Since the turn of the century, the city of Dunedin and the Tampa-Clearwater-St. Petersburg metro statistical area (MSA) has experienced massive increases in drug and alcohol misuse and overdoses. In response, Guardian Recovery was founded to provide comprehensive, evidence-based treatment and detox programs for the many individuals suffering from drug dependence and needing professional help. If you or a loved one have been unable to control your substance use, you will likely benefit from specialized treatment. At CuraSouth, our primary goal is to ensure those motivated to overcome addiction receive the tools and support needed to embrace sobriety and maintain long-lasting sobriety. Reach out to us today to learn more about our full continuum of care, customized treatment plans, and effective therapies designed to help you achieve your recovery goals.

Tampa-Clearwater-St. Petersburg MSA Drug & Alcohol Use Statistics

According to data compiled by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), during the 6-year period from 2005 to 2010, an estimated 188,000 (8.1%) of 2.3 million residents aged 12 and older in the Tampa-Clearwater-St. Petersburg MSA were diagnosed with a substance use disorder. (1) Approximately 326,000 (14%) qualifying MSA residents also reported illicit drug use in the previous year. (2) In addition, the rate of past-year marijuana use was just over 10%, and the recreational use of prescription painkillers was 4.6%. (3) Furthermore, nearly one-quarter (23%) of qualifying residents in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA reported binge drinking in the past month. (4) For women, binge drinking is defined as consuming four or more alcoholic drinks within two hours, and for men, five drinks. (5)

The Opioid Crisis in the Tampa Bay Area

Opioids, also referred to as narcotics or painkillers, are drugs found in prescription or illicit form. They are controlled substances considered to have a high potential for misuse. Painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine are commonly prescribed to treat acute moderate-severe pain. These medications are highly sought-after on the black market resulting from drug diversion, in addition to more dangerous highly-potent drugs such as heroin and fentanyl. (6) According to Project Opioid Tampa Bay, the rate of overdose deaths in the region is higher than in the State of Florida and the rest of the country. In 2019, 23 individuals in the Tampa Bay area died from an opioid overdose, compared to 21 in the state and 15 in the United States. (7) In addition, 77% of overdose fatalities in the area involved opioids, and even non-lethal overdoses rose from 3,029-4,514 between 2016-2019–an increase of 33%. (8)

Drug & Alcohol Treatment in Dunedin, Florida

Florida has approximately 584 rehab facilities. (#) However, only three facilities are within five miles of Dunedin. As of 2020, Dunedin had a population of 36,218, and Florida, 21.78 million. (9) This means only one treatment center is available for every 39,600 Florida residents and only one for every 12,000 people near Dunedin. If you or a loved one are seeking addiction treatment in the Dunedin area, Guardian Recovery is available to help.

Detox & Rehab Options in Dunedin, Florida

A “continuum of care” refers to a treatment system based on transferring a client between various levels of care (often from most intensive to less intensive) that share a similar treatment philosophy. Early focus on moving a person through a continuum invites health professionals to look ahead to the next step in their treatment.

Medical Detox

Medical detox is the necessary first step in recovery. During this process, drugs, alcohol, and other toxins are purged from a person’s system. While the duration and intensity of symptoms vary, clinical supervision can help hasten some of the more severe effects and safeguard patients from experiencing life-threatening complications. Medications are often prescribed during detox to reduce side effects and stabilize vital body functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure.

