Florida Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers
Florida is what you would call a Southern coastal paradise; jaw-dropping beaches, tons of tourists, scenic vacation spots. It’s also home to some of the nation’s largest recovery community and most successful rehab centers. If you live in the southeast, or you are looking for some of the best addiction treatment in the country, starting your recovery journey in Florida is worth considering.
Addiction is a Disease
Drug and alcohol addiction is a serious problem; each year millions of Americans are treated for substance-related illnesses. Addiction is medically defined as a disease, yet many people still regard it as a lifestyle merely devoid of discipline and character. The truth is that those who suffer from addiction have chemically-altered cognitive functions that that are beyond simple remedies. It is a challenge that requires medical and psychological initiatives, and if you suffer from it, the first step is understanding that you can't overcome it alone.
Florida Addiction Rehabilitation Options
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says patients should spend at least three months to achieve full recovery. While residential rehab programs have the highest rate of sustained sobriety after treatment, there are outpatient programs that do not require a stay-in care. This option allows one to keep their schedules and use their regular off times to see an addiction professional. Here’s a quick comparison:
24/7 Medical staff. As with every program, detoxification is essential to giving you the best chance at sobriety. As such, it is crucial to be properly monitored at all times during this process. Ridding your body of toxins isn't an easy feat. For residential centers, you can rest assured knowing that you are in great medical hands ready to serve you every step of the way.
If you have a milder addiction, outpatient programs require you to regularly visit your hospital or other medical center for periodic physical and mental evaluation during this phase. These programs invest time in drug abuse education and counseling, and are fantastic options for long-term treatment.
One-on-one vs group. Residential centers provide patients intensive care who aren't yet ready to engage with groups of people. The focus is primarily on you, and you'll enjoy the benefits of working through a program that is custom-tailored. No need to worry about anything else; all you you need to do is focus on recovery.
Outpatient programs give you flexibility; you can maintain all of your responsibilities like work and childcare and still travel recovery road. These types of centers usually only require about 10 to 12 hours of medical treatment every week. It's an option available for those who aren't able to commit to living in a facility exclusively.
Comprehensive wellness. Drug abuse takes a toll on the body, but it doesn’t make who you are. You are more than sum of all your choices. Remember that you are someone special to somebody, whether it is your mother, father, siblings significant other, etc. Despite possibly having other physical or mental disorders, it is who you choose to be that makes you such a powerful force in the lives of others. Hence why residential rehabs make it their mission to build upon your entire well-being.
Outpatient facilities take a similar approach, but use daily or nightly meetings to help you maintain your normal schedules, as well as counsel you individually as best as they can to give you the most optimal outcome.
Florida Alcohol Rehab Centers
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism (NIAA), about 17 million adults ages 18 and older who abuse alcohol, and 1 in 10 children who live in a home with a parent who has a drinking problem.
On the bright side, the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) statistics from 2014 show that Florida’s binge drinking among those aged 12 to 20 was 13.1 percent, compared to 14.7 percent nationally. It is one of the few states where addiction rates are lower than the country’s average.
The first step to identifying whether you have a problem is to take ask yourself some hard questions. Do you end up drinking more than the limit you initially set for yourself on given night? Have you tried to curb your drinking habits, but find it incredibly challenging? Have nearly uncontrollable cravings? Put off important duties? Continue to drink even though it causes you emotional strife?
If you identify with any of these, you may have alcohol use disorder (AUD) and may need treatment.
Treatment Options: Alcoholism
Alcohol rehab centers treat alcoholism in numerous ways. Detoxification is typically the first step with most treatments as it rids the body of alcohol and other harmful toxins through a carefully-monitored process exacted by medical professionals.
Residential treatment programs require your full stay at a rehab facility during your recovery, as opposed to outpatient programs which allot you more freedom. You have the liberty of remaining at home with family and friends, and you can continue working as schedule. You can also spend time with children and maintain other activities in between your sessions.
Medication for Alcoholism
In conjunction with your treatment, you will likely receive medications to help stave off your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, you may need meds that induce an aversion to alcohol altogether.
Acamprosate reduces your alcohol cravings and symptoms during withdrawal. Naltrexone reduces cravings for alcohol a la carte, and Disulfiram, which contains chemicals that inflict headaches, nausea or vomiting onto the user when he/she consumes alcohol. This medication is used primarily in extreme cases where alcohol consumption is compulsive and beyond simpler methods
Florida Drug Rehab Centers
Drug use and alcohol use are similar when it comes to substance abuse, however key differences between them remain, such as availability. Alcohol is a non-prescription drug that is technically “over the counter,” so the common consensus is that it is not as harmful as narcotics.
In truth, this couldn’t be any less accurate. Both substances poison the body, and can have dreadful long-term effects if left unchecked.
Treatment Options: Drug Addiction
Those who have used drugs for an extended period of time, or in large quantities, a residential treatment program can help provide the “time out” needed to let your body detox. In these types of treatment programs, you will be able to safely detox in a controlled, medically-supervised environment and gain new coping and prevention strategies.
These newfound skills prepare you for a community-based, outpatient environment, which is helpful for those who don't require medical detoxification or round-the-clock supervision. Structure-wise, these facilities vary but in most cases you can expect group therapy sessions, individual counseling, psychotherapy and relapse prevention planning.
Florida Mental Health Rehab Centers
Substance abuse and mental health go hand-in-hand, which is why dual diagnosis is such an important factor in full-fledged recovery. It’s not always easy identifying which problem is more imminent – your mental health condition or substance use disorder. A dual diagnosis program examines both at the same time, giving you the best chance at completely restoring your health.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), patients who struggle with co-developed mental disorders have better result when when they enroll dual diagnosis treatment programs.
Treatment Options: Co-occurring Disorders
While in these types of programs, you will undergo treatment programs for your mental health along with substance use. This ranges from dual diagnosis therapy to recovery groups, along with family programs, individual counseling, and other therapeutic services.
If you've been formally diagnosed with a mental health condition and are seeking treatment for substance use disorder, you'll need to make an appointment with a mental health rehab or alcohol and drug counselor to discuss your recovery goals and mental health history to determine what next step is right for you and your recovery.
Affordable Florida Rehab Centers
Just like any treatment program, the cost of a rehab treatment will vary based on the amount of hours you're recommended to complete. Other factors include amenities, insurance funding and the type of program itself.
Before you get started, it's important to talk with your treatment center about payment plans or other options they may have available. Some residential treatment programs are covered by insurance or by a state's consolidated fund, while others require either a partial or full out-of-pocket payment. Inquire about insurance, statewide consolidated funds, or a scholarship program for free or subsidized treatment.
No matter which option you choose, you will be among others learning to cope from drug and alcohol addiction as well. And it is this sort of community that not only helps you overcome loneliness and isolation, but make wiser choices when it comes to your circle of friends.
