Substance abuse is a global concern. It’s a problem that affects many parts of the world, and Florida is no exception. Millions of Floridians have serious substance abuse problems. Some are dependent on alcohol, while others are abusing drugs like opioids, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
In 2011, it was reported that around 8 percent of Floridians used illicit drugs—this is close to the national average. And as we take a look at the size of this state’s population, we begin to realize just how widespread this problem is. Around 1.5 million Floridians used illegal drugs that year.
And while it’s concerning that all these people took drugs during a single year, wait ‘til you find out how many of them are actually dealing with addiction. In 2013 and 2014, around 410,000 Floridians were reported to be dependent on illicit substances.
Today we will talk about everything you need to know about alcohol rehab and drug rehab in Miami: what to expect, why it is necessary, and what you can do to get sober again. Whether you are struggling with addiction or know someone who is, it’s important to have all this information, so that you know exactly what to do.
Addiction is a disease that can be treated. Getting informed is the first step in overcoming it. For starters, you should know that the drug problem is still getting worse each year. Alcohol counts as one of the substances that are most commonly abused. Among drugs, you may be surprised to know that illegal drugs like meth aren’t as widely abused as prescription medications.
Prescription painkillers are widely abused because they produce euphoric effects while also providing pain relief. They are prescribed for people suffering from moderate to severe pain. And while they are definitely beneficial when used correctly, they can also be addictive because of their ability to induce feelings of well-being.
The fact that alcohol and prescription opioids are so easy to obtain makes them very popular among recreational users.
To offer you a bit of perspective: 2,578 individuals from Florida died within the first half of the year 2010 while having one or more prescription drug in their system. 49 percent of these people died due to prescription drug abuse. That’s 1,268 individuals. They may have overdosed, they may have suffered from other adverse effects, or they may have taken it alongside other substances. The truth is that these medications can be deadly when taken in large doses or used recreationally.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes alcohol such a deadly substance to abuse. But before that, let’s face it: deep down, we already know alcohol shouldn’t be abused or taken excessively. We’ve heard the stories; we’ve seen it with our own eyes. You’ve seen news stories of people dying from accidents ‘cause they were drunk driving. You probably know someone whose life was ruined because of alcoholism. We all know it’s not right.
But many people still get addicted to alcoholic drinks. So what exactly is alcoholism?
This is the most severe form of alcohol abuse. It’s when someone becomes unable to manage their own drinking habits. Commonly referred to as alcohol use disorder, alcoholism can be categorized into three types: mild, moderate, or severe. Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of a person’s alcoholism.
An alcoholic may feel as though they cannot function normally without drinking alcohol. This is very similar to how drug dependence works. Alcoholism is like becoming physically dependent on alcohol. Left, untreated, it can easily spiral out of control.
There are certain warning signs to look out for if you think someone you care about is becoming an alcoholic.
You’ll notice that the person is drinking in the middle of the day, or drinking on their own. Some will try to hide their drinking habits out of shame or fear of judgment. Some will be more open about it, leading others to believe that their drinking habits are purely social or recreational in nature instead of being a serious condition.
The person may begin to lose interest in their own hobbies, and other activities they used to enjoy. They may lose sight of their professional goals, their interpersonal relationships, and even their own health. Just like a drug addict would seek out their drug of choice, an alcoholic will seek out their choice of drink, be it vodka, wine, beer, or any other alcoholic beverage.
But the most obvious sign of alcoholism is the inability to control their alcohol consumption. They will crave for alcohol when they are not drinking, and they will prioritize it over everything else. They may neglect their responsibilities, feeling that they need to keep drinking.
Serious side effects of consistent alcohol use will worsen over time. Complications may arise. Alcoholism can take a toll in someone’s life. It can even take a person’s life entirely. It is estimated that 88,000 people die every year from alcohol-related causes. It is the fourth leading preventable cause of death in the US.
There are many different reasons why people drink—and drink ‘til they’re addicted. It’s different for everyone, but there are a couple of common reasons that increase the risk of alcohol abuse. Sometimes it’s due to stress, sometimes it’s genetic, sometimes it’s because of their environment, and sometimes it’s a combination of those things.
Death of a loved one, job loss, and other major changes in a person’s life can trigger long-term alcohol abuse. Some people drink simply to feel good or overcome anxiety.
Needless to say that health complications will arise regardless of the reason for abusing alcohol.
Short term adverse effects include slow reaction time, poor reflexes, reduced brain activity, blurry vision, respiratory depression, and restlessness. But alcoholism also has long term health effects like liver disease, heart problems, vision damage, bone loss, and increased risk of cancer.
In Miami, alcohol is reportedly the most commonly abused substance.
