| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Quad County Treatment Center | 913 East Silver Springs Boulevard Ocala, FL 34470 | (352) 732-6565 |
| Ten Broeck Ocala | 3130 SW 27th Avenue Ocala, FL 34474 | (352) 671-3130 |
Rules and Regulations
Ocala adheres to strict regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the state of Florida. These regulations govern licensing, dispensing of medication, record-keeping, and more.
Certification Procedures
Methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and accredited by an independent body approved by SAMHSA, such as the Joint Commission. Clinics must renew accreditation and certification periodically to demonstrate compliance.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone and other medication-assisted treatments have been shown effective for treating opioid addiction and dependence. Benefits include reducing illicit drug use and overdose deaths and improving health and social functioning.
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide daily supervised methadone doses and counseling to those recovering from opioid addiction. The purpose is to mitigate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and support recovery. Patients must visit clinics daily.
Insurance Coverage
Medicaid and private insurance plans in Florida may cover methadone treatment. Coverage details vary by plan in terms of copays, prior authorization requirements, and treatment limits. Uninsured patients may qualify for free or reduced-cost treatment through state and local programs.
Free Clinics
Some nonprofit clinics provide free methadone treatment to those without insurance coverage who meet income requirements. These clinics rely on grant funding and private donations.
Drug Use in Ocala
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Florida:
- There were over 5,000 opioid-related deaths in 2020
- Overdose deaths increased by 69% from July 2020 to June 2021
The most commonly used substances in Marion County are:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Prescription opioids
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for 1-3 months. Services include medical detox, counseling, group therapy, medication management, and aftercare planning.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment provides services for 4-8 hours a week while the person lives at home. Services can include counseling, therapy, medication management, and recovery coaching.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-30% of people receive unofficial, unreported addiction treatment from sources other than licensed providers.
Comparison of Treatment in Ocala vs. Orlando
| Category | Ocala | Orlando |
| Treatment Facilities | 15 | 35 |
| Inpatient Beds | 120 | 850 |
| Cost of Treatment | $15,000 | $25,000 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is a medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. It binds to opioid receptors, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is taken orally once daily in opioid treatment programs (OTPs). It allows patients to function normally without the negative effects of illicit opioid use.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment are mixed. Some view it positively as a harm reduction approach, while others see it as merely substituting one opioid for another. However, studies show MAT with methadone is effective for treating addiction when properly regulated.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is strictly monitored:
- Urine Testing: Patients must undergo at least eight urine tests for illicit drugs in the first year to detect relapse or additional substance use.
- Take-Home Requirements: For the first 14 days, methadone is only dispensed as a single 24-hour dose. Over time, additional take-home doses may be allowed for stable patients.
- Monitoring: OTPs should have an interprofessional team overseeing dosing and counseling patients.
- Prescription Drug Monitoring: Clinicians should review state PDMP data to ensure safe methadone dosage and avoid dangerous drug interactions.
In Florida, methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance, indicating accepted medical use but also potential for abuse. The DEA oversees the distribution to OTPs.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947. Studies show it reduces opioid use, disease transmission, and crime when properly regulated.
Evidence for Effectiveness
Research shows participants on monitored methadone maintenance have:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests
- 4.44 times higher treatment retention
- Lower rates of overdose and blood-borne disease transmission
- Increased employment opportunities
Retention in treatment is key to reducing these risks and increasing functionality.
Major Drawbacks
However, methadone does carry risks:
- Potential for misuse/diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Possibility of QTc prolongation or cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression/overdose if combined with other substances
Comparison to Other Medications
Methadone is equally effective as buprenorphine for reducing illicit opioid use.
Methadone has demonstrated benefits but also risks requiring careful management under OTP guidelines.
About Ocala
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Ocala is located in Marion County in north central Florida. It is inland, approximately 80 miles northwest of Orlando.
The neighboring states of Florida are:
Capital and Largest City
The capital and largest city in Florida is Tallahassee.
Land Area
The land area of Ocala is approximately 39 square miles. Marion County has a total land area of over 1,600 square miles.
Infrastructure
Ocala has an international airport, rail access via Amtrak and CSX, fiber optic networks, water and sewer systems, roadways including Interstate 75, renewable energy from a biomass plant, and industrial parks.
Population Statistics
Total Population
The total population of Ocala is over 59,000 residents (2020 census). Marion County has a population of over 365,000 residents.
Demographics
Gender
The gender breakdown of Ocala is about 47% male and 53% female.
Age Brackets
Over 20% of Ocala’s population is aged 65 years and over. Around 22% are under age 18.
Occupations
Major industries employing Ocala include:
- Health care
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Hospitality
- Transportation
