Local substance use disorder treatment locator. Includes tips on finding quality treatment.
Find out how to access naloxone in your area.
Recognize the warning signs of an overdose. 5 simple tests
Simple steps to save a life. Includes information on using naloxone to reverse an overdose.
Information for professionals on naloxone and Florida Law.
Information on various types of naloxone and the DCF Overdose Prevention Program.
Reference materials for opioid treatment and prevention. Includes social media tools and print materials.
Insurance - Contact you insurer. Ask about your coverage and whether they have a network of preferred providers for you to use.
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If you don't have insurance - Florida has treatment options for people without insurance coverage. There are 7 Managing Entities in Florida that help uninsured, underinsured, and indigent individuals access substance use and mental health services. Contact the Managing Entity in your area.
Review the websites of the providers and see if they have the 5 signs of quality treatment.
Call for an appointment. If they can’t see you or your family member within 48 hours, find another provider. One indicator of quality is the ability to get an appointment quickly. Many programs offer walk-in services. Look for programs that can get you or a family member into treatment quickly.
You can use these questions to help decide about the quality of a treatment provider and the types of services offered. Quality programs should offer a full range of services accepted as effective in treatment and recovery from substance use disorders and should be matched to a person’s needs.
Accreditation: Has the program been licensed or certified by the state? Is the program currently in good standing in the state? Are the staff qualified? Good quality programs will have a good inspection record and both the program and the staff should have received training in treatment of substance use and mental disorders and be licensed or registered in the state. Does the program conduct satisfaction surveys? Can they show you how people using their services have rated them?
Medication: Does the program offer FDA approved medication for recovery from alcohol and opioid use disorders? At this point in time, there are no FDA approved medications to help prevent relapse from other problem substances.
Evidence-Based Practices: Does the program offer treatments that have been proven to be effective in treating substance use disorders including medication management therapies, such as motivational therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, drug and alcohol counseling, education about the risks of drug and alcohol use, and peer support? Does the program either provide or help to obtain medical care for physical health issues?
Families: Does the program include family members in the treatment process? Family members have an important role in understanding the impact of addiction on families and providing support.
Support: Does the program provide ongoing treatment and supports beyond just treating the substance issues? For many people addiction is a chronic condition and requires ongoing medication and supports. Quality programs provide treatment for the long-term which may include ongoing counseling or recovery coaching and support, and helps in meeting other basic needs like sober housing, employment supports, and continued family involvement.
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and can easily be administered by anyone with some basic training. You do not have to be a medical professional to administer naloxone. People who use drugs and their friends and family members can easily be trained on how to administer naloxone and where to access it in Florida.
Be sure to call ahead to ensure the medication is in stock, ask how much it will cost, and ask if you need a prescription. Most commercial insurances cover some form of naloxone. If you do not have insurance, naloxone can be very expensive and cost as much as $250 per kit. There are programs in Florida that provide FREE naloxone kits to anyone in need.
Visit the Naloxone page for more information on naloxone including how to administer naloxone.
It can be difficult to tell if a person is high/intoxicated from heroin, fentanyl, or prescription pain relievers, or if the person is actually overdosing. Please read the following information on how to tell the difference. If you are still unsure, use caution and treat the situation as an overdose.
If overdose is suspected follow instructions to Save A Life
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and can easily be administered by anyone with some basic training.
1 Try to wake the person up
2 Call 911
3 Administer nasal naloxone
4 Check for breathing
5 Stay with the person
“A person acting in good faith who seeks medical assistance for an individual experiencing a drug-related overdose may not be charged, prosecuted, or penalized...” FS 893.21
