.
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide daily supervised methadone doses and comprehensive treatment plans including counseling and social services support. Their purpose is to facilitate recovery from opioid addiction.
Insurance Coverage
Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance may cover methadone treatment to varying degrees. Uninsured individuals may qualify for state funding or clinic payment assistance programs.
Free Clinics
Some nonprofit clinics provide free or very low-cost treatment based on patient income eligibility. These rely heavily on grants and donations.
Public and Private Insurance Coverage Details
Specific coverage for methadone maintenance depends on the plan, but Medicaid is required to cover it in Florida. Private plans sold through the Health Insurance Marketplace must cover substance abuse treatment.
Drug Use in Gainesville
The opioid crisis was declared a nationwide public health emergency in 2017. According to the Florida Department of Health, in 2020 there were:
The most commonly used substances in Florida are:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamines
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
- Typical length of stay is 28 days
- Services include medical detoxification, counseling, group therapy, medication
Outpatient Treatment
- 1-5 visits per week depending on patient needs
- Provided at clinics, private practices, hospitals
Treatment Level Unreported
- Estimated 10% of facilities do not report treatment level
- Likely a mix of inpatient and outpatient services
Comparison of Treatment in Gainesville vs. Ocala
Category | Gainesville | Ocala |
Number of Treatment Facilities | 15 | 30 |
Inpatient Beds Available | 500 | 1,000 |
Approximate Cost of Treatment (per day) | $800 | $1,000 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
What is Methadone Methadone is an opioid medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, also known as opioid treatment programs (OTPs), to treat opioid use disorder. It works by activating opioid receptors in the brain, preventing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This allows patients to focus on recovery without the distraction of withdrawal symptoms.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment vary, but it is an evidence-based treatment supported by research. In layman’s terms, methadone replaces the misused opioid to allow normalization of brain function and lifestyle stabilization.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is carefully monitored and regulated:
- Urine testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least eight tests in the first year of treatment to detect any unauthorized substance use.
- Take-home requirements: During the first 14 days of treatment, the take-home Supply of methadone is limited to a 24-hour Supply to prevent misuse/diversion.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team to monitor patient progress.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to carefully cross-reference opioid dosage, as methadone has a narrow therapeutic index.
In Gainesville/Alachua County, methadone is a Schedule II controlled prescription substance, indicating accepted medical use but also potential for abuse/addiction.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947. Studies show methadone:
- Reduces opioid-positive drug tests by 33%
- Increases treatment retention – patients are 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment
- Treatment retention reduces overdose/disease transmission risk and increases employment
However, methadone does come with risks:
- Potential for misuse/diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Possible QTc prolongation/cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression/overdose when combined with other substances
Methadone is equally as effective as buprenorphine in reducing opioid use, but careful management is needed to balance benefits/risks.
About Gainesville
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Gainesville is located in Alachua County in north-central Florida. It is surrounded by the states of Georgia to the north, Alabama to the northwest, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
Capital and Largest City
Tallahassee is the capital and Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida.
Land Area
Gainesville has a total area of 127.5 square miles.
Infrastructure
Gainesville has an international airport, bus rapid transit system, bike lanes on major roads, municipal broadband internet, and a biomass power plant providing electricity from wood waste to much of the city.
Population Statistics
Total Population
The population of Gainesville is 133,857 as of 2022.
Demographics
Gender
- Male: 50.1%
- Female: 49.9%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 12.6%
- 18 to 24 years: 29.3%
- 25 to 44 years: 27.7%
- 45 to 64 years: 19.3%
- 65 years and over: 11.1%
Occupations
- Educational services, healthcare & social assistance: 30.5%
- Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation & food services: 12.9%
- Retail trade: 12.5%
- Professional, scientific, management & administrative: 12.1%
- Manufacturing: 7.7%