By Pinnacle Wellness Group Medical Staff
The opioid crisis continues to impact communities across Florida’s Treasure Coast, but a quiet transformation is taking place in Port Saint Lucie. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, particularly those offering Suboxone, are providing new pathways to recovery for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder. As evidence-based treatment becomes more accessible in St. Lucie County, lives are being saved and families are being restored.
In 2023, St. Lucie County recorded 94 drug overdose deaths, with approximately 90% involving opioids—primarily fentanyl. The age-adjusted overdose mortality rate reached 29.6 per 100,000 residents, underscoring the urgent need for effective treatment options. Against this backdrop, local Suboxone clinics are expanding access to care and demonstrating that recovery is possible with the right medical support.(Florida Department of Health)(Florida Medical Examiners Commission)(Florida DOH)
What Is Suboxone and How Does It Work?
Suboxone is an FDA-approved medication specifically designed to treat opioid use disorder. It combines two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it activates opioid receptors in the brain but produces a much weaker effect than full agonists like heroin or fentanyl. This unique property allows Suboxone to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the euphoric high associated with opioid misuse.
Naloxone, the second component, serves as a safeguard. If someone attempts to misuse Suboxone by injecting it, the naloxone triggers immediate withdrawal symptoms, discouraging abuse. When taken as prescribed—sublingually (under the tongue)—the naloxone remains largely inactive, allowing the buprenorphine to work effectively.
FDA-Approved Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
Suboxone is one of several FDA-approved medications for treating opioid addiction. At Pinnacle Wellness Group in Port Saint Lucie, treatment options include:
- Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) – Daily sublingual film or tablet, considered the gold standard for outpatient MAT
- Sublocade – Monthly buprenorphine injection that eliminates the need for daily medication
- Brixadi – Weekly or monthly buprenorphine injection option for patients who prefer less frequent dosing
- Vivitrol (naltrexone) – Monthly injection that blocks opioid receptors, used after complete detoxification
Your physician determines which medication is most appropriate based on your medical history, treatment goals, and individual circumstances. Many patients begin with Suboxone due to its flexibility and well-established track record, then may transition to longer-acting options like Sublocade as their recovery stabilizes.
How Suboxone Supports Long-Term Recovery
The medication works on multiple levels. Physiologically, it occupies opioid receptors in the brain, preventing other opioids from binding and producing their effects. This creates a “blocking” effect that reduces the risk of relapse even if someone uses other opioids. The long half-life of buprenorphine means that once stabilized on an appropriate dose, patients experience consistent relief from cravings throughout the day.
Equally important is what Suboxone allows patients to do. By eliminating the constant cycle of withdrawal and drug-seeking behavior, individuals can focus on rebuilding their lives. They can maintain employment, repair relationships, and engage meaningfully in counseling and behavioral health services. Recovery becomes possible when the brain is no longer consumed by the need to avoid withdrawal.
Why Port Saint Lucie Is Expanding Access to MAT Programs
The local crisis demands a medical response. St. Lucie County faces opioid challenges that mirror national trends but with some distinct regional characteristics. Approximately 27.3 opioid prescriptions were dispensed per 100 residents in 2023, indicating that roughly 27% of the county population received an opioid prescription. While many of these prescriptions are medically appropriate, they contribute to a broader environment where opioid exposure is common.(CDC)
Emergency Medical Services in St. Lucie County administered naloxone—the overdose reversal medication—approximately 400 times in 2021. These interventions save lives in the moment, but they also highlight the need for sustained treatment options that address the underlying disorder rather than just emergency responses.(Florida DOH EMSTARS)
The community has resources available but faces implementation challenges. St. Lucie County received $2,553,086 in opioid abatement settlement funds for fiscal year 2023-2024. However, none of these funds were expended during that period due to delays in implementing spending plans. This gap underscores why private treatment providers like Pinnacle Wellness Group play a critical role in filling immediate treatment needs while public health infrastructure develops.(Florida Opioid Abatement Council)
Benefits of Outpatient Treatment vs Inpatient Programs
Outpatient MAT programs offer distinct advantages for many individuals seeking recovery:
Accessibility and Affordability: Outpatient treatment costs significantly less than residential programs. At Pinnacle Wellness Group, the first visit costs $250, with follow-up medication management appointments at $150. These visits occur in a medical office setting, allowing patients to continue working and maintaining family responsibilities.
