It’s no secret that Fort Lauderdale has high addiction and overdose rates. People can struggle with addictions to alcohol, prescribed medications, and illicit drugs.
Whether you or your loved one is battling drug addiction, it’s always best to get professional help.
Drug rehabilitation is the first step to the right path. It’s challenging for many people to break free from their addiction without professional help.
Anyone struggling with any type of addiction will benefit from going to rehab. Generally, rehab centers have individualized treatment plans to help patients overcome their addictions.
In today’s article, we’ll talk about drug rehab in Fort Lauderdale FL. We’ll also tell you how to choose the right rehab center. Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Understanding Addiction
Before we tell you about rehab in Fort Lauderdale FL, you need to understand what addiction is. Addiction is not having control over taking, doing, or using something. We commonly associate addiction with drugs, smoking, or alcohol. However, people can get addicted to almost anything.
Of course, some types of addictions are more dangerous than others. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t underestimate any kind of addiction or abuse.
Addiction can affect many aspects of life, including health, career, and relationships.
What Causes Addiction?
Some substances can affect a person’s mental and physical state. They can give a boost of euphoria, which leaves the person wanting more.
When a person becomes addicted, it can be hard to stop. That’s because not having the substance or the action they’re used to can cause withdrawal symptoms.
The withdrawal stage can be tough, and many people can’t take it. So, they do or take what they crave, and the cycle starts all over again.
Common Types of Abused Drugs and Addictions In Fort Lauderdale FL
Fort Lauderdale is close to the ports and has a high population. On top of that, there are a lot of tourists that visit the Sunshine State each year. In 2022, around 137.6 million tourists visited the state.
For these reasons, the city became a target for drug traffickers. Here are some of the common types of abused drugs in Fort Lauderdale FL:
1. Marijuana
The rates of marijuana abuse in Fort Lauderdale have continued to increase for the past few years. In 2016, around 87% of adolescents that entered the Broward County addiction treatment program were abusing marijuana.
Cannabis has been legalized in many states, which has created a false idea among teenagers that it’s okay to consume.
In 2010, around 80% of teenagers agreed that marijuana use was wrong. However, that number is now down to 72.9%.
Although marijuana doesn’t cause physical dependence, it can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when stopped. That includes insomnia, anxiety, depressed mood, loss of appetite, aggression, and irritability.
2. Cocaine, Methamphetamine, and Other Stimulants
Cocaine, methamphetamine, and other stimulant drugs are very popular in Florida, especially in Fort Lauderdale.
Cocaine overdose cases have been increasing. In 2016, there were 2,223 cocaine-related deaths in Florida.
While methamphetamine cases are fairly low in Fort Lauderdale, it’s still a dangerous problem. There were 237 cases of meth-related deaths in Florida in 2016.
Another drug that’s popular among students is Adderall. Some call it the study drug, as students tend to abuse it to study for long periods.
3. Alcohol
Alcoholism is a major issue in Florida. According to Florida Health Chart, in 2019, around 18% of adults engaged in heavy or binge drinking.
In 2016, more than 10,000 people were admitted to treatment centers in Florida for alcohol use. However, this number has been declining at a fast rate. Additionally, alcohol-related deaths have been increasing.
How Drug Rehab Works
Drug rehab is a process in which people work to overcome addiction. The process involves a range of individualized and structured programs designed to help people break free from their addiction.
Achieving sobriety isn’t easy, especially when the addiction is severe. However, with a well-structured plan and guidance from professionals, it can be a much easier process.
All the drug rehab programs work to achieve one goal, which is to help people rebuild their lives after addiction. Rehab programs provide them with all the resources, support, and therapy they need to overcome the tough withdrawal symptoms.
Types of Drug Rehab Treatment Plans
Typically, the rehab center will put personalized plans for each patient. There are many types of drug rehab treatment plans available. Here are some of them:
1. Detoxification Programs
Detoxification programs, also known as detox, are the first step to a successful recovery. The program focuses on relieving withdrawal symptoms and helping the patient have a fresh start in life.
