Rules and Regulations
Melbourne, Brevard County, Florida adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Certification Procedures
To be certified and licensed, clinics must:
- Submit application materials and fees
- Pass facility inspections
- Have certified medical staff
- Maintain controlled medicine inventories
- Security and diversion control measures must be in place
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone and buprenorphine treatment can:
- Reduce opioid withdrawal and cravings
- Allow people to function normally
- Lower the risk of overdose and infectious disease
How Clinics Operate
Clinics provide daily supervised methadone doses and counseling to those recovering from opioid addiction. The structured environment helps patients stabilize their lives.
Insurance Coverage
Many insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover methadone treatment with some restrictions. State and federal grants also help fund clinics. Those without insurance can inquire about sliding-scale fees based on income.
Drug Use in Melbourne
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Florida specifically:
- Over 5,000 opioid-related deaths occurred in 2016
- Overdose deaths increased by 35% from 2015 to 2016
- Fentanyl and heroin are involved in over half of opioid deaths
The most commonly used substances in Brevard County and Melbourne are:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Prescription opioids
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for 1-3 months typically. Services include medical detox, individual and group counseling, medication management, and aftercare planning for continued recovery.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment allows the person to live at home while attending structured programming 3-5 times per week for several hours a day. Services are similar to inpatient but less intensive.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of people with a substance use disorder do not seek any kind of treatment according to SAMHSA data. Barriers include lack of health insurance, not knowing where to go, and stigma around addiction.
Comparison of Treatment Availability and Cost
| City | Treatment Facilities | Inpatient Beds Available | Cost of Treatment |
| Melbourne, FL | 15 | 200 | $15,000 for 30 days |
| Orlando, FL | 25 | 300 | $20,000 for 30 days |
Methadone Treatment
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 activates opioid receptors, preventing cravings and withdrawal symptoms so patients can focus on recovery without the disruptive effects of their disorder.
Societal Perspectives on Methadone Treatment
Methadone treatment is controversial, with some viewing it as merely replacing one opioid addiction with another, but research shows it helps patients improve their health and participation in society when properly managed. Benefits must be weighed against diversion risks.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is strictly monitored:
- 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 to prevent diversion or accidental pediatric poisoning.
- Monitoring: Methadone treatment programs should have an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and behavioral health specialists monitoring patient progress.
- Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians should review PDMP data to carefully cross-reference opioid dosage history when determining methadone dosage, as it has a narrow therapeutic window.
In Florida, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance, indicating accepted medical value but also potential for abuse.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947. Studies show:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests for methadone patients
- Methadone patients 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment
- Retention in treatment reduces overdose/disease transmission risk and increases employment
However, methadone does carry risks:
- Potential for misuse/diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- QTc prolongation/cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression/overdose if combined with other substances
Methadone is equally effective as buprenorphine in reducing opioid use but requires more careful oversight. With structure and support, methadone saves lives.
About Melbourne
Location, Brevard County & Neighboring States
Melbourne is located in Brevard County on Florida’s Atlantic coast. Brevard County borders the following states:
- Indian River County
- Osceola County
- Orange County
Capital and Largest City
The capital and largest city in Brevard County is Titusville.
Land Area
Melbourne covers approximately 40 square miles of land area.
Infrastructure
Key infrastructure in Melbourne includes:
- Melbourne International Airport
- Port Canaveral
- Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1
Population Statistics
The total population of Melbourne is over 80,000 residents.
Demographics
Gender
The gender breakdown of Melbourne is 49% male and 51% female.
Age Brackets
Popular age brackets in Melbourne include:
- 25-34 years
- 45-54 years
- 55-64 years
Occupations
Major occupations in Melbourne consist of:
- Management, business, science, and arts
- Sales and office support
- Service-related jobs