Real-World Recovery: Outpatient treatment requires patients to apply recovery skills in their actual living environment. Rather than being removed from triggers and stressors, individuals learn to navigate daily life while maintaining sobriety. This approach builds resilience and prepares patients for long-term success.
Continuity of Care: Patients can establish ongoing relationships with their treatment team. Regular follow-up appointments—typically monthly once stabilized—provide consistent medical supervision and allow for medication adjustments as needed.
Community Integration: Staying connected to family, employment, and community support networks enhances recovery outcomes. Outpatient treatment supports these connections rather than interrupting them.
Inpatient programs remain appropriate for individuals with severe medical complications, co-occurring mental health crises, or unsafe home environments. However, research consistently demonstrates that outpatient MAT produces strong outcomes for most patients with opioid use disorder.
Inside Our Suboxone Clinic in Port Saint Lucie
Pinnacle Wellness Group operates as a specialized outpatient addiction treatment center at 1680 Southeast Lyngate Drive, Suite #204, in Port Saint Lucie. The clinic serves both Port Saint Lucie and the broader Treasure Coast region, with a satellite location in Okeechobee providing additional access points for rural communities.
The medical team brings extensive credentials and specialized training in addiction medicine:
Dr. Kenneth Palestrant
Serves as CEO and Medical Director. He has practiced emergency medicine for over 30 years and previously worked as a Medical Director for the Freestanding Emergency Department at St. Lucie Medical Center. For the past six years, Dr. Palestrant has volunteered as a physician in the St. Lucie County Health Clinic and has been a volunteer physician since 2017 at the St. Lucie County Health Department.
Dr. Randy Stigliano
Is board-certified in addiction medicine and family medicine. He has worked with MAT for over 20 years in Pennsylvania and is now in his third year at Pinnacle Wellness Group. Multiple patient reviews specifically praise Dr. Stigliano’s caring and non-judgmental approach.
Dr. Mark Polsky (D.O., FAOAM)
Is board-certified in emergency medicine and has been on staff at multiple hospitals in St. Lucie and Martin Counties. He has practiced emergency medicine for 15 years in the region, regularly seeing patients who come in through the emergency department. Dr. Polsky is also board-certified in addiction medicine and obesity medicine.
Dr. Kerri Varney
Provides comprehensive care and has received consistent recognition in patient testimonials for her compassionate and thorough approach.
Joe Holbrook (ARNP)
Works as a health-certified nurse practitioner and has been providing healthcare in the St. Lucie County area for over 17 years.
The clinic is licensed by the State of Florida Department of Children and Families Services and accredited by the Council on Accreditation. Pinnacle Wellness Group receives funding from the Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network, which helps assist those in financial need.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
Understanding the intake process reduces anxiety and helps patients prepare for their initial appointment. Pinnacle Wellness Group offers same-day appointments for individuals ready to begin treatment.
For Patients Using Grant-Funded Assistance:
If you qualify for financial assistance through Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network funding, the intake process involves several steps:
- Eligibility Screening: The admissions team verifies that you meet requirements for grant-funded treatment. This typically includes income verification and residency documentation for St. Lucie or Okeechobee counties.
- Comprehensive Intake Appointment: Plan for a 2.5 to 3-hour visit. This extended appointment allows time for thorough paperwork, a complete medical evaluation with the physician, and an assessment with the behavioral health team. The integrated approach ensures that both medical and counseling components of your treatment plan are established from day one.
For Self-Pay Patients:
The process is streamlined for individuals paying out of pocket:
- Arrive Early for Paperwork: Come 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to complete intake forms. This paperwork covers medical history, current medications, substance use history, and consent forms.
- Physician Evaluation: After completing paperwork, you’ll meet with one of the clinic’s physicians or nurse practitioners. This appointment typically lasts 30-45 minutes and includes a physical examination, discussion of treatment options, and development of your initial treatment plan.
- Payment and Scheduling: The first visit costs $250, and follow-up medication management appointments are $150. Payment is due at the time of service via cash or card. Medicare is accepted, but private insurance and Medicaid are not accepted at this time. Payment plans are not currently available.
- Medication Initiation: Most patients receive their first Suboxone prescription during this initial visit. Your physician will provide detailed instructions on how to take the medication and what to expect during the first few days of treatment.
The entire first visit for self-pay patients typically takes about one hour from arrival to departure. Same-day appointments mean you don’t have to wait when you’re ready to begin recovery.
