Methadone Clinics in Hollywood

Rules and Regulations

Hollywood, Broward County adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, as outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Certification Procedures

All methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA’s Division of Pharmacologic Therapies and accredited by an independent accreditation body. Clinics must adhere to strict admission criteria and treatment protocols.

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

• Reduces illicit opioid use and overdose deaths
• Improves patient survival and increases retention in treatment
• Decreases risk behaviors associated with HIV and viral hepatitis

How Clinics Operate

Methadone clinics provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to those with an opioid use disorder. Patients receive a daily dose of methadone to prevent withdrawal and reduce cravings without inducing a high. The clinics offer counseling and case management services to support recovery.

Insurance Coverage

Most private insurance plans and Medicaid cover methadone treatment. Some clinics offer treatment on a sliding scale based on income for those without coverage.

Drug Use in Hollywood

The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Florida, overdoses from opioids and other drugs lead to over 5,000 deaths per year.

• Broward County reported 560 overdose deaths in 2021
• Hollywood specifically accounted for over 150 hospitalizations for substance abuse in 2022

The most commonly used substances in Broward and Hollywood are:

• Opioid pain relievers
• Heroin
• Cocaine and crack cocaine
• Methamphetamine

Addiction Treatment Overview in Hollywood

Inpatient Treatment

• Average stay 30-90 days
• Detoxification, counseling, group therapy, medication management

Outpatient Treatment

• 1-5 visits per week for counseling, therapy, medication
• Provided at clinics, private practices, hospitals

Unreported Treatment

• An estimated 40% of people with addiction do not seek treatment
• Barriers to treatment include cost, availability, social stigma

Comparison to Miami

Methadone Treatment

What is Methadone

Methadone is an opioid medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, also known as opioid treatment programs (OTPs). It activates opioid receptors in the brain, blocking cravings and withdrawal symptoms from other opioids like heroin or prescription pain medications. It allows patients to focus on counseling and making lifestyle changes to support recovery.

Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. Some view it as trading one addiction for another. However, research shows MAT helps patients reduce or stop opioid misuse, improves social functioning and quality of life, and reduces infectious disease transmission and overdose deaths. It should be seen as legitimate medical treatment, not a moral failing.

Methadone Distribution

Methadone distribution is strictly regulated with required counseling under OTPs. Regulations include:

• Urine Testing: Methadone maintenance patients must undergo at least 8 random tests in the first year to ensure appropriate use and detect additional substance use.
• Take-Home Requirements: During the first 14 days, take-home methadone is limited to a 24-hour supply given daily at the clinic. More take-homes are allowed over time for patients meeting treatment goals.
• Monitoring: OTPs should have an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, counselors, social workers, etc. to monitor patient progress.
• Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians should review Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data to carefully cross-reference methadone and other opioid dosages, due to its narrow therapeutic index.

In Florida, methadone is a Schedule II controlled prescription substance, with special regulations around OTP dispensing.

Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research

Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Studies show it is an effective MAT medication.

Evidence for Effectiveness

Research indicates participation in methadone treatment:

• Reduces opioid-positive drug tests by 33%
• Increases likelihood of staying in treatment 4.44 times
• Retention in treatment reduces disease transmission risks and increases employment

Major Drawbacks

However, methadone does carry risks:

• Potential for misuse and diversion
• Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
• Possible QTc prolongation or cardiac issues
• Respiratory depression or overdose when combined with other substances

Comparison to Other Medications

Methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective in reducing opioid use.

Methadone has demonstrated benefits but also risks requiring careful management under OTPs.

About Hollywood

Location, Broward County & Neighboring States

Hollywood is located in southeastern Florida in Broward County. Broward County borders Palm Beach County to the north and Miami-Dade County to the south. Georgia borders the state of Florida to the north, Alabama to the northwest, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Gulf of Mexico to the west.

Capital and Largest City

Tallahassee is the capital and Jacksonville is the largest city in the state of Florida.

Land Area

Hollywood has a total area of 30.8 square miles, of which 30.4 square miles is land and 0.5 square miles is water.

Population Statistics

According to the 2020 United States Census, the population of Hollywood was 154,817.

Demographics:

Gender

• Female: 54%
• Male: 46%

Age Brackets

• Under 18 years: 16.3%
• 18 to 64 years: 69.2%
• 65 years and over: 14.5%

Occupations

• Management, business, science, and arts occupations: 32.3%
• Sales and office occupations: 26.2%
• Service occupations: 20.2%
• Production, transportation, and material moving occupations: 13.1%
• Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations: 8.3%