Substance Abuse Treatment

Research estimates that approximately 165,000 individuals were living with opioid use disorder from 2017-2019. Commonly abused opioids include Codeine, Hydromorphone, Demerol, and Oxycodone. These medications can be prescribed for individuals in severe pain. Individuals who develop an opioid use disorder can often benefit from a medically supervised detoxification. While some may be able to do this on an outpatient basis, also known as an ambulatory detox, this is more of an exception than the norm. Inpatient rehab programs can help individuals develop the needed foundation for their recovery, including understanding addiction, recovery, relapse prevention skills, and healthy changes they can apply to their lifestyle.

During 2017-2019, it is estimated that approximately 51,000 individuals abused heroin in Florida. Heroin is considered an opioid; however, it is often cut with other substances, including fentanyl and cocaine. Similar to individuals who abuse other opioids, detox programs are often recommended to ensure that there are no complications from the withdrawal process. While there is no singular symptom to be concerned about, the concern lies with the combination of symptoms that can cause severe dehydration. 

South Florida substance abuse treatment programs that can be beneficial include residential rehab programs, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programming, aftercare, and dual-diagnosis treatment. Medication-assisted treatment can provide support to individuals throughout the stages of their recovery. 

There are a variety of prescription drugs that have a high risk for addiction. This includes opioids, benzodiazepines, and sedatives. The combination of opioids and benzodiazepines is a deadly combination as they both slow down our hearts. Benzodiazepines can have dangerous symptoms during detoxification, including panic, hallucinations, and seizures. 

Medical detoxification is often recommended by south Florida substance abuse treatment programs to ensure your safety. Once you have safely detoxed, you can engage in the appropriate level of care for your needs, including both inpatient and outpatient programs.

Cocaine is a stimulant that has previously been used as a local anesthetic. However, medical providers tend to use other medication options due to the risk of addiction associated with cocaine. As an illicit substance, cocaine is often mixed with other white powders, some of which are other drugs. Individuals can unknowingly overdose on cocaine, which we have no reversal medication for at this time. 

Substance abuse treatment centers in South Florida can recommend a variety of treatment programs, including detoxification, inpatient rehab programs, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and aftercare programming.

Methamphetamine is an incredibly powerful amphetamine drug that acts as a stimulant. While meth can be used to treat individuals living with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, more often than not, individuals are abusing meth that was not developed for medical purposes. 

Withdrawal symptoms associated with methamphetamine include depression, anxiety, and tiredness. Medical detoxification programs can provide individuals with support as they work their way through these uncomfortable symptoms. At this time, there are no medications approved by the FDA to use for the treatment of methamphetamine addiction. Effective behavioral therapies for methamphetamine addiction include Cognitive-behavioral therapy, contingency management, and 12-step facilitation therapy.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimated that 770,000 individuals were living with alcohol use disorder from 2017-2019 in Florida. Alcohol use disorder is the most substance abuse disorder in the United States. A piece of this is the accessibility of alcohol and the acceptance of drinking within our culture. Alcohol use disorder can have significant consequences on a person’s life, including health concerns, medical concerns, trouble at work, loss of important relationships, and the development of new or worsening legal concerns. 

Alcohol is an example of a substance associated with dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and death. Because of this, is necessary to stop using alcohol if you have an addiction. Similar to other substances, inpatient and outpatient treatment programs can be effective behavioral therapy approaches for alcohol use disorder treatment. Additionally, medication-assisted treatment can provide you with medications that can help you manage cravings.