Addiction is a major problem in the U.S., affecting both abusers and nearly everyone around them, often with fatal consequences. Something has to change. And some things are changing – for the better, at least for patients at Florida Addiction and Recovery, an addiction treatment and drug treatment center in Fort Lauderdale. The good news is that addiction is treatable, but without help, addiction can last a lifetime. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol and drug dependency, call us. We’re here for you. Our doors are always open.

Our Full-Service Addiction Treatment and Drug Treatment Center is One of the Best in the Country

It seems that we’re all worried about the current state of affairs on our war on drugs, which continually dominates the news cycles. But how concerned are we about addiction on the drug front? New data from the Pew Research Center says as fatal overdoses rise, many of us see drug addictions as a major problem in our community. And it doesn’t matter whether we live in an urban, suburban or rural area, we’re all concerned.

Addiction Treatment and the Method Used are Crucial

It seems no one is immune and there are many connective links with addiction. Here at Florida Addiction and Recovery, we cater to what’s called “dual diagnosis“ in individuals looking to overcome substance dependency and lead clean lives. When someone has a dual diagnosis, which is very common, this means that in addition to having a mental condition, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia – just to name a few, they also have a substance abuse or dependency problem, say with alcohol or drugs. Substance abuse can lead to mental illness and vice-versa. As we explain more in detail later in this article, dual diagnosis cases require extra care and treatment because each disease requires its treatment plan.

Definition of Drug/Alcohol Abuse

But before diving into the intricacies of drug/alcohol addiction, let’s first define addiction.

“Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease defined by a physical and psychological dependence on drugs, alcohol or a behavior. When an addictive disorder has formed, a person will pursue their toxic habits despite putting themselves or others in harm’s way.”

SOURCE: Addiction Center 

Addiction typically starts with that first taste of alcohol or drugs. You enjoy it and want more. And then more. And then more. And before you know it, you’re addicted. And now you need to continue consuming to avoid the symptoms of withdrawal, which can be very uncomfortable. You’re in a black hole, with seemingly no way of getting out. Seemingly.

Excessive substance abuse affects many parts of the body – such as heart or lungs, but the organ most impacted is the brain. When a person consumes a substance such as drugs or alcohol, it changes the brain’s structure and how it works. The substances flood the brain with a chemical called dopamine, which produces a feeling of pleasure. Naturally, we want to continue to chase that feeling, which can lead to addiction.

Drug/Alcohol Addiction Is Widespread with Devastating Consequences

According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the U.S., impacting 17.6 million people. That’s one in every 12 adults, who suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence. Millions of us are engaging in risky, binge drinking patterns that could lead to alcohol problems.

And then there’s the powerful drug addiction, which seems to be upstaging alcohol addiction these days. We are in the throes of a dangerous, nationwide opioid epidemic. Opioids are a class of narcotic, painkilling drugs produced from opium or made synthetically. Opioids are frequently used as medicines because they contain chemicals that relax the body, along with relieving pain. Prescription opioids are used mostly to treat moderate to severe pain. This class of drugs includes, among others:

• Heroin (illegal drug)
• Morphine
• Codeine
• Methadone
• Oxycodone (OxyContin)
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin)

Unfortunately, the opioid epidemic shows no signs of slowing down, and to the contrary, it’s getting worse. Just last year (2017), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the opioid crisis as a public health emergency. It has devastating consequences. The numbers from 2016, the most recent year for which full data are available, are numbing. And by the way, these numbers were up 21% from the previous year, and the 2017 numbers are expected to be even higher. Here are some findings from 2016:

• 116 people died every day in the U.S. of an opioid overdose.
• More than 42,000 people died from opioid overdoses.
• 11.5(M) people misused prescription opioids.
• Urban, suburban, and rural counties experienced significant rising numbers of deadly drug overdoses
• Suburban counties had the most overall drug overdose deaths
• White, blacks, and Hispanics all experienced sharp increases in drug overdose deaths; blacks were especially hit hard

SOURCE: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-2016

And the blame-game as to who is part of the problem with drug addictions, is widespread, with many more people pointing the finger at the pharmaceutical industry. State, local and tribal governments across the country are filing suits against pharmaceutical companies.

