Drug addiction is a serious problem that many people suffer from worldwide. Those who suffer from addiction feel lonely and disconnected from their loved ones. They also find it challenging to find jobs or become active members of society.
Lauderdale Fl is one city in the US where addiction is a common issue. Around 12.5% of Fort Lauderdale’s population, over the age of 12, are illegal drug users.
The first step to recovering from addiction is seeking help. Several facilities offer professional help through rehabilitation programs specifically designed to cure addiction.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of substance abuse and available treatments. If you or someone you love suffers from an addiction problem, rest assured that treatment is possible.
Table of Contents
Understanding Addiction
Addiction is a chronic disease that affects and alters the brain’s motivation and reward circuits. People who suffer from a substance use disorder have a compulsive and psychological need to consume drugs.
Drugs produce a large amount of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain, which creates a sense of pleasure.
As the consumer increases the drug amount, the brain readapts, and the sensitivity to dopamine decreases, leaving the person in need of it.
Each substance will have a different effect on the brain, but an addict will become dependent on whatever drug they consume.
Commonly Consumed Drugs in Fort Lauderdale FL
Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city in Florida known for its beaches and nightlife. Unfortunately, it’s also a city that has a high percentage of drug use and abuse.
Some of the more commonly abused drugs in Fort Lauderdale include:
- Marijuana: The recreational use of Marijuana is illegal in Florida.
- Heroin: Some users use it as an alternative to opioids. Heroin overdose deaths are common in Florida.
- Prescription pain killers: These include opioids such as Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, and Fentanyl.
- Methamphetamine: An addictive stimulant imported from Mexico.
- Cocaine: A popular and widely available drug in Florida due to its trafficking routes from South America.
Drug Addiction Statistics in Fort Lauderdale FL
Drug consumption is rapidly increasing in Fort Lauderdale. There are continuous busts of illegal drug dealers in efforts to decrease the drug problem in this city.
Fort Lauderdale’s population is approximately 6.1 million. The latest survey on drug use, issued by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) stated that 12.5% of the city’s residents used illicit drugs in the month before the study.
The survey also showed that the drug use rates in all of Florida were 14.3%. As such, the difference between drug use in all of Florida and Fort Lauderdale is only 1.8%.
These numbers mean that Fort Lauderdale makes up most of the drug problem in Florida.
The study also showed that 21.3% of Fort Lauderdale’s residents engage in binge drinking, which leads to Alcoholism.
The study also focused on mental health problems that lead to addiction, such as depressive disorder.
It showed that 4.9% of the city’s population experienced a major depressive disorder within the year before the study.
Additionally, 7.8% of the city’s population was diagnosed with a substance use disorder.
Understanding Rehabilitation
So what is rehabilitation, and how does it help? Rehab is a process to help someone with an illness regain control of their life by restoring their mental and emotional abilities.
Rehab can be for people who suffered an injury, disability, illness, or any condition that prevents them from pursuing their daily activities.
Rehab involves medical, psychiatric, and psychological professionals who help the individual through different treatment approaches.
Rehabilitation’s purpose is to enable the person to confront their addiction, gradually break the addiction cycle, and let go of their dependence on the drug.
Rehabilitation also helps people cope with withdrawal symptoms and develop the skills to prevent relapses.
Types of Drug Rehab Treatments
Rehabilitation comes in many forms, and a person can choose the program suitable to their case. Let’s go over some types of drug rehabilitation programs that are available.
1. Detoxification Programs
This is usually the first step in addiction treatment which involves medical support and counseling.
Such programs aim to clear a drug from an addict’s body and start reducing dependence on it. The offered treatment and support will vary depending on the severity of the abused substance.
2. Residential Treatment
Residential treatment (also called inpatient rehab) is a popular drug treatment where the individual stays at the facility for a certain period.
This period is usually between 1 and 3 months, depending on the patient’s needs. During their stay, patients receive individualized and group support and intensive care from professionals.
Residential treatments aim to target mental problems associated with substance abuse and equip the individual with new skills to prevent relapses.
The group support sessions, which are a big part of residential treatment, provide patients with a sense of community and belonging.
3. Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
These are short-term outpatient programs that provide counseling and medical services 4-6 hours a day 5-7 days a week.
While attending PHP, the patient can stay at home, which provides more flexibility than the inpatient programs.
PHP also helps individuals detox from drugs and the coping skills they need to prevent relapses. Some people go to PHP as a transition stage after attending an inpatient program to achieve lasting recovery.
Some people also go to a sober living home after attending the residential treatment if they’re worried about returning home too soon.
How to Select the Right Rehab Center?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a rehabilitation center. The place of choice should suit a person’s individual needs.
Insurance
Rehab centers are typically expensive. So, when choosing to go, it should be aligned with the person’s financial status.
You should check if the rehab center accepts your insurance plan and see how much you’ll have to pay from your own money.
You should also consider what you’ll pay for aftercare services such as outpatient or partial hospitalization.
Types of Treatment Offered
Before going to a rehab center, check the type of treatments they offer and discuss with a therapist if they’re right for you.
A good rehabilitation center should have specialized programs for mental and physical health. You should also check with a doctor if you will need medication-assisted treatment and know the medications you’ll be taking.
Location
If you’ll stay at an inpatient rehabilitation center, then consider the type of setting you’ll be staying in. Would you prefer a rural or urban location?
It would also be a good option if the center is close to your home, especially for aftercare programs as you’ll need to go back and forth.
Resources in Fort Lauderdale FL
If you’re in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and you need information about drug rehabilitation centers, here’s some information that can help you.
- Allure Detox: A drug and alcohol detox center in Palm Beach in West Palm Beach that offers several programs.
- Expertise: This website lists the best alcohol and drug rehab centers in Fort Lauderdale.
- Florida Drug Abuse Hotline: you can call 211 for a toll-free call. They provide 24/7 confidential counseling and referrals to centers.
Conclusion
Choosing to go to rehab is an important decision to make for yourself or for a loved one who is suffering from a substance abuse problem.
Treatment is available in many forms and you can choose the one that is most suitable for you. Some rehab programs require staying at the facility, while others can involve weekly visits.
Therapy is also a big part of treatment in rehabilitation. When choosing a rehab center, some factors to consider are cost, location, and treatment type.
There are several rehabilitation programs and resources available in Fort Lauderdale that offer professional care.