Residential & Inpatient Programs

Inpatient programs are often the appropriate next step in recovery after medical detox. For individuals requiring intensive around-the-clock care, living in a facility full-time and being provided with a structured daily schedule can be an essential part of the first phase of sobriety. This period can be precarious to navigate, and the risk of relapse is high. For this reason, 24/7 supervision may be essential to ensure clients are not exposed to people, environments, or stimuli that can trigger cravings and a return to drug or alcohol use.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment includes three different levels of care, each of which may be appropriate depending on an individual’s needs, the severity of their addiction, and personal commitments. Partial Hospitalization (PHP) — PHP provides clients with day-to-day therapy and other services for five or more days throughout the week. Clients often live at a private residence or sober living home. Services provided include those similar to inpatient treatment, including individual therapy, group support, and recreational activities.  Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP) — IOP is sometimes the next step after completing an inpatient or partial hospitalization program. It focuses, in part, on helping individuals reintegrate into their normal lives while actively providing them with effective coping strategies to use daily to maintain sobriety. Outpatient Treatment (OP) — OP is less intensive than IOP, and meetings focused on support may occur as little as one or two times per week. This is a very flexible level of care allows clients to maintain their daily outside routines and be fully accountable for their sobriety. 

Medication Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) uses prescribed medications to aid with recovery, withdrawal, and detox. MAT can be used during detox to mitigate adverse effects and stabilize vital functions. It can also help with cravings and withdrawal effects during detox. For example, Suboxone is a combination medication (buprenorphine and naloxone) used to treat opioid use disorder. It decreases the intensity of withdrawal symptoms related to opioid dependence while simultaneously preventing misuse. 

Covering the Cost of Substance Use Disorder Programs in Dunedin, Florida

Some treatment facilities are privately-owned, and others are public or government-funded. Both private and government insurance can be obtained through the Affordable Care Act during Open Enrollment at Healthcare.gov. In limited cases, insurers can sell private health plans outside the enrollment period that qualify as health coverage for those eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. Employers and sometimes schools also offer health insurance which may include premium payments.

Privately Owned FL Treatment Centers

Privately-owned recovery centers are often the preferred option for those with private insurance coverage. Privately-owned facilities typically offer more personalized and all-inclusive care. In contrast, most state programs do not have the resources to provide comprehensive, individualized care. This can make it challenging to address underlying conditions that influence substance misuse, such as co-occurring mental health issues.  

Publicly Funded Treatment Options 

State or publicly-funded rehab centers receive government money to provide free services to those who would otherwise be unable to afford treatment or are insufficiently insured. Many state-funded drug and alcohol treatment programs receive funding through a combination of federal grants and reimbursement through Medicaid and state budgets. The majority of people struggling with addiction often don’t seek treatment due to the cost. In 2018, only 11.1% of the over 21 million Americans age 12 and older needing clinical addiction care received treatment at a specialized facility. Also, about 1 in 3 who needed treatment but did not receive it lacked health insurance and could not afford it. (10)

Privately Funded & Insurance Based Options 

Most privately-owned rehab and detox centers accept most major insurance providers. Out-of-pocket costs related to treatment depend on whether the facility is in-network with the provider, what services the policy covers, and the minimum deductibles. Private insurance is beneficial because it grants individuals access to more treatment centers and customized care plans.

Medicaid & Medicare Programs

Medicaid is a state program that provides limited-income individuals who meet other qualifications with a basic level of health insurance. Medicare is another federal program intended primarily for those over age 65 (although there are exceptions) that provides them with health insurance coverage. Like private insurance carriers, Medicaid and Medicare are accepted at many rehab facilities. However, due to limited funding, treatment tends to be confined to certain basic program options and one-size-fits-all.

Dunedin Addiction Recovery Resources

Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area offer several recovery-related support resources, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and SMART Recovery. These organizations hold peer group meetings on a regular schedule, sometimes daily.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings

A list of AA meetings near Dunedin can be found HERE. (11) A list of AA meetings near Tampa can be found HERE. (12) Examples of consistently held, in-person meetings in or near Dunedin, Florida: Our Lady of Lourdes 700 San Salvador Dr, Dunedin, FL 34698 Fridays at 8:00 PM Kirk Church 2686 Bayshore Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698 Mondays at 7:00 PM Wednesdays 6:30 AM Wednesdays 7:00 PM Thursdays at 6:45 PM Fridays at 6:30 AM Sundays at 8:00 PM Mease Hospital 833 Milwaukee Ave, Dunedin, FL 34698 Sundays at 9:45 AM