Real Outcomes from Patients in the Treasure Coast Area
Patient testimonials consistently highlight specific aspects of care that contribute to successful recovery:
One recent patient shared: “Dr Joe and Dr Jimmy are excellent and everyone to both the young ladies in there saved my life.” This sentiment—that the clinic “saved my life”—appears repeatedly in reviews.
Another patient noted, “I just wanted to make a review because of the experience I had at Pinnacle. I must admit I was extremely nervous when I first walked in, but the staff made me feel comfortable immediately.”
A long-term patient wrote: “I have been going to Pinnacle Wellness for a while now, and the whole team is truly fantastic.” The consistency of positive experiences over time suggests that the clinic maintains quality care throughout the treatment journey, not just during initial engagement.
Several reviews specifically mention the non-judgmental atmosphere: “The doctors that work here are amazing and every staff in there are really there for you!!! They don’t judge you and they help you every step of the way.”
One patient who had previously tried other programs stated: “I have been to a few programs, my opinion, Pinnacle Wellness has been the best one so far. I was going to New Horizons, and I left because I felt like nobody cared or took their time to understand what I was going through.”
These testimonials underscore the importance of the therapeutic relationship in addiction treatment. Medical expertise matters, but so does the environment of respect and understanding that allows patients to engage honestly in their recovery.
Local Recovery Resources and Community Support
Medication is a cornerstone of treatment, but comprehensive recovery involves multiple support systems. Port Saint Lucie and the surrounding Treasure Coast communities offer various resources that complement MAT:
Local Narcan Access Points and Support Meetings
Narcan Availability: Naloxone (brand name Narcan) is available at most pharmacies throughout Port Saint Lucie without a prescription. Several community organizations also distribute free Narcan kits and provide training on how to administer the medication during an overdose emergency. Family members and friends of individuals in recovery are encouraged to keep Narcan accessible.
AA and NA Meetings: Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings occur throughout St. Lucie County. While these 12-step programs historically had mixed views on MAT, many meetings now welcome individuals on medication-assisted treatment. The fellowship and peer support provided by these meetings complement medical treatment.
Behavioral Health Counseling: Pinnacle Wellness Group integrates behavioral health services into the treatment model. Counseling addresses the psychological aspects of addiction, helps patients develop coping strategies, and provides support for co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
Community Support Groups: Beyond traditional 12-step meetings, various peer support groups operate throughout the Treasure Coast. These include SMART Recovery meetings, which use a science-based approach, and faith-based recovery programs offered through local churches.
Addressing Stigma and Ensuring Privacy
One significant barrier to treatment remains the stigma associated with opioid use disorder. Many individuals delay seeking help due to shame or fear of judgment. It’s important to understand that opioid addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failing. The brain changes that occur with repeated opioid use are measurable and documented. These changes affect decision-making, impulse control, and the ability to experience pleasure from normal activities.
Suboxone clinics like Pinnacle Wellness Group operate under strict privacy protections. Federal regulations (42 CFR Part 2) provide special confidentiality protections for substance use disorder treatment records—even beyond standard HIPAA protections. Your treatment information cannot be disclosed without your written consent, even to family members or other healthcare providers.
The clinic environment is designed to respect patient dignity. Appointments are scheduled to minimize wait times, and the staff maintains a professional, non-judgmental approach. Many patients express relief that they can receive treatment in a medical office setting rather than in facilities that feel institutional or impersonal.
How to Begin Treatment or Learn About Eligibility
Taking the first step toward recovery can feel overwhelming, but the process is straightforward. Pinnacle Wellness Group makes treatment accessible through same-day appointments and streamlined intake procedures.
To Schedule an Appointment:
- Call (772) 222-5411 during business hours (Monday-Thursday, 9 AM – 4 PM)
- Same-day appointments are typically available for both grant-funded and self-pay patients
- Be prepared to provide basic information, including your name, contact information, and whether you’re interested in grant-funded assistance or self-pay options
Financial Assistance Eligibility:
Grant-funded treatment through Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network may be available if you:
- Reside in St. Lucie or Okeechobee County
- Meet income eligibility requirements
- Have limited or no health insurance coverage
The admissions staff can verify your eligibility during the initial phone call and explain what documentation you’ll need to bring to your appointment.