Drug addiction is very similar to alcoholism. It is the obsessive and repeated use of dangerous amounts of drugs. Drug abuse often leads to tolerance, dependence, addiction and withdrawal. Not necessarily in that order, but these are the most common effects.
Tolerance is when a person has consumed so much of a certain drug that they have to take larger doses to receive the same effects.
Dependence is when a person cannot function normally when the drug of choice is not taken. This happens because the body has adapted to the drug’s presence, and now requires it so that the person can “feel normal”.
Addiction is when a person continuously takes their drug of choice, even when they are already suffering from its adverse effects. They feel compelled to keep taking it because of intense cravings. A person who is dependent or addicted to a certain drug may experience withdrawal when they stop taking it for any reason.
Withdrawal is the body’s reaction to the drug’s absence, especially after a long period of abuse. It may range from mild discomfort to major health complications. This is why it is oftentimes dangerous to try and quit a drug on your own.
These are just the physical aspects of addiction. However, addiction also affects a person mentally, emotionally, and even socially. Psychological effects of addiction may prevent them from seeking treatment.
Addiction also hurts the people around the addicted person. Drug abuse can create rifts between friends, family members, and lovers. Marriages can fall apart, jobs can be lost, and reputations can be damaged. These are some of the social effects of addiction.
And when it all comes together, addiction can easily overwhelm a person, making them feel like there’s nothing else they can do but keep taking the drug. They’ll escape from this reality by resorting to fake euphoria. They’ll snort cocaine, they’ll inject opioids directly into their bloodstream, and they’ll do whatever it takes to feel good again.
What they don’t realize is that their “solution” is actually their biggest problem.
Drug abuse may cause psychological effects like mood swings, anxiety, paranoia, confusion, and lack of motivation. An addicted person may even become violent. In rare cases, they may hallucinate vividly and become unresponsive.
Physical effects of addiction include vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, lung cancer, breathing problems, heart attack, seizures, stroke, and brain damage.
Adverse effects vary depending on the drug being used.
Similar to alcohol, there are a number of reasons why people might start abusing a drug. Some do it to cope with stress or pain. Some people get started because their friends are doing drugs. Some people believe it will help them perform better at work or at school.
Some people are abusing drugs because they misused their prescription, and found that their medications can make them feel euphoric.
There’s a genetic component to it, and there’s also an environmental factor. But whatever started the problem, it is important to make sure that the end result is a positive one: taking back their sobriety.
Many addicted people get started by abusing prescription drugs, and then moving on to more potent illicit drugs like heroin. In Miami-Dade County, deaths caused by heroin abuse jumped to 120 percent in 2013 from 33 percent in 2012.
This is an epidemic that must be addressed. But for the individual who is struggling with addiction, they must focus on winning this personal battle against substance abuse.
Fortunately, there is a way to recover from addiction, and it is through drug rehab. There are several stages in this addiction recovery process, and you can expect that each stage is going to be a challenge.
If you’re not sure what else to expect, then you’ve come to the right place. That’s exactly what we’re going to discuss here. This way, you can understand what your loved one is going through.
An addicted individual may not be fully prepared for the process of rehabilitation. After all, drug abuse is a hard habit to break, especially if you’re already addicted. But it’s not just a habit—it’s a disease, so you’re gonna have to approach it in a medical way if you want to fix the problem.
The first step is to look for a drug rehabilitation program that’s right for the patient. Expect this part to be very personal, because this is where the patient is supposed to share information regarding their substance use history, their drug habits, and other problems they might be experiencing that led to the addiction. Family history may come into play. This is the part of the treatment process wherein the solution to their drug addiction is being formulated.
Everybody experiences addiction in a different way. Adverse health effects will vary from person to person. Psychological effects will also vary. Their relationships and how they interact with the people around them—all of this will dictate what type of treatment is suitable for them.
Treatment methods may vary depending on the person’s drug of choice, the frequency of intake, the dosage taken, their age, their gender, their body weight, their co-occurring disorders, their symptoms, and their health condition. These are just some of the factors that might be considered. Everyone is different, so expect rehab to be a very personal affair.
The addicted individual can expect a period of medical detoxing. As the drug leaves the body, traces may be left in the system. It could even cause severe withdrawal. The process of detox makes it safer for the patient to go for longer periods without the need for the drug. Their dependency will be addressed gradually.
This is often done with the help of medications like buprenorphine, suboxone, and methadone. This process has to be done under close supervision of medical professionals.
After the detox, rehabilitation and behavioral therapy often follow. The patient may go through therapy sessions and counseling to help manage the emotional aspect of addiction. The patient should be as open and honest as possible, so that the underlying causes of drug use can be identified. It’s the only way professionals could offer helpful advice.