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Meetings

A list of NA meetings in Dunedin can be found HERE. (13) A list of NA meetings in the Tampa area can be found HERE. (14) Examples of consistently held, in-person NA meetings near Dunedin, Florida, include: The Warehouse Club 2024 Main Street, Dunedin, FL 34698 Saturdays at 8:00 PM Church of the Good Shepherd 639 Edgewater Drive, Dunedin, FL 34698 Mondays–Fridays at 7:45 AM Fridays at 8:00 PM Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church 2281 State Road 580, Clearwater, FL 33763 Tuesdays at 7:30 PM 

SMART Recovery Meetings

A list of SMART Recovery meetings near Dunedin can be found HERE. (15) A list of SMART Recovery meetings in the Tampa area can be found HERE. (16) Examples of consistently held, in-person SMART Recovery meetings near Dunedin, Florida: Mental Health Community Centers 240B South Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237 Wednesdays at 3:00 PM LifeWorks Substance Abuse Services 4678 Tamiami Trail #105, Port Charlotte, FL 33980 Thursdays at 2:30 PM Commonly Asked Questions We offer programs lengths individualized for each client. Generally detox is anywhere from 3-7 days. These are estimates and are adjusted to meet the needs of the individual client. Yes! We work with most major insurance providers. We offer free no-obligation insurance benefit checks for those who are interested in our program. Our admissions team will speak with your insurer and get a detailed verification of your insurance benefits and share those details with you. Unfortunately Medicaid and Medicare do not cover our facility. Tampa Addiction Center facilities are located in the Southeast United States. Our first facility to launch is based near Tampa Bay, Florida at: 405 7th Ave SW Largo, FL 33770 Absolutely. We understand that addiction affects the entire family system and encourage families to participate in their loved one’s treatment. To help families recover we also offer intervention services, case management, and family workshops. Yes. We believe in complete and total confidentiality and privacy for all of our clients. We take extra measures to make sure we go above and beyond HIPAA and health privacy standards. If you are concerned about specific privacy requirements please feel free to reach out and we can answer your questions. While we strongly discourage leaving before treatment completion, we are not a lockdown facility. Clients are in our program voluntarily and may leave when they want. Clients who need to take off work to attend treatment may be eligible for the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). FMLA ensures that you will not be terminated while taking a leave of absence from work to attend treatment. Our admissions and case management staff can help with setting up any FMLA paperwork. For clients who are self employed, we do offer an executive program that allows for cellphone and laptop access in certain cases during business hours. Admissions is quick and easy. Once you call our admissions team one of our dedicated treatment advisors will perform a pre-assessment over the phone . This takes about 10 minutes and just makes sure Guardian Recovery is the best fit for you or your loved ones individual needs. After the assessment we will verify insurance benefits and arrange a time for your intake (this can be as quick as 30 minutes from the initial call). If you need a ride to the facility we will dispatch one of our drivers and you will begin your recovery at our facility. It is that easy. To get started call us 24/7 at (844) 904-1778 or submit this online form click here.

Contact Us Today to Begin

Finding an addiction treatment program in Dunedin, Florida is a straightforward process when you know what to look for. Once you have determined which level of care is right for you, we recommend reaching out to an experienced Treatment Advisor who can guide you through the admissions process. At Guardian Recovery we have a team of experienced Treatment Advisors standing by to answer any additional questions you have and help you get started on the road to recovery as quickly as possible. As soon as you contact us, you will undergo a brief pre-assessment over the phone. The pre-assessment consists of a series of questions geared towards finding a treatment program that meets all of your unique clinical needs. We offer a free, no obligation health insurance benefit check to those who are insured through a major regional or national provider. If you are currently uninsured, we will help you determine which costs will need to be covered out-of-pocket. Finally, we help arrange local ground transportation to our Dunedin, Florida detox center, or help set you up with an alternative level of care. To learn more or to begin your personal journey of addiction recovery in Dunedin, contact us today.