Rules and Regulations
South Daytona, Volusia County, Florida, United States adheres to strict regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Clinics must comply with state and federal regulations around the dispensing and storage of controlled substances
Certification Procedures
To be certified, clinics must:
- Meet facility standards for security and record-keeping
- Employ qualified and credentialed staff
- Follow treatment protocols and best practices
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment with methadone can:
- Reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Allow people to focus on other areas of their lives and recovery
- Lower the risk of overdose and relapse
- Improve overall health and social functioning
How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose
Methadone clinics provide daily doses of methadone to treat opioid use disorder. Clinics offer counseling and other services to support recovery. The purpose is to provide comprehensive, evidence-based treatment.
Insurance Coverage
- Medicaid and Medicare may cover methadone treatment
- Private insurers sometimes provide coverage
- Grants help fund low-cost and free clinics
Drug Use in South Daytona
The Opioid Crisis Declared a Public Health Emergency
In 2017, the opioid crisis was declared a nationwide public health emergency by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Statistics on Drug Overdoses and Deaths
- In 2020, there were 107,622 drug overdose deaths in the United States, including 75,673 opioid-involved deaths.
- In Florida, there were 7,606 drug overdose deaths in 2020. Opioids were involved in 5,806 of those deaths.
- In Volusia County, there were 419 drug overdose deaths in 2020.
Data on the Prevalence of Different Substances
- Opioids like fentanyl, heroin, and prescription opioids are the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths nationwide and in Florida.
- Methamphetamine and cocaine are also significant drivers of overdose deaths.
Addiction Treatment Overview
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves staying at a facility 24/7 for 1-3 months typically. It includes medical detox, counseling, group therapy, medication management, and aftercare planning.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment provides services for several hours a day, several days a week, allowing the patient to live at home. Services include counseling, group therapy, medication management, and recovery support.
Treatment Level Unreported
An estimated 10-20% of people with substance use disorders do not report their treatment level. Reasons may include privacy concerns or treatment through unconventional programs.
Comparison of Treatment in South Daytona vs. Orlando
| City | Treatment Facilities | Inpatient Beds | Cost of Treatment |
| South Daytona | 15 | 200 | $10,000/month |
| Orlando | 25 | 500 | $15,000/month |
Methadone Treatment
What is Methadone
Methadone is an opioid agonist medication used to treat opioid use disorder and dependence. As medication-assisted treatment (MAT), methadone helps prevent opioid withdrawal and reduces drug cravings by activating opioid receptors in the brain similarly to other opioid drugs. Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) provide methadone doses daily for patients to take under supervision.
There are mixed societal attitudes towards methadone treatment. While it is an evidence-based treatment, some view it as merely substituting one opioid for another. However, research shows methadone facilitates recovery by reducing illicit opioid use, disease transmission, and crime when combined with counseling and social supports.
Simply put, methadone occupies the brain’s opioid receptors, preventing withdrawal and drug cravings. It does not provide the same “high”, allowing recovery without intoxication. Taken properly under medical supervision, it allows patients to regain health, responsibility, and productivity.
Methadone Distribution
Monitoring and Regulations
- Urine testing: Patients undergo at least 8 urine tests in the first treatment year to ensure appropriate use and detect any continued illicit drug use.
- Take-home requirements: For the first 14 days, methadone doses are only dispensed as a 24-hour supply from the clinic. More take-homes are allowed over time if patients follow program rules and test negative for illicit substances.
- Interprofessional monitoring: Methadone programs have teams including doctors, nurses, counselors, social workers, and pharmacists to coordinate care.
- Prescription drug monitoring: Clinicians should review the state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) data when determining dosage and before prescribing other medications that interact with methadone.
State Drug Classifications
As a Schedule II controlled substance in Florida, methadone has accepted medical use for treatment but also potential for abuse and addiction. The state monitors distribution and usage closely through the PDMP.
Methadone Treatment Effectiveness Research
Methadone is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder used since 1947.
Evidence for Effectiveness
Studies show methadone reduces opioid use, disease transmission, and crime when combined with counseling:
- 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests versus no medication
- 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment
- Retention in treatment reduces overdose/disease transmission risk and increases employment
Major Drawbacks
- Potential for misuse/diversion
- Severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly
- Possible QTc prolongation/cardiac issues
- Respiratory depression/overdose risk when combined with other substances
Comparison to Other Medications
Equally effective as buprenorphine for reducing opioid use
Benefits but also risks requiring careful management
About South Daytona
Location, County & List of Neighboring States
South Daytona is located in Volusia County in the state of Florida, United States. Neighboring states include:
Capital and Largest City
The capital and largest city in Florida is Tallahassee.
Land Area
The land area of South Daytona is approximately 5.5 square miles.
Infrastructure
South Daytona has roads, utilities, schools, parks, and other public infrastructure to support its population.
Population Statistics
The total population of South Daytona is estimated to be 13,177 as of 2022.
Gender
- Male: 49%
- Female: 51%
Age Brackets
- Under 18 years: 16.3%
- 18 to 64 years: 51.7%
- 65 years and over: 32%
Major Occupations
- Sales & office jobs: 27%
- Service sector jobs: 21%
- Management, business & financial jobs: 15%