Treatment may be done as an inpatient or outpatient program, depending on the situation. For those with severe conditions, inpatient treatment may be necessary to make sure the person recovers safely. Outpatient or partial hospitalization is only for those with less severe addiction, and those that cannot leave behind their usual duties.
Rehabilitation has the simple goal of preventing relapse by teaching the patient how to live a sober life post-addiction.
If you are looking for drug treatment for your loved one, there are plenty of rehab facilities in Miami that provide all kinds of treatment. The same goes for alcohol addiction treatment. Alcoholism is treated in the same way. Look for a rehab facility near you today!
Now we’re going to elaborate on the process of medical detox. Why it is important, and how it works.
Once a treatment plan is made for the patient’s specific condition, medical detox or drug detox is the next step. It is an essential part of any comprehensive rehabilitation program as it deals with the physical effects of addiction. At the same time, it helps lower the influence that the drug has over the person.
This means the person’s cravings and symptoms will be tackled using this handy method. Medical detox involves gradually lowering a person’s drug intake until they are no longer dependent. It prevents the unpleasant—and sometimes fatal—consequences of withdrawal.
An addicted person who suddenly ceases their drug intake will go into withdrawal, and it will only force them to relapse. So you can’t just abstain from drugs if you’re already addicted. You need to follow this process. It will help stabilize the patient’s condition too.
Factors that influence withdrawal include: length of addiction, drugs abused (including substances like alcohol), dosage taken, co-occurring disorders (both physical and mental), and the drug’s half-life. It is important to note that certain drugs are dangerous when taken with alcohol.
Withdrawal can take the form of mood disturbances, sleep disturbances, cravings, and adverse health effects (tremors, chills, flu-like symptoms, etc). Medical detox helps relieve the patient’s discomfort.
Eventually, their body will adapt to the drug’s absence and withdrawal will become less intense.
Drug detoxification will last as long as withdrawal symptoms persist. It will also continue until the body has completely stabilized physically and mentally. Successful medical detox means that the person has stopped taking addictive substances, and can live a sober life without suffering from withdrawal or dealing with cravings.
Drug detox is also the initial step that helps the patient adjust to the drug-free lifestyle. It helps them prepare mentally for the work that lies ahead in therapy and counseling. Do take note that sometimes these treatments go hand in hand—sometimes they are done at the same time. Detox can be done in between therapy sessions and vice-versa.
Medications are used in the process of drug detox. And in some cases, antidepressant medications or antipsychotics are also used to address mental health disorders. Depression, for example, is a very common symptom for those struggling with addiction. Other addicted individuals may even get plagued with suicidal thoughts. Mental health effects may vary according to the drug that was abused.
People with psychiatric issues can benefit from antidepressants and antipsychotics.
We should note that some patients may take a longer time to recover than others. Some won’t successfully complete detox on their first try. Others even get addicted to the medications that are being used to treat them. It can be frustrating. But remember that it’s not a race.
Relapse may seem constant and unavoidable, but the only way to change for the better is to keep trying.
Detox alone isn’t a complete treatment for any type of addiction. Alcoholism can’t be treated with it alone, as addiction has a psychological and behavioral aspect to it. That’s why behavioral therapy is necessary.
Behavioral therapy can help address existing psychological issues caused by grief, trauma, stress, and major life changes. People going through divorce, loss of employment, depression, and similar life experiences are more likely to indulge in addictive behavior such as drinking and taking drugs.
These issues have to be resolved. It’s not enough to just flush the toxins out of the patient’s body. The problems that caused the addiction must also be dealt with.
Behavioral therapy may come in the form of counseling, group therapy, personal therapy, family therapy, and addiction education. These are only some of the most common examples.
Personal therapy can help a patient work on the underlying issues that caused their addictive behavior. Family therapy lets other family members get involved and offer their support. Family therapy is necessary if the problem stems from the home environment. Problems at home can lead to addiction. And resolving these issues can increase the chances of success.
Educational classes covering addiction and its effects can help patients get motivated and avoid relapse. Drugs and alcohol can harm the body in many different ways—it’s good to know exactly how.
Some rehab facilities teach life skills in order to take the patient’s mind off of their struggle. It also gives them new skills that they can use once they are out of rehab. It teaches them the value of responsibility, and why they should strive for positive changes.
All of these different techniques are aimed at preventing relapse. Rehab centers may have different programs available. Find one that is suitable for your loved one’s condition. Couples therapy, for example, is available for people who want to strengthen or protect their relationship or marriage in the midst of addiction.
There are several benefits to receiving addiction treatment and behavioral therapy. Psychiatric care is the primary reason it is necessary. It can provide assistance for those with anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and other mental health disorders.
Aftercare can also be planned during behavioral therapy. This is the part where the patient has completed their treatment program, and is ready to live a sober life once again. Aftercare is all about maintaining sobriety after the rehab program.
