Seminole Collaborative Opioid Response Efforts (SCORE)
In Seminole County, the opioid crisis is a serious public health concern, and the Seminole Collaborative Opioid Response Efforts, known as SCORE, is at the forefront of combating this epidemic. Understanding the complexities of opioid addiction and providing accessible resources are crucial steps in saving lives and supporting community health within Seminole County and potentially impacting areas connected to institutions like the John E. Polk Correctional Facility, where substance abuse issues can be prevalent among inmates.
Objective Mobile Response Team
Watch: Anyone Can Become Addicted
To effectively address the opioid crisis in Seminole County, it’s important to understand the nature of opioids and the signs of potential opioid use disorder. Recognizing these signs can be the first step in seeking help and intervention, whether for oneself or for a loved one in Seminole County.
What Are Opioids? Signs to Look For
Good Samaritan Law Do I Have a Problem?
Prevention plays a vital role in curbing the opioid crisis in Seminole County. Secure medication storage and proper disposal are simple yet effective measures every household in Seminole County can adopt.
Lock Your Meds Pitch Your Pills
Prevention Familiarize Yourself
For those in Seminole County seeking help, numerous resources are available, ranging from treatment centers to support groups. Navigating these resources can be overwhelming, but SCORE and its partners are dedicated to making access to help as seamless as possible for individuals and families in Seminole County.
Objective
The core objective of the Seminole Collaborative Opioid Response Efforts (SCORE) initiative is to save lives within Seminole County by directly confronting the opioid epidemic through a unified and collaborative approach. SCORE aims to create a comprehensive system that guides individuals who have experienced opioid overdoses and are receiving treatment in emergency departments through a structured pathway. This pathway includes detoxification, stabilization, and access to sustained treatment and rehabilitation services. By developing and implementing this seamless, collaborative solution, SCORE seeks to significantly reduce opioid overdoses, prevent relapse, and decrease mortality rates associated with opioid addiction in Seminole County and potentially mitigate related issues within facilities such as the John E. Polk Correctional Facility by addressing the root causes of addiction in the community. This initiative adopts a three-pronged approach, proactively targeting Prevention, Enforcement, and Treatment (P.E.T.) strategies to maximize its impact across Seminole County.
Mobile Response Team
A critical component of the SCORE initiative in Seminole County is the Mobile Response Team. This team is responsible for engaging directly with patients who have experienced opioid-related emergencies. Upon contact, the response team introduces the SCORE program and evaluates the patient’s willingness to pursue treatment for opioid use disorder.
- For patients in Seminole County who are receptive to treatment, the Mobile Response Team will assess their individual needs to determine the most appropriate treatment program.
- If a patient initially declines treatment, the team maintains contact and will follow up within 24 to 48 hours after their discharge from the Emergency Department. This follow-up is crucial to re-engage with the patient and offer ongoing support and encouragement to reconsider treatment options in Seminole County.
- Should a patient accept treatment, the Mobile Response Team provides immediate support by accompanying and facilitating their safe transportation from the Emergency Department to a designated SCORE treatment facility within Seminole County.
- Throughout the entire recovery journey, a peer counselor is assigned to act as a dedicated “coach” for the patient. This peer support system offers invaluable guidance and understanding, drawing from lived experiences to aid in the patient’s recovery process within Seminole County.
For confidential assistance regarding opioid-related questions or to access treatment resources in Seminole County, please contact our non-emergency line at (407) 665-6650 or send an email to [email protected].
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs encompassing both illicit substances like heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, as well as prescription pain relievers. Commonly prescribed opioids include oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), Dilaudid, Demerol, codeine, morphine, and methadone. These substances share a chemical similarity and exert their effects by interacting with opioid receptors located on nerve cells throughout the body and brain. Opioids primarily function by blocking pain signals transmitted to the brain, effectively reducing the perception of pain. However, their interaction with brain chemistry also leads to the development of drug tolerance. This means that with continued use, individuals require increasingly higher doses to achieve the original pain relief or euphoric effects.