What to Bring to Your First Appointment:
- Photo identification (driver’s license or state ID)
- Proof of residence (utility bill or lease agreement) if applying for grant assistance
- List of current medications and any medical conditions
- Income documentation if applying for grant assistance
- Payment (cash or card) if self-pay
Questions to Consider Asking:
During your first visit, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Understanding your treatment helps you feel more comfortable and engaged. Consider asking:
- How long will I need to take Suboxone?
- What side effects should I expect?
- How often will I need follow-up appointments?
- Can I continue taking other prescribed medications?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- When should I call if I have concerns between appointments?
Your medical team expects these questions and welcomes the opportunity to provide clear answers.
Looking Forward: Recovery Is Possible
The opioid crisis in Port Saint Lucie and St. Lucie County represents a significant public health challenge, but it’s not insurmountable. Evidence-based treatment works. Suboxone and other forms of medication-assisted treatment have helped hundreds of thousands of people achieve lasting recovery across the United States.
Every person who walks through the doors at Pinnacle Wellness Group arrives with a unique story, but they share common ground: they’ve decided that today is the day to make a change. Some come after years of struggling with opioid use. Others recognize early that prescription pain medication has become a problem. Many arrive after multiple attempts at sobriety through other methods. All are welcome without judgment.
Recovery doesn’t follow a single timeline or path. Some patients stabilize quickly on Suboxone and transition to longer-acting medications within months. Others require extended time on daily medication while they address underlying trauma, rebuild support systems, or resolve legal and employment challenges. The treatment plan adapts to individual needs rather than following a rigid protocol.
What matters most is taking the first step. That step might be making a phone call, attending an initial appointment, or simply acknowledging that you need help. Port Saint Lucie’s Suboxone clinics stand ready to meet you wherever you are in that journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Pinnacle Wellness Group provides comprehensive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) using FDA-approved medications, including Suboxone, Sublocade, Brixadi, and Vivitrol. Treatment programs include medical supervision, medication management, behavioral health counseling, and ongoing recovery support. Your physician determines which medication is most appropriate based on your individual medical history and treatment needs.
A: Same-day appointments are available. After a brief phone screening, you can typically begin Suboxone treatment the same day you call. The intake process takes approximately one hour for self-pay patients and 2.5-3 hours for patients utilizing grant-funded assistance. Most patients receive their first prescription during their initial visit.
A: The clinic accepts Medicare but does not currently accept private insurance or Medicaid. Self-pay rates are $250 for the first visit and $150 for follow-up medication management appointments. Payment is due at the time of service via cash or card. Grant-funded assistance may be available for eligible St. Lucie and Okeechobee County residents through the Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network.
A: No. This is a common misconception. Suboxone and other MAT medications are prescribed and monitored by physicians as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Unlike illicit opioids, these medications are taken at stable doses that don’t produce euphoria. They normalize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and allow patients to focus on recovery. Research consistently shows that MAT significantly reduces the risk of overdose death and improves long-term recovery outcomes compared to abstinence-only approaches.
A: Treatment duration varies by individual. Some patients remain on medication for several months, while others continue for years. Research indicates that longer treatment duration generally produces better outcomes. Your physician will work with you to determine the appropriate timeline based on your progress, stability in recovery, and personal goals. There’s no arbitrary deadline—the focus is on what supports your sustained recovery.
A: Yes. One of the advantages of outpatient MAT is that it allows you to continue working, caring for family, and engaging in daily activities. Suboxone, when taken as prescribed, does not impair cognitive function or physical ability. Many patients report improved performance at work and in relationships because they’re no longer consumed by withdrawal symptoms and drug-seeking behavior.
About Pinnacle Wellness Group
Pinnacle Wellness Group operates outpatient Suboxone clinics serving Port Saint Lucie, Okeechobee, and the broader Treasure Coast region. Our medical team specializes in evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder, combining FDA-approved medications with behavioral health support and compassionate care. We are licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families Services and accredited by the Council on Accreditation.
Port Saint Lucie Location:
1680 Southeast Lyngate Drive, Suite #204
Port Saint Lucie, FL 34952
Phone: (772) 222-5411
Hours:
Monday: 9 AM–5 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–7 PM
Wednesday: 8 AM–4 PM
Thursday: 9 AM–5 PM
Friday: 8 AM–4 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Same-day appointments available. Call today to begin your recovery journey.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Opioid use disorder is a serious medical condition that requires professional treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, please contact a qualified healthcare provider or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
