The social and economic impacts of the nation’s current opioid crisis are too great to be fully known. The effects that opioids are having on individual lives, however, can be easily categorized as devastating. Fortunately, Florida drug and alcohol treatment centers are working hard to meet the needs of those struggling with opioid addiction and seeking recovery. From needle exchange programs to a vast range of options in both inpatient and outpatient treatment, these facilities are doing all that they can to mitigate the ravaging effects of these incredibly dangerous and highly addictive substances.
Derived from a synthetic form of opium, opioids have long been used as pain relievers. Due to their incredibly addictive properties, however, many of these substances have opened the door to long-term dependency and drug addiction. Some of the most commonly used opioids are:
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Oxycodone
- Fentanyl
- Demerol
- Tramadol
While many of these products can promote feelings of euphoria and relief, they also leave people with uncontrollable cravings and a host of unpleasant side effects. Moreover, when access to opioids through medical prescriptions is lost, many people go on to seek the same euphoric and pain-relieving properties from street drugs like heroin. Opioid addiction and overdose are becoming increasingly prevalent among communities that have been hardest hit by this crisis. There is also a tremendous toll being taken on these populations by infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis that are increasingly transmitted via intravenous drug use.
How Florida Drug And Alcohol Treatment Centers Are Helping
One of the most challenging parts of quitting opioids is the detoxification and withdrawal process. Due to the way in which these drugs affect the brain, feelings of physical and emotional pain can be greatly heightened as the body rids itself of these substances and relearns how to function without them. One way in which Florida rehab centers are working to support patients in overcoming these early challenges is by offering options in rapid detox. With these services, patients can conduct the vast majority of detoxification under IV sedation, with opioid antagonists being used to expedite the removal opioid substances. As a result, detox can be completed within just four to six hours, and patients can access non-addictive maintenance medications almost right away.
The most common way to deal with opioid addiction is through medication assisted treatment or MAT. This frequently involves the use of drugs like methadone or suboxone that allow patients and their doctors to control the withdrawal process, mitigate some of the longer-lasting symptoms of opioid addiction, and increase the likelihood of positive outcomes. With both MAT and rapid detox, it is important to remember that withdrawal is only one small step in a person’s overall recovery efforts. Many other steps must be taken to address the psychological and emotional aspects of substance use disorder. This is why most drug and alcohol treatment centers within the state of Florida additionally offer group and individual counseling services, case management, skill-building workshops, and more.
Inpatient And Outpatient Treatment
Florida treatment centers also recognize that there’s no single treatment method that’s guaranteed to work well for everyone. As such, there is currently a very diverse range of treatment options that people can choose from. Inpatient programs can last 30 to 90 days and can include detox and withdrawal support, in-house counseling, and goal-setting among other things. These on-campus programs take patients away from their former environments so that they can learn better coping skills, receive treatment for co-occurring disorders, and strengthen their resolve. When necessary, inpatient treatment can span from six months to one full year.
Outpatient treatment is also available for those who want or require greater levels of personal freedom during the recovery process. With these programs, patients can attend group and individual therapy onsite, while returning home during the evenings and weekends. This allows those with mild to moderate substance use disorder to continue spending time with their families and handling their work responsibilities throughout treatment.
Florida Needle Exchange Programs
Florida drug treatment centers also recognize just how difficult it is for people to quit opioids. They understand that numerous individuals try and fail multiple times before finding the best treatment options for their needs. As such, they also have needle exchange programs in place that are designed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by providing intravenous drug users with clean needles. Although access to clean needles does not mitigate all of the detrimental effects of opioid use, these programs have proven incredibly beneficial to both opioid users and their surrounding communities. If you’re ready to take advantage of the amazing support being offered by local drug treatment centers, we can help. Call us today at 844-639-8371.