While opioid pain relievers can be safely used for short durations when prescribed by a physician and taken as directed, their potential for misuse and addiction is significant. Legitimate medical reasons exist for opioid prescriptions, particularly in managing acute and chronic pain conditions. However, the euphoric effects they produce, in addition to pain relief, contribute to their misuse. Individuals may take opioids in larger doses or more frequently than prescribed, seeking these pleasurable sensations. Addiction can insidiously begin even with a valid prescription from a healthcare provider in Seminole County. Consistent, even prescribed, use can lead to physical dependence, increasing the risk of overdose incidents and potentially fatal outcomes, highlighting the severity of the opioid issue in communities, including areas served by institutions like the John E. Polk Correctional Facility where individuals may have developed substance dependencies prior to or during incarceration.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioid-related deaths nationwide exceeded 33,000 in 2015, escalating dramatically to 64,070 fatal overdoses in 2016. Projections from the National Institute on Drug Abuse indicated a further worsening of the addiction epidemic in America, estimating 71,600 deaths for 2017. While definitive figures for 2017 and 2018 were pending at the time of the original article, Seminole County itself experienced a grim trend: 62 opioid-related deaths in 2016, 83 deaths in 2017, and 82 deaths in 2018.
This surge in fatalities is partly attributed to “boosting,” a dangerous practice where heroin is mixed with more potent and cheaper substances like fentanyl and carfentanil. This adulteration amplifies the heroin’s effects, allowing drug dealers to stretch their supply and increase profits. Carfentanil, in particular, is easily procurable online from sources in China via the dark web. Furthermore, many individuals who initially become dependent on prescription opioids transition to heroin when their prescriptions lapse or become unaffordable. Heroin that is boosted or laced with fentanyl is a major driver of opioid deaths, posing a significant threat to the Seminole County community and beyond, potentially impacting individuals even within the John E. Polk Correctional Facility who may have pre-existing opioid dependencies.
Alt text: Chart showing the increase in opioid overdose deaths in the US from 2015 to estimated 2017, with local Seminole County statistics for 2016-2018.
Signs to Look For
Recognizing the signs of opioid use disorder is crucial for timely intervention. Observable changes in behavior and attitude may indicate a problem. Deteriorating family relationships and increased secrecy, such as lying or stealing, can also be red flags. Obvious intoxication, incoherence, or episodes of unconsciousness are serious warning signs. Individuals struggling with opioid use may also spend extended periods in isolation and, in some cases, exhibit track marks on their body from intravenous drug use.
Immediate Action Required: Call 911 If You Notice the Following
In emergency situations, specific signs demand immediate action and a call to 911. These critical signs include:
- Unresponsiveness or not waking up
- Blue discoloration of lips, hands, and face
- Labored breathing or respiratory distress
- Gurgling sounds indicating airway obstruction
- A dazed state or confusion
Alt text: List of behavioral and physical signs of opioid use disorder, emphasizing when to call 911.
Good Samaritan Law
Seminole County, like the rest of Florida, is protected by the Good Samaritan Law concerning drug overdoses. According to Florida State Statutes 893.21, this law provides critical protections for individuals involved in overdose situations.
(1) Seeking Medical Assistance: An individual acting in good faith who seeks medical help for someone experiencing a drug-related overdose cannot be charged, prosecuted, or penalized for possessing a controlled substance. This protection applies if the evidence of drug possession is obtained solely as a result of seeking medical assistance.
(2) Overdose Victims: Similarly, a person experiencing a drug-related overdose and requiring medical assistance is also protected from charges, prosecution, or penalties for possessing a controlled substance. This protection is valid if the evidence of possession arises from the overdose incident and the subsequent need for medical intervention.
(3) Scope of Protection: It’s important to note that the protection against prosecution for possession offenses under this law does not extend to suppressing evidence in other criminal prosecutions. The Good Samaritan Law is specifically designed to encourage individuals to seek life-saving medical help in overdose situations without fear of legal repercussions related to drug possession, fostering a safer environment within Seminole County and potentially benefiting individuals even after interactions with the justice system, including those formerly incarcerated at facilities like John E. Polk Correctional Facility.
Do I Have A Problem?
Reflecting on your behaviors and habits can be a crucial step in recognizing potential opioid dependence. Consider these self-assessment questions:
- Dosage Increase: Do you find yourself taking more opioids than originally prescribed by your doctor?
- Altered Consumption: Do you consume opioids in ways not intended by your prescription, such as chewing, snorting, or crushing pills?
- Emotional Reliance: Do you crave opioids to cope with personal problems or emotional distress?
