Did you know that at any given moment, more than one million Floridians are using illicit drugs? This is just one of the many alarming statistics illustrating how bad Florida’s substance abuse has gotten.
Another one says that Florida is second nationwide regarding overdose deaths. This means even small cities with small populations, like Lake Wales, are experiencing a fair share of drug-related problems.
Fortunately, though, many facilities over there can offer you or anyone in need the support and treatment necessary to beat the addiction.
That’s why today we’ll discuss drug addiction, drug rehab in Lake Wales, FL, and how you can help yourself or a loved one. Let’s start!
Table of Contents
Understanding Drug Addiction
Before we get into any specifics, let’s first discuss drug addiction so you can understand why rehab is vital.
Drug addiction, also known as drug abuse or substance use disorder, is an illness that affects how we behave as people.
Instead of having complete control of your actions, you find yourself leaning toward using substances without being able to stop.
Sadly, we don’t willingly or knowingly fall into drug abuse; it creeps up out of nowhere when you’re “supposedly” having fun. Most people take drugs for recreational purposes and end up getting hooked. Others get addicted due to the mistreatment of a prescription drug.
Drug Problems in Lake Wales, Florida
When it comes to drug abuse in Lake Wales, Florida, there isn’t a lot of precise data available about the prevalence of the problem. However, some signs indicate a potential drug problem in the area.
There were almost 30 individuals arrested for drug trafficking in Lake Wales in the middle of 2021, with others still at large.
When it comes to the state of Florida, it has seen a sharp increase in overdoses associated with fentanyl. Besides opioids, Floridians abuse other drugs, most commonly marijuana, cocaine, and tranquilizers.
Moreover, statistically, around 8% of people in Florida are addicted to one form of drug or another.
In short, there’s a clear drug issue plaguing the entire state, not just Lake Wales and one of the best ways to battle it is rehabilitation.
What Is Drug Rehabilitation?
Drug rehabilitation helps recovering addicts by using medical or psychotherapeutic treatment to get them sober and on the right track.
Among the misconceptions about rehabilitation is that it’s just for the rich and famous or that you should go when you’ve hit rock bottom. Both these beliefs aren’t true.
Some also think you’ll have to go “cold turkey” to detox once you’ve joined a drug rehabilitation facility. Again, this isn’t true.
Rehabilitation is all about getting your health back up and controlling your life no matter where you are in your addiction. That’s why they use a variety of treatments and methods, including the ones below.
The Most Common Types of Drug Rehabilitation
There’s no one-size fits all treatment when it comes to drug rehabilitation. Consequently, talking with a healthcare professional to evaluate your case before deciding on a treatment option is essential.
Among the most common forms of treatment and programs are the following:
1. Detoxification Programs
The first step in getting clean is through the challenging journey of detoxification. While detoxification alone isn’t enough to cure addiction, it’s a necessary step that you must take to kickstart the recovery process.
The main objective of detoxification programs is to control and alleviate the intense physical symptoms that occur once your body is longer exposed to the drug.
In most facilities, the medical staff monitors your vitals and neurological status around the clock to ensure you’re safe, stable, and comfortable.
Most, if not all, of these programs, don’t expect you to “white-knuckle it.” Instead, they medically manage your symptoms until you’re stable enough to handle the rest on your own.
2. Residential Treatment
Also known as inpatient rehab, residential treatment is a program that requires the patient to live in a facility for around one to six months.
While many people consider rehab a last-ditch effort, rehab can help much more the earlier you get in.
This is because rehab involves a strictly-built routine that provides round-the-clock support for the patient. They’ll focus on all aspects of your rehabilitation, including physical, emotional, and mental, 24/7. Hence, it makes the process less challenging early on.
3. Outpatient Programs
Unlike residential treatment, outpatient programs aim to help patients without moving them away from their everyday lives.
This form of treatment isn’t as intense as the previous one, but it’s still as effective. As the name suggests, outpatient programs allow you to continue your school or work without getting admitted to a center for a prolonged period.
You’ll only have to visit the rehabilitation center or clinic for about nine hours every week. Remember, though, that this form of treatment isn’t for everybody.
If you’re still recovering and struggling with staying away from drugs, your medical professional may recommend an inpatient treatment instead.
4. Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
Partial hospitalization programs are a much firmer version of outpatient therapy. This is because they’re built for individuals at risk of relapsing after treatment or who didn’t do well in outpatient programs.
In PHP programs, you’ll have to attend treatment sessions for about four to eight hours daily, up to five days a week.
While PHPs aren’t as flexible as regular outpatient programs, they’re an excellent option for individuals who need strong support in their lives and consistency.
5. Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
IOPs are the middle area between partial hospitalization programs and inpatient programs. This is one of the many treatments that allow the patient to maintain an active lifestyle while receiving all the needed support and care.
Intensive outpatient programs provide patients with medical and psychological help without taking too much time or committing them to a facility.
The perfect patient for this type of treatment usually has a caring home environment to help them stay on track without pressure.
6. Group Counseling
Though this treatment isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, group counseling has proven effective for recovering addicts.
Group counseling or group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves around four to twelve individuals and a therapist. The sessions allow patients to discuss their addiction and what they’ve endured during their recovery journey.
It also helps them bond with other recovering addicts and learn from their experiences with guidance from the therapist.
Initially, group counseling can seem uncomfortable and intimidating, but with the right group and therapist, it can be a safe space that helps you get back on track!
How to Select the Best Rehab Center for You
Picking where you’ll receive the necessary treatment to recover can be an overwhelming task. So, to help make it a little easier for you, here are some factors to consider before choosing a center:
Accreditation and Licensing
One of the first things to look for in a rehab center is their paper. You have to ensure they’re operating under recognized quality and safety standards to guarantee your health.
Examples to look for include papers from the Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
Treatment Methods
As we mentioned above, treatment methods vary significantly from one facility to another. As a result, you’ll need to figure out—hopefully with the help of a professional—what’s best for you and your health condition before making a decision.
Amenities
Let’s say you must stay at a rehab center as a part of your inpatient treatment. Now, how would you feel if this place didn’t have a TV, WiFi, or even a tiny library to help keep you occupied and entertained?
The amenities of your rehab center can help ease the transition, as they make you feel at home by creating a sense of normalcy instead of confinement.
Final Words
So, what did you think of our little guide? Hopefully, you found the information here helpful and informative!
To summarize, choosing any drug rehab in Lake Wales, FL, is a great way to get your life back on track and away from drugs. You’ll find various treatment options, such as inpatient programs, outpatient programs, detoxification, and group counseling.
Each one is perfect for different individuals and their particular needs. Please contact a medical professional for a consultation to find out which is more suitable for you.