This is not something that has a simple, straight answer. Just like medical detox, a variety of factors could affect the patient’s length of treatment. Recovery programs differ because care is often personalized to suit the addicted individual.
We can say that most rehab programs range from 28 days to 90 days. It depends on the patient’s needs and their desired results. There are shorter programs for less severe conditions, and longer programs for those that require plenty of time to heal.
Outpatient programs are quite flexible in terms of scheduling, and that’s the beauty of it. However, it is only recommended for those who have the willpower to avoid their cravings and maintain sobriety even without constant medical attention. This means it’s only for those who have mild addiction.
Longer treatment, of course, means higher success rates. For those with severe addiction, longer treatment is necessary. There are 28-day programs, there are 60-day programs, and even 90-day programs. For those who need long term recovery, it can last 120 days and beyond.
Outpatient treatment is effective when the individual participates for 90 days or more. To increase the chances of maintaining sobriety, longer programs are recommended.
This is another thing that varies from one rehab center to another; depending on the severity of a patient’s condition, as well as a few other factors. There are free programs, and there are programs that cost thousands of dollars a day. One factor to consider is your budget. There’s surely a rehab facility that provides assistance for drug abuse no matter what your budget is.
Treatment is accessible for anyone who knows what resources can help them. Many rehabs offer financial aid. They also accept insurance and offer different financing options. Most patients go for insurance when paying for rehab. The amount covered by insurance depends on the insurer and what the health provider accepts.
Medicaid, Medicare, State-financed health insurance, military insurance, and private insurance are some of the types of insurance that may cover addiction care.
If you don’t have insurance, you can check out what financing options they are offering. Financing can help those with low income. Financing may be better than free rehabs because the latter sometimes suffers from lack of funds and waiting lists.
You have to view this as an investment towards your or your loved one’s future. It will pay off eventually because the patient’s quality of life is restored. And come to think of it, addiction costs your family so much more than addiction treatment ever will. Recovered addicts tend to save more because they are no longer spending money on drugs or alcohol.
The type of treatment and the type of rehab may change the total cost. It depends on the amenities being offered. Outpatient detox ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 total.
Inpatient rehab is definitely more expensive, considering its intensive approach to recovery and higher success rate. Substances with dangerous side effects may require more careful monitoring, which increases the total price.
30-day inpatient programs may cost around $6,000. For well-known centers, the cost can go up to $20,000 for a 30-day inpatient program. 60- and 90-day programs could range anywhere from $12,000 to $60,000
Private insurance may cost more than public insurance, but at least they cover a comprehensive array of healthcare options. It will depend on your insurance provider, but sometimes they do cover addiction treatment.
Private insurance refers to any health insurance plans that are paid for by an employer or an individual person, and is not subsidized by the federal government (including its agencies). Private insurance may give you more options.
This type of rehab may also pay a significant portion of the treatment cost. This is a factor of your deductible. You will have to talk to your insurance provider to see what kinds of treatment they cover and how much they can cover.
Sometimes they can even cover high-end alcohol rehab or luxury drug rehab. But it depends on the insurance provider. So before you enter into any drug or alcohol rehab program, you need to confirm if it is covered by your insurance.
So what about luxury rehab? What can one expect from a high-end drug rehab in Miami? Well, there really isn’t much of a difference from other luxury treatment centers: they all offer a holistic approach to the traditional drug rehab process.
It is exactly what it sounds like: luxurious. If you prefer lounging by the pool and sleeping in a beautiful executive suite, then this might be the kind of treatment for you!
Luxury rehab still takes addiction treatment very seriously. But it also lets you relax and keep your mind off of your problems for a little bit. They offer the finest amenities and topnotch service to make your investment worth it—because you will invest quite a lot for this type of rehab. It is luxury treatment, after all.
Luxury rehab facilities often offer less conventional methods of therapy. They approach medical detox the same way conventional rehabs do. But when it comes to behavioral therapy, their methods are unusual. They may offer art therapy, music therapy, hypnotherapy, equine therapy, acupuncture, and many other treatment styles you’ve never even considered.
You can expect them to provide the best dining experience during your stay. They either have the food catered or hire in-house chefs to provide healthy meals for everyone.
Privacy is prioritized in luxury rehab. Some centers will offer private suites, while others have shared suites. Most luxury centers will feature a combination of the two. That’s because some patients value their alone time while others like having a roommate.
In a luxury rehab, the environment creates a healthy space for the patient to breathe, relax, and even enjoy the recovery process. They can take in the beautiful landscape, water features, and spa-like amenities as they make their reclaim their sober lifestyle.
It doesn’t matter where you are: there’s a rehab center that’s right for you. Start your journey towards recovery today!