| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeside clinic | 13700 58th St N #209 Clearwater, FL 33760 | |
| Operation PAR - Medication Assisted Patient Services | 6150 150th Avenue North Clearwater, FL 33760 | |
| Operation Par Inc Narcotic Addiction Trt Ctr/Clearwater | 6150 150th Avenue North Suite NATC Clearwater, FL 33760 | (727) 507-4673 |
Rules and Regulations
Clearwater, as part of Pinellas County and Florida, adheres to strict state and federal regulations regarding methadone clinics. These regulations cover certification, operation protocols, medication dispensing and more. The goal is to provide access to medication-assisted treatment while ensuring safety and compliance.
Certification Procedures
Methadone clinics must register with the DEA and acquire a state license to dispense methadone and other medication-assisted treatments. Doctors and staff must complete specialized training. Rigorous inspections occur to verify adherence to protocols. These certifications must be renewed periodically.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment with methadone has been shown to:
- Reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Allow people to focus on counseling and behavioral therapies
- Enable people to function and participate in society/employment
- Reduce risk of overdose and transmitting diseases
How Clinics Operate
Clinics provide daily monitored methadone dosing as well as counseling and other services to support recovery. Initial doses are gradually adjusted to prevent over-medication while alleviating withdrawal symptoms. Periodic drug tests and counseling attendance may be required. The goal is to stabilize patients.
Insurance Coverage
Public and private insurance plans may cover methadone treatment costs under certain conditions. Some clinics offer uninsured patients the ability to pay based on income. Grants, vouchers, or public funding may also be available in some cases to increase access and affordability. Patients are encouraged to discuss options.
Drug Use in Clearwater
The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Florida specifically:
- There were 5,725 opioid-related deaths in 2020, a 44% increase from 2019
- Fentanyl and prescription opioids are involved in most overdose deaths
The most commonly used substances in Pinellas County and Clearwater are:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Prescription opioids
- Cocaine and crack cocaine
- Heroin
Addiction Treatment Overview in Clearwater
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient facilities provide 24/7 supervision and intensive care. Typical programs last 30-90 days. Services include detoxification, individual and group counseling, medication management, and aftercare planning.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient programs offer services for 4-8 hours per day, allowing clients to live at home. Services can include counseling, therapy, and medication management. Outpatient treatment usually lasts 90 days or longer.
Treatment Level Unreported
Many seeking treatment in Florida do not report the type of care received. It is estimated that over 75% of treatment in Pinellas County is provided through outpatient programs.
Comparison of Treatment Availability
| City | Treatment Facilities | Inpatient Beds | Average Cost |
| Clearwater | 112 | 1,301 | $10,000-$20,000 |
| Tampa | 243 | 1,922 | $15,000-$25,00 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is taken orally once daily and administered through certified opioid treatment programs (OTPs).
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment vary. Some view it as merely replacing one addiction with another. However, research shows methadone relieves withdrawal symptoms, reduces opioid use, and allows people to function normally. When taken as prescribed, it is safe and non-sedating.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is strictly regulated with required monitoring:
- Urine Testing: Patients must undergo at least eight urine tests for illicit drugs in the first year to detect misuse.
- Take-Home Access: For the first 14 days, take-home methadone is limited to a one-day supply. Over time, additional take-homes may be earned for stable patients.
- Program Oversight: OTPs utilize an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and behavioral health staff to coordinate care.
- Prescription Monitoring: Clinicians should review prescription records before adjusting doses due to methadone’s narrow therapeutic window.
Local regulations follow federal and Florida state guidelines for methadone prescribing and dispensing.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Studies demonstrate methadone is highly effective for opioid use disorder when properly managed.
Compared to no medication, studies found methadone:
- Reduced opioid-positive urine tests by 33%
- Increased treatment retention 4.44 times
- Lowered overdose death rates
Remaining in methadone treatment is vital to reduce disease transmission through injection drug use and increase employment opportunities.
However, methadone does carry risks:
- Potential for misuse and diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- QTc prolongation and cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression and overdose when combined with other substances
Research shows methadone and buprenorphine have equal effectiveness in treating opioid addiction. However, methadone may work better for some patients.
In conclusion, methadone is beneficial yet requires careful oversight due to risks.
About Clearwater
Clearwater is located in Pinellas County on the west central coast of Florida, United States.
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
Capital and Largest City
- Capital of Florida: Tallahassee
- The largest city in Florida: Jacksonville
Land Area
The land area of Clearwater is 25.9 square miles.
Infrastructure
The main infrastructure elements in Clearwater include:
- Clearwater International Airport
- Several highways including State Roads 60 and 580
- Public transportation provided by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority bus system
Population Statistics
Total Population
The estimated population of Clearwater in 2019 was 116,478 people.
Demographics:
Gender
- Male: 47%
- Female: 53%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 18.3%
- 18 to 64 years: 62.1%
- 65 years and over: 19.6%
Occupations
Top occupations in Clearwater include office and administrative roles, sales related jobs, and positions in the food preparation and service industry.