Detox programs can be tailored to each person depending on the type of addiction and its severity. Nonetheless, the main goal of detox is to ease withdrawal symptoms, which usually include anxiety, nausea, muscle or bone pain, and agitation.
In some cases, the rehab center can provide the patient with medications to relieve these symptoms. Furthermore, motivation and mental help are essential parts of detox programs.
2. Outpatient Programs
Outpatient programs allow patients to stay at home. It’s mainly for low-intensity addiction cases. The client will need to be present at the rehab center for a certain number of hours weekly. However, they can continue to live at home and go on with their normal lives.
The treatment schedule depends on the severity of the case. For more severe cases, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) allow them to continue their recovery with an intensive schedule of treatment.
3. Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) are suitable for medium to highly severe cases. Typically, the client will have to attend around four to eight hours of treatment a day while continuing to live at their home.
4. Residential Programs
Residential programs, also known as inpatient programs, provide a treatment plan to the patient in a residential setting. It can last anywhere from one month to a year, depending on the case.
The inpatient programs are suitable for severe cases. Being a resident at the center means the client will receive 24/7 support and counseling through a well-structured treatment plan.
Drug Rehab Aftercare Programs
Recovery from addiction doesn’t stop when the treatment program is over. Aftercare is essential to staying sober and never going back to addiction.
The program typically starts right after the treatment period. You can think of it as a type of continued treatment.
Aftercare programs can significantly decrease the chances of relapses. The programs include:
- Outpatient aftercare treatment: continuing to receive treatment at home
- Group counseling: the patient gets to listen and share their experience in a group setting
- Individual therapy: one on one sessions with a therapist
- 12-step programs: programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide motivation and support
How to Tell if Someone Needs Rehab
Here’s how to tell if someone needs rehab:
1. The Addiction Consumes Their Thoughts
One of the main signs of addiction is when the substance or action becomes the person’s main focus. It simply consumes their thoughts throughout the day.
They’ll spend most of their time thinking about how or when they’ll be doing or abusing the drug again.
2. It Affects Their Health
All substance abuse causes a lot of negative health effects. However, this doesn’t mean you have to wait until symptoms start to appear.
Addiction takes a toll on the body and mind, leading to a wide range of physical and mental symptoms.
3. It’s Causing Problems in Their Life
Addiction can cause problems in a person’s life. Substance abuse can cause interpersonal conflict, which can lead to issues at home and work.
Drugs and alcohol can cause misjudgment. They also can be the cause of accidents and injuries.
4. They Can’t Quit
A drug abuser typically goes through periods of relapse and recovery. If they can’t quit, they need professional help.
Not being able to stop taking drugs or alcohol is a clear sign that the person needs rehab.
Choosing The Right Rehab Center
First, identify the substance or behavior you want to recover from. Second, look for treatment centers that specialize in the same area.
It’s essential to check if the center is licensed to provide addiction treatment. Make sure to check their out testimonials and reviews.
It’s always best to investigate different options. Always feel free to contact the treatment provider to ask them about anything you have in mind.
Does Rehab Work For Everyone?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), professional rehab is the most effective way to treat substance use disorders. That said, you should always do your research and choose a licensed, reputable rehab center.
Wrapping Up
Fort Lauderdale has high addiction and overdose rates. The rates of substance abuse are rising, and drug rehab in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is the most effective way to overcome this problem.
Whether the person is addicted to alcohol, marijuana, or illicit drugs, they’ll receive an individualized treatment plan. Generally, the treatment plan depends on the type of addiction and its severity.
Some cases require outpatient programs, which allow the person to receive treatment while living at home.
On the other hand, severe cases require residential programs for 24/7 monitoring and support. Aftercare is an essential part of recovery. It can show the person how to stay sober.