Name rehabs Address Phone
Lakeland Centres3506 Lakeland Hills Boulevard, Lakeland, FL 33805(863) 687-9900

Rules and Regulations

Lakeland, Polk County, Florida, United States adheres to strict federal and state regulations regarding methadone clinics, outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Certification Procedures

  • Clinics must be certified by SAMHSA and licensed by the state
  • Staff must meet educational and licensing requirements
  • Regular facility inspections enforce safety and treatment standards

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

  • Methadone reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
  • Allows people to function normally and focus on recovery
  • Lowers risk of overdose and transmitting infections
  • Improves social functioning and economic productivity

How Clinics Operate and Their Purpose

Methadone clinics provide monitored, controlled doses of methadone to treat opioid addiction. The goal is to help people recover and live healthy, responsible lives.

Insurance Coverage

Many clinics accept Medicaid and private insurance. Some offer cash pricing or sliding scale fees based on income.

Free Clinics

Some nonprofit clinics offer free or very low-cost treatment based on patient financial need. Public funding also supports methadone treatment programs.

Drug Use in Lakeland

The opioid crisis has been declared a nationwide public health emergency. In Florida, opioid-related deaths have increased steadily, with over 5,000 deaths reported in 2020 alone. Common substances involved in overdoses across the state include:

  • Prescription opioids
  • Heroin
  • Synthetic opioids like fentanyl
  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamine

Addiction Treatment Overview

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient drug rehab facilities offer 24/7 care and monitoring. Typical stays range from 28-90 days. Services include medical detox, individual and group counseling, medication management, aftercare planning, and more.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient programs provide similar services to inpatient facilities but allow the individual to live at home. Care is provided on a part-time basis through scheduled appointments, typically 3-5 days per week for several hours a day.

Treatment Level Unreported

An estimated 10-20% of those seeking treatment do not report the care level. Reasons may include privacy concerns or the utilization of alternative options like support groups.

Comparison of Treatment Availability

City Treatment Centers Inpatient Beds Cost of Treatment
Lakeland 15 500 $15,000/month
Tampa 25 800 $20,000/month

Methadone Treatment

What is Methadone

Methadone is an opioid medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs as part of opioid treatment programs (OTPs). It binds to opioid receptors and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing patients to focus on recovery.

As an MAT, methadone satisfies the brain’s sought euphoria without adverse effects, stabilizes patients, and facilitates functioning in work/relationships. OTPs provide comprehensive support with counseling and social services alongside dosing.

Society has mixed opinions on methadone—some see it as trading one addiction for another, while others recognize its medical value for treating substance use disorders. Stigmatization remains an issue.

Methadone is a long-acting opioid that tricks the brain and body, stopping cravings/symptoms. OTPs give increasing methadone doses until cravings cease, then maintain that level. This allows normal functioning.

Methadone Distribution

Methadone clinics must monitor and regulate per federal/state laws:

  • Urine Testing: 8+ tests needed in year one to detect illicit drug use
  • Take-Homes: Doses for home are limited to 24 hours for the first 14 days
  • Monitoring: Psychologists, counselors, social workers on interprofessional teams
  • Prescription Checks: Providers verify methadone won’t interact dangerously with other medications

Lakeland, Polk County, Florida has # opioid treatment programs under SAMHSA certification. Methadone is a DEA Schedule II controlled medication.

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:

  • 33% fewer opioid-positive drug tests
  • 4.44 times more likely to stay in treatment
  • Retention in treatment reduces overdose/disease transmission risk and increases employment

Major Drawbacks

Potential issues include misuse/diversion risks, severe withdrawal if stopped suddenly, QTc prolongation/cardiac issues, and respiratory depression/overdose when combined with other substances.

Comparison to Other Medications

Methadone and buprenorphine are equally effective in reducing opioid use.

Benefits but also risks requiring careful management.

About Lakeland

Location, County & List of Neighboring States

Lakeland is located in central Florida within Polk County. It is surrounded by the neighboring states of:

Capital and Largest City

The capital and largest city in Polk County is Lakeland.

Land Area

Lakeland covers a total land area of 74.88 square miles.

Population Statistics

Total Population

The total population of Lakeland is 112,136 people as of the 2020 census.

Demographics:

Gender

  • Male: 49%
  • Female: 51%

Age Brackets

  • Under 18 years: 22.1%
  • 18 to 64 years: 51.3%
  • 65 years and over: 16.6%

Occupations

The top occupations in Lakeland are:

  • Management, business, science, and arts: 32%
  • Sales and office: 27%
  • Service: 20%
  • Production, transportation, and material moving: 16%
  • Natural resources, construction, maintenance: 8%