- Tolerance Escalation: Do you need to take increasingly larger doses to achieve the desired “high” or effect?
- Financial Strain: Is your opioid use causing financial difficulties or instability?
- Excessive Drowsiness: Do you frequently find yourself nodding off or falling asleep unintentionally during the day?
Answering “yes” to one or more of these questions may indicate a potential opioid use problem and should prompt you to seek professional evaluation and support resources available in Seminole County.
Alt text: Question list for self-assessment of potential opioid use disorder, prompting reflection and help-seeking.
Lock Your Meds
A concerning gateway to opioid misuse, especially among teenagers, is access to prescription medications found at home or in the homes of relatives, such as grandparents. Alarmingly, some individuals struggling with addiction have resorted to attending real estate open houses or feigning interest in purchasing homes solely to gain access to medicine cabinets in search of opioids. Securing medications is a vital step in preventing unintended access and potential misuse within Seminole County households.
Prescription Drug Drop Off Points
Seminole County provides safe and convenient Prescription Drug Drop Off Boxes at various locations throughout the county. Residents can utilize these drop-off points to responsibly dispose of old, expired, or unwanted prescription medications, preventing potential misuse and environmental contamination. Find Prescription Drug Drop Off Points in Seminole County.
Prevention
Preventing opioid misuse starts with responsible practices:
- Prescription Adherence: Always use prescription medications exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- No Sharing: Never share your prescription medications with others, and avoid using medications prescribed for someone else.
- Open Communication: Parents, engage in open and honest conversations with your children about the dangers of drug use, including prescription opioids.
Become Familiar
Educating yourself about commonly misused drugs is a proactive prevention strategy. Familiarize yourself with frequently used drugs by identifying them by picture here. Recognizing different substances and their forms can enhance awareness and inform preventative measures within Seminole County communities, potentially reaching individuals connected to the John E. Polk Correctional Facility through community outreach programs.
Resources & Treatment
Seminole County offers a comprehensive network of resources and treatment options for individuals and families affected by opioid use disorder.
Recovery Connections of Central Florida MyRecoveryConnections.org 407-RECOVER (407) 732- 6837 7912 Forest City Road, Suite 101, Orlando, FL 32810. Their website provides an extensive directory of over 160 local support resources. A 24-Hour Hotline is staffed by individuals with lived experience of overcoming addiction, offering peer support and connection. Peer Recovery Specialists utilize their personal journeys to provide effective recovery services. The Recovery Community Center offers a safe and supportive environment for individuals to access one-on-one, in-person support.
Advent Health Hope and Healing Center 212 Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773 407-792-2162. Offers both Residential and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) tailored for individuals with Substance Use Disorder. They focus on whole-person care, delivering comprehensive recovery support services to guide individuals on their path to recovery in Seminole County.
Aspire Health Partners 919 E. Second Street, Sanford, FL 32771 407-323-2036. Specialists at Aspire Health Partners assist individuals in identifying their specific clinical needs, providing immediate support, and facilitating referrals to appropriate behavioral health services. They offer medically supervised detoxification and stabilization services for adults facing substance use or co-occurring mental health disorders in Seminole County.
The Rase Project Recovery Advocacy Service Empowerment 201 Hilda Street Suite 22 Kissimmee, FL 34741 407-518-1094. Peer Recovery Specialists at The Rase Project guide individuals in navigating treatment options within the community. They specialize in connecting individuals struggling with Opioid Use Disorder with physicians who can prescribe Suboxone medication-assisted treatment. Serving Seminole, Orange, Osceola, and Brevard Counties.
Florida Department of Health Community Integrated Mobile Health [email protected]
Lotus Behavioral Health 1030 Spring Villas Point, Winter Springs, FL 32708 LotusBH.com 833-995-6887. Lotus Behavioral Health offers Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient care programs designed for adolescents (ages 13-17) and adults struggling with substance use or co-occurring mental health disorders in Seminole County.
