Addiction is a disease that doesn’t discriminate; anyone can become addicted. No matter what age, religion, ethnicity, or race you are, addiction can cause many life-threatening issues and problems. Addiction continues to impact people across the nation, even in South Florida. However, with the help of treatment centers in South Florida, you or a loved one can overcome addiction in the end.
South Florida is where some of the best West Palm Beach rehab centers are located. If you or a loved one is living in the South Florida area and is struggling with addiction, now is the time to get help. There are many treatment centers in South Florida such as Intrepid Detox that can help you start your journey towards a better life. Getting help from a South Florida rehab center you can trust is essential to breaking free of addiction.
South Florida Substance Abuse Statistics
South Florida in particular has been dealing with an opioid epidemic for the last several years. There was a time when someone could get substances from a pill mill. While these mills have been shut down, the opioid epidemic continues to be a problem in the South Florida area.
In 2018, there were a reported 4,689 overdose-related deaths — almost 68% of these were connected to opioids. Additionally, there were more than 46,000 opioid overdose deaths in 2018, this is close to 70% of all overdose deaths. These numbers paint a concerning picture, and they only continue to rise as time goes on.
Deaths related to synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) remained constant in 2018 with about 2,019 deaths. Prescription drugs have also continued to be a dangerous gateway towards other drugs like heroin. In 2016, about 571 Palm Beach County residents died from a heroin overdose; this was a massive spike from the previous year. With this in mind, many treatment centers in South Florida can help you overcome addiction.
A Closer Look at Addiction
Drug addiction is a chronic disease that affects thousands of Floridians and Americans every year. Addiction is characterized as uncontrollable cravings to use a substance or drink alcohol, even if it causes harm. These cravings can be tough to control and can create rippling effects on a person’s life and wellbeing. Drugs tend to change the chemistry in the brain and can make it extremely hard to break the chain of addiction. These changes in the brain can be so impactful and constant that many see addiction as a “relapsing” disease. Unfortunately, many of those who get treatment end up relapsing shortly after. With this in mind, it’s possible to stay sober and clean with the right practices and help from treatment centers in South Florida.
Taking a closer look at how drugs affect the brain, much of the process starts in the brain’s reward and pleasure system. Some drugs like heroin can create a euphoric effect in the brain by flooding the brain with dopamine. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter in the brain that impacts pleasure. Once your brain has been accustomed to this feel the person will feel cravings to repeat this behavior. Ultimately, this can end up being what causes addiction.
Dependence vs. Addiction
While the two may be linked, there is a difference between dependence and addiction. Dependence occurs when a person feels specific withdrawal symptoms when not using/drink – all while building a tolerance to the drug. Addiction, on the other hand, is the behavior that occurs when you become hooked on a drug. It is possible to be dependent on a drug without being addicted. However, dependence usually leads to addiction in the process.
The Importance of Getting Help from Treatment Centers in South Florida
Addiction can be a problematic and stressful situation for everyone involved, this is why it’s essential to get professional help. Many people don’t realize that the longer you wait, the worse the effects of addiction become. In South Florida, there are many different treatment options available to you and your loved ones. Intrepid Detox Residential is among the best rehabs in Florida and we’re ready to help you today. Overcoming addiction is most successful under the help and supervision of professionals. 
In South Florida, it’s important to be informed about all the possible treatment options available to you. No two cases of addiction are the same so knowing what may work better for you can go a long way during the recovery process. The recovery process will always include an evaluation stage to see where you are at with your addiction and to determine any other underlying conditions along the way. No matter what treatment option works better for you, it is essential to reach out for help sooner than later.
Common Types of Addiction Treatment in Florida
No matter where you might live, there is always a rehab center or facility ready to help – South Florida is no exception. Everyone’s journey will be different and being informed about the different types of treatment can be very beneficial when it’s time to get help. Let’s take a look at some of the most common addiction treatment methods in South Florida
Detoxification
Medical detox is usually the first step towards a person’s recovery. It is a process that helps remove the toxic substances from the person’s body, particularly alcohol and drugs. Detoxification also helps reduce some of the withdrawal symptoms of addiction. Medical detox is always preferred because detoxing alone without professional supervision can be potentially dangerous and unpredictable.
Detoxification is always the first step to a person’s addiction journey. It helps a person overcome some of the withdrawal symptoms so they can focus on specialized therapy and support. Many treatment centers in South Florida specialize in detoxification services. No matter what happens, it’s all about taking that first step towards sobriety.
Inpatient/Residential Treatment
Inpatient treatment (also referred to as residential treatment) is considered the complete and intensive version of the treatment. During this treatment, a person stays at a rehab center for a period of time; this could be a few days to a few months. While at these rehab centers, a person can get 24/7 support and guidance from qualified staff. No matter the time of day, there is always someone to help.
This is one of the most beneficial types of treatment and is usually the next step after detox in many cases. Those who struggle with intense cases of addiction almost always go through inpatient treatment. Residential treatment offers the best chance for long-term sobriety and an effective journey.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment is another commonly used form of addiction treatment across many treatment centers in South Florida. This differs from inpatient treatment in that a person does not live at the center. Instead, the person attends weekly therapy sessions (typically three to five times a week).
This allows an extra layer of flexibility in a person’s life as they’re able to maintain their job, school work, and other responsibilities while continuing to recover. With this in mind, if you or a loved one is dealing with a more severe addiction, an outpatient may not be recommended. Since you only visit every week, that extra layer of 24/7 support isn’t there, which can be problematic if certain emotions or cravings come up.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)
Intensive outpatient is a notch higher than regular outpatient treatment. As the name suggests, IOP has a person attending more frequent sessions and is a bit more restrictive. IOP usually involves about 10 to 12 hours of sessions a week, with meetings ranging four to five times a week. Many people find this to be a good medium between comprehensive support with freedom back at home. Some of the best rehabs in Florida offer inpatient, outpatient, and IOP for their clients.
Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
Partial hospitalization has the most restrictions out of all outpatient programs. A person spends the majority of their time in the treatment center while living in a sober home. PHP can be very effective in many cases of drug addiction but it may not be for everyone.
Therapy
Therapy is one of the most important parts of addiction treatment. No matter what type of treatment you go with, therapy will be part of the process. While detox helps the physical symptoms of addiction, its therapy focuses on the mental/behavioral side of addiction. Addiction can change how a person thinks and behaves. With individual, group, or family therapy, a person can learn to cope with these feelings and change their thoughts for the better.
Some of the most common forms of therapy for addiction include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Family therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Support groups
- Group therapy
Whether you are looking towards west palm beach rehab centers or anywhere in Florida, you will find a variety of therapy options available to you. Therapy continues to be necessary for becoming clean and sober for years to come.
Why is South Florida A Great Place for Treatment?
One of the great things about Florida is the warm and beautiful weather that surrounds the state. One of the most relaxing things you can do is sit by the beach and take in nature. Many people look at South Florida as a gateway to paradise. Having a calming and beautiful ocean right by your side can make addiction treatment more manageable and relaxing. Your environment and surroundings can make a huge difference during recovery. This is why South Florida continues to be a hotspot for those looking to turn their lives around for the better. Plus you can find some of the best rehabs in Florida without looking too far.
Begin Recovery Today in South Florida
At Intrepid Detox, we are ready to help you overcome your addiction with some of the best staff in South Florida. We understand how problematic and hopeless addiction can be, but it’s never too late to turn things around. Let us help you towards a better life, one worth living. At one of the best treatment centers in South Florida, it’s time to start your journey today. Contact us now to find out how you can overcome addiction and start living the best life possible.