| Name rehabs | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Johns County Health and Human Services of St Johns | 1955 U.S. 1 South Suite C-2 Saint Augustine, FL 32086 | (904) 209-6001 |
Rules and Regulations
Saint Augustine and St. Johns adhere 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
- Methadone clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state to dispense methadone and other medication-assisted treatments.
- Staff must meet educational and training requirements set by regulating agencies.
- Facilities must meet security, counseling, and medical standards.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment with methadone can:
- Reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Allow people to focus on recovery and rebuild their lives
- Lower the risk of overdose and transmission of diseases
- Pave the way for long-term recovery when combined with counseling
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide daily doses of methadone to treat opioid addiction. Clinics aim to help individuals recover, lead productive lives, and reintegrate into society. Most clinics offer wraparound services like counseling and case management.
Insurance Coverage
Many clinics accept Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance. Uninsured individuals may qualify for state funding or sliding-scale fees based on income. Those without coverage can inquire about payment assistance.
Drug Use in Saint Augustine
- In 2017, over 47,000 opioid overdose deaths occurred in the U.S., including 5,725 deaths in Florida alone.
- In St. Johns County, there were 58 overdose deaths in 2021. The overdose mortality rate per 100,000 persons was 22.3.
The most common drugs involved in overdoses in the county are:
- Opioids
- Cocaine
- Benzodiazepines
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Treatment in a residential facility providing 24/7 care and monitoring. Length of stay is typically 28 days. Procedures and services include detoxification, counseling, group therapy, medication management, and aftercare planning.
Outpatient Treatment
Treatment is provided in sessions 1-5 days per week for 1-6 hours per day. Services take place in an outpatient clinic and include counseling, group therapy, medication management, and recovery support groups.
Treatment Level Unreported
Approximately 20-40% of people receive addiction treatment without specifying treatment level.
Comparison of Treatment in Saint Augustine vs. Jacksonville
| City | Facilities | Inpatient Beds | Cost |
| Saint Augustine | 5 | 100 | $10,000-30,000 |
| Jacksonville | 15 | 800 | $15,000-40,000 |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, also known as opioid treatment programs (OTPs), to treat opioid use disorder. It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It is taken orally once a day.
Societal perspectives on methadone treatment vary. Some view it positively as an evidence-based treatment that improves outcomes. Others see it more negatively as simply replacing one opioid with another. However, research shows methadone helps individuals stabilize, pursue recovery, and improve health and social outcomes when properly managed.
Methadone Distribution
Methadone distribution is strictly regulated with required monitoring to prevent misuse:
- Urine testing: Patients must undergo at least eight urine tests for illicit drugs in the first year of treatment to detect misuse and adjust treatment accordingly.
- Take-home requirements: For the first 14 days, the take-home methadone supply is limited to a 24-hour dose taken under observation at the clinic. As patients progress, take-homes increase incrementally as a privilege for adhering to program rules.
- Monitoring: OTPs are required to have an interprofessional team including physicians, nurses, and counselors to coordinate care.
- Prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP): Clinicians should review state PDMP data to carefully cross-reference other opioid medications with methadone, which has a narrow therapeutic window for overdose risk.
In Florida, methadone is a Schedule II controlled prescription substance closely monitored by the state’s PDMP.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone has been used to treat opioid addiction since 1947. Studies show it is an effective MAT medication that reduces opioid use, disease transmission, and crime for those who need ongoing support:
- Evidence for Effectiveness: Methadone patients have 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests and are 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment compared to no medication. Retention in treatment reduces disease transmission risks and increases employment.
- Major Drawbacks: However, methadone does carry risks including potential for misuse/diversion, severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly, QTc prolongation and cardiac issues, respiratory depression, and overdose when combined with other sedating substances. Careful patient selection and monitoring are essential.
- Comparison to Other Medications: Research shows methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective for reducing illicit opioid use.
In conclusion, methadone offers important benefits but also significant risks requiring careful patient selection, prescribing practices, and monitoring procedures.
About Saint Augustine
Saint Augustine is a city located in St. Johns County on the northeast coast of Florida. It borders the states of Georgia to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
Location, County & Neighboring States
- Located in St. Johns County, Florida
- Bordered by Georgia to the north
- The Atlantic Ocean borders the city to the east
Capital and Largest City
The capital and largest city is Saint Augustine
Land Area
Total land area of 10.7 square miles
Infrastructure
- Served by several major highways and roads
- Historic downtown with many pedestrian areas
- Public transportation system in place
Population Statistics
Total Population
15,213 (2020 Census)
Demographics:
Gender
- Male: 46%
- Female: 54%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 18%
- 18 to 64 years: 62%
- 65 years and over: 20%
Occupations
- Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services: 30%
- Educational services, healthcare, and social assistance: 25%
- Retail trade: 13%
- Construction: 10%
- Other services: 22%