Clear Futures MyClearFuture.com (407) 636-3030. Clear Futures Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) center provides treatment and recovery coordination, specializing in MAT for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Clear Futures MAT utilizes Buprenorphine products, including Sublocade (monthly injectable) and Suboxone and Subutex (oral daily dosing), to support successful recovery. FDA-approved medications for MAT, particularly Buprenorphine-based treatments, combined with counseling and lifestyle changes, have demonstrated a significant reduction in mortality rates among individuals with addiction, by 50% or more. A key benefit of Buprenorphine products is their effectiveness in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, facilitating a return to a more stable and fulfilling life, including family and employment. Up to 90% of patients engaged in MAT with counseling and positive lifestyle modifications achieve sustained sobriety at the 2-year mark.
Florida True Health 4930 E. Lake Mary Blvd., Sanford, FL 32771 407-322-8645. Florida True Health offers a range of medical services, including outpatient counseling for substance use and mental health concerns.
The Grove Residential/IMPOWER 407-215-0095, Option 3. The Grove Residential/IMPOWER provides care for children, adolescents, and families, focusing on substance use, mental health, and behavioral health. They offer a residential program specifically for youth aged 13-17.
Park Place Crisis Stabilization Unit 206 Park Place Blvd. Kissimmee, FL 34741 407-846-0023, Option 1. Park Place Crisis Stabilization Unit serves as Osceola County’s Community Behavioral Health provider, offering mental health and substance abuse services for both adults and children.
Steps Apopka 1901 S. Apopka Blvd., Apopka, FL 32703 407-884-2126. Steps Apopka provides comprehensive substance use treatment and education, prioritizing services for indigent individuals, pregnant or postpartum women, and parents with children in Seminole, Brevard, Orange, and Osceola counties.
Advanced Recovery 6000 Lake Ellenor Drive, Orlando, FL 32809 407-613-5558. Advanced Recovery Center offers a full spectrum of care for drug and alcohol addiction, employing a holistic and thorough approach to co-occurring disorders. Services include medical detox, residential treatment, and intensive outpatient treatment.
National Helpline: Find Treatment Near You: English: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Spanish: 1-800-662-9862
Teen Challenge Teen Challenge is a faith-based, residential program offering long-term care for young people and adults struggling with addiction. This typically 12-18 month program integrates individual and group Bible studies, work projects, education, and recreation. The Central Florida Men’s Rehab Center is located in Sanford, FL. Call 407-330-9600 for entry procedures and requirements. More information is available at https://www.teenchallenge.cc.
Dose of Reality Florida Dose of Reality Florida provides additional resources and information on opioid awareness and prevention in Florida.
Alt text: List of various treatment and resource centers in and around Seminole County for opioid use disorder.
Marchman Act
The Marchman Act provides a legal pathway for involuntary admission to a hospital or detoxification facility for assessment and stabilization. This process can be initiated through a court order or by law enforcement intervention in Seminole County when individuals are deemed a danger to themselves or others due to substance abuse.
Support Groups
Narcotics Anonymous Narcotics Anonymous Meetings offers 93 weekly meetings in the Central Florida area, providing accessible support for individuals in recovery.
Smart Recovery Smartrecovery.org (Greater Orlando) area offers science-based, self-empowering addiction recovery support meetings in the Greater Orlando region, including Seminole County.
Addicted.org Addicted.org provides a wide range of online resources and information related to addiction and recovery support.
GRASP (Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing) GRASP is a national grief organization with a Central Florida chapter meeting monthly in Maitland, FL. GRASP offers support to individuals aged 18 and older who have experienced the loss of a loved one due to substance abuse. For more information, visit http://grasphelp.org or contact [email protected] or [email protected].
Advocates for our Angels, hosted by SCSO (Seminole County Sheriff’s Office), is a support group specifically for families who have lost loved ones to the opioid crisis. For details, contact Brandy Fulghum at 407-849-8650 or Della Wiggins at 352-989-6760, or visit their Facebook page. Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month at 1:00 PM at Lifepoint Church, located at 1470 Myrtle Lake Hills Rd, Longwood, FL 32750.
Additional Meeting Resources: https://cflintergroup.org and Virtual Meetings: https://www.intherooms.com/home offer further avenues for connection and support.
Alt text: List of support groups and meeting resources for individuals and families affected by opioid addiction in Seminole County.
Get Help Now
OPIOID CRISIS – GET HELP NOW. Text “OPIOID” to 898-211. Standard text messaging rates may apply. Immediate help is available for those facing opioid crisis in Seminole County.
Alt text: Call to action to get immediate help for opioid crisis by texting “OPIOID” to 898-211.
