Methadone Clinics in Florida

Florida is a popular vacation destination and also a popular location choice for the treatment of drug addiction. In Florida, there are methadone clinics available for both residents of the state and outside visitors. Medication assisted treatment in which a replacement drug such as methadone is prescribed in conjunction with counseling and behavioral therapy has shown successful results over the past several decades. Suboxone is also available through local, specially licensed physicians.

Do I Need Treatment for My Opioid Use?

Making the decision to seek treatment for opioid addiction can be overwhelming. There are many different physicians, a variety of treatment options, and a long recovery period. Once sobriety is maintained though, you will see your life positively change for the better. If you experience physical and mental cravings for a drug when you are not using it, have used more of a drug or used it for a longer period of time than intended, or your drug use is negatively affecting important aspects of your life such as interpersonal relationships or employment opportunities, it is time to get help. In Florida, you can find a community of people ready to help you regain stability in your life.

What is Medication Assisted Treatment?

The cessation of drug use, specifically opioids, leads to difficult withdrawals and intense cravings. These issues often lead users to continue to take narcotics even when they want to stop. Methadone and Suboxone are two of the most commonly prescribed opioid agonist medications. Opioid agonists work by blocking the brain’s opioid receptors, which in turn reduce symptoms of withdrawal and the cravings that follow. When behavioral therapy and counseling are used in combination with medications such as methadone or Suboxone, long-term sobriety is much more likely to be maintained, and the return to a stable, healthier lifestyle is very possible.

Is Medication Assisted Treatment Safe?

Methadone has been involved in the treatment of substance abuse in the United States for more than 40 years. While it does have the potential for abuse, just like any other substance, it has proven itself to be a very effective aid in the recovery process. When used correctly and consistently, opioid agonist medications often lead to successful recovery rates of between 60% and 90%, compared to recovery programs that do not involve the assistance of medication and may only have success rates of less than 10%.

What Kind of Addiction Treatment Services Can I Find in Florida?

The Florida Department of Children and Families encourages the participation in a variety of treatment services. These include supervised detoxification, which is the elimination of substances from the body, followed by either residential or outpatient treatment, dependent upon individual circumstances. Treatment services may also include initial intake assessment, counseling, and case management. A structured plan for rehabilitation is important for a successful recovery. Aside from the aid of medication, therapy is an essential part of treatment. Through therapy either on an individual or group basis, patients can develop the skills and knowledge that they need to maintain the progress they have made into sobriety. Things such as transitional housing along with education of parenting and general life skills are extremely beneficial.

How Will I Cover Methadone Treatment Costs?

While treatment costs for programs involving medication can be very expensive, in Florida there are multiple ways in which you can cover the costs of your methadone clinical treatment. In certain programs, methadone may be covered under Fee-For-Service plans through Medicaid. To qualify for this, patients must submit proof of past or current substance abuse disorder counseling. The same rules for coverage apply to Suboxone treatment, but Suboxone may be available through your general physician if they are licensed to prescribe it.