Drug addiction isn’t a matter of choice or willpower. It’s a complex condition that changes how the brain works and makes it hard to stop using drugs.
In Florida, drug addiction is a common and pressing issue. In 2020, over 6,150 people died due to overdoses linked to fentanyl and fentanyl analogs within the state.
The good news is you can treat drug addiction with the right help and support. Drug rehab is vital for your recovery, giving you the skills and tools to stay sober.
In this article, we’ll explain drug addiction, how to treat it, and how to choose the best drug rehab center in Melbourne, Florida.
Table of Contents
What’s Drug Addiction and How Does it Affect You?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines drug addiction as a persistent and recurring condition wherein a person has an irresistible urge to seek and use drugs despite their negative consequences.
Using drugs repeatedly over time can cause changes in the structure and function of your brain, which include:
- Tolerance development: You’ll need higher doses of the drug to experience the same effects as before
- Dependence development: You’ll experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the drugs or decrease the dose
These changes also affect your brain’s reward system. Drugs hijack this system by artificially stimulating dopamine release in response to drug use. Over time, drug use may lead to the following:
- Weakening of natural rewards: You’ll lose interest in activities that used to bring you joy
- Strengthening of drug cues: You become more sensitive to triggers that remind you of the drug or its effects
- Impairment of self-control: You’ll find it harder to resist your urges to use drugs
These changes make it hard for you to stop using drugs on your own. They also make you vulnerable to relapse even after long periods of abstinence.
Common Types of Drugs Used in Melbourne
Many types of drugs can cause addiction. Some drugs are more addictive and can cause more severe physical or psychological effects. In Melbourne, Florida, some of the most commonly abused drugs include:
- Opioids
- Cocaine
- Benzodiazepines
- Methamphetamine
- Marijuana
Statistics on Drug Addiction in Melbourne
Drug addiction is a widespread problem that affects many people in Brevard County, which includes Melbourne. According to data from the Florida Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- In 2021, there were 304 drug overdose deaths.
- The age-adjusted drug overdose death rate in Brevard country was 54.3 per 100,000 population in 2021.
- The most common drugs involved in overdose deaths in Brevard County were opioids (142 deaths), cocaine (64), benzodiazepines (49), and methamphetamine (40) based on 2017 data.
- In 2017, the highest number of overdose deaths occurred among people aged 35-44 (60 deaths).
- The majority of overdose deaths in 2017 were male (144 deaths), while 68 were female.
What’s Rehabilitation?
Drug rehabilitation, or rehab, covers different types of treatment for people struggling with drug addiction. It involves various forms of therapy and support to help these people address the root cause of their addiction.
The rehab process may vary from person to person, but some common steps include:
- Assessment: The person undergoes an evaluation of their mental and physical health and their drug use history and pattern.
- Detoxification: The person stops using drugs and allows toxins to be flushed out of the body.
- Treatment: The person receives therapy and counseling to address the underlying causes of their addiction.
- Aftercare: The person receives ongoing support to maintain their recovery and prevent relapse.
Types of Drug Rehab Treatments
There are many types of drug rehab treatments but some of the most common include the following:
1. Inpatient Treatment
This treatment involves staying at a residential facility that provides 24/7 care. Besides individual therapy, you may also have holistic therapy that includes activities like yoga and making art.
2. Outpatient Treatment
This is where the person stays at home while attending treatment sessions at a clinic or center a few times a week. This treatment is usually recommended for people with mild to moderate addiction.
3. 12-Step Programs
These programs follow a set of principles and guidelines based on the philosophy of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). They emphasize the importance of admitting your powerlessness over drugs, making amends for past harms, and helping others suffering from addiction.
4. Support Groups
In this type of treatment, a person attends supervised group sessions with others who share the same experiences and challenges with addiction and recovery. These group sessions provide emotional and social support to keep you motivated.
Support groups can be based on different philosophies or principles such as the 12-step program.
How to Choose the Right Rehab Center?
People with drug addiction may have different needs and goals. No single treatment and rehab center will be a good fit for everyone. Finding a rehab center that fits your needs can increase your chances of successful recovery.
Therefore, choosing the right rehab center you should take your time to research different places and compare their features. Here are some factors that can guide your decision:
1. Insurance
Rehab can be costly, so one of the most important practical considerations is whether the rehab center is covered by your insurance. You can contact your insurance company or the center to check with them so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.
2. Types of Treatment Offered
Different rehab centers offer different types of treatment programs and therapies. You should look for a center that offers treatments that align with your needs and goals.
For example, if your addiction is severe, you might benefit from the 24/7 supervision offered by inpatient treatment. On the other hand, if your case is mild to moderate and you prefer a flexible schedule so you can continue to work or study, perhaps outpatient treatment is better for you.
3. Level of Care and Length of Program
Some rehab centers feature programs with a high level of care, that is, having a very structured schedule for your day. Others may have more low-intensity programs with more relaxed and flexible schedules.
Before choosing a center, you should research what the program offers, how intensive the therapy is based on the daily or weekly schedule, and how long you need to stick with the program.
Usually, people with more severe drug addiction will need high-intensity care and longer stays. In contrast, a low-intensity and shorter program can be enough for someone with mild to moderate drug addiction.
Conclusion
Drug rehab is the most effective way to overcome drug addiction. If you or someone you love is struggling with this condition, there’s hope and help available to you. Through rehab, you have the opportunity to escape the grip of addiction and transform your life.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for help today!