Many Different Issues Can Lead to Addiction

So, what’s at the core of the current addiction epidemic? What’s happening in our society? We know life can be tough, and many of us reach for alcohol or drugs to help relieve stress or help numb our pain, both physical and emotional. But even outside of that stress, there are other significant contributors, some of which have been with us since from the beginning. For example, the Mayo Clinic says drinking at an early age increases your chances of major issues later on in life. Here are some more causes of addiction:

• Home Environment
• Children who grew up in homes where drugs and alcohol are present have a significant risk of developing a substance abuse order down the road.
• Genetics/Family history of addiction
• Research estimates that genetics account for 40 to 60 percent of a person’s likelihood of developing a substance use problem
• Mental Health Disorders
• Teens and adults with mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are more likely to develop substance abuse patterns than others
• Economic Hardship
• People who live in impoverished areas are more likely to be exposed to drugs and seek them out
• Troubled Personal Relationships
• People in troubled or abusive relationships are more likely to abuse drugs

Recognizing the Early Stages of Alcohol/Drug Addiction

Despite pre-disposed influences, the bottom line is addiction can happen to anyone. And as we mentioned earlier, it begins with a taste and can quickly spiral out of control. Here are some early signs to help recognize unhealthy drug use:

• Neglected appearance
• Physical health issues
• Changes in behavior
• Problems at work or school
• Money issues

Let’s take it a step further and look at the person in the mirror. Here are some common drug addiction symptoms:

• Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — daily or even several times a day
• Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts
• Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect
• Taking more significant amounts of the drug over a more extended period than you intended
• Making sure that you maintain a supply of the drug
• Spending money on the drug, even though you can’t afford it
• Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use
• Continuing to use the drug, even though you know it’s causing problems in your life or causing you physical or psychological harm
• Doing things to get the drug that you usually wouldn’t do, such as stealing
• Driving or doing other risky activities when you’re under the influence of the drug
• Spending a good deal of time getting the drug, using the drug or recovering from the effects of the drug
• Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug

SOURCE: The Mayo Clinic

Treating Addiction: Dual Diagnosis Requires Extra Attention

We want to stress again, that getting help early on is the smartest route to go. The sooner you get help at our drug treatment center, the greater your chances for a long-term recovery. As we mentioned earlier, Florida Addiction and Recovery Center caters to dual diagnosis disorders, also known as co-occurring disorders. Dual diagnosis refers to individuals who are living with a substance abuse issue and a mental illness at the same time. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness either disorder- substance use or mental illness can develop first.

And just how many people experience dual diagnosis? A 2014 National Survey on Drug and Health found that 7.9 million people in the U.S. suffered from dual diagnosis. More than half – precisely 4.1 million, were men.

SOURCE: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHA)

Some of the dual diagnosis combinations include:

• Alcoholism and depression
• Painkiller dependence and anxiety disorder
• Marijuana addiction and bipolar disorder

And in most cases, the symptoms and issues related to one can worsen the problems of the other. If not appropriately treated, co-occurring disorders can lead to:

• A decline in mental, cognitive function
• A decline in social acceptance
• A decline in overall health

Dual Diagnosis is Best Treated with an Integrated Approach

Medical experts agree that the best treatment for dual diagnosis is integrated intervention. And that’s exactly how we approach treatment here at the Florida Addiction and Recovery Center. We know that if substance dependency and all co-occurring disorders are not treated concurrently, the likelihood of maintaining continued and meaningful sobriety is significantly reduced. And that’s the main reason we put extremely heavy emphasis on psychological and emotional health, in addition to the recovery of the physical body and the spirit.

We offer integrated treatments for addiction in conjunction with the following co-occurring mental health issues: depression, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, personality disorders, anxiety, grief, secondary eating issues, and psychological trauma.

We Offer Customized Treatment Programs

Obviously, we’re all different, so why would we treat everyone’s illnesses the same? At Florida Addiction and Recovery Center, we tailor all our addiction treatment programs to accommodate the needs of each client, giving our residents a greater chance at long-term recovery. Some of the addictions we treat are:

• Alcohol
• Painkillers
• Sleeping Pills
• Benzodiazepines
• Stimulants
• Opiates
• Heroin

Our outpatient program offers a combination of individualized and group therapy to help residents build a network of support. These sessions generally take place over 30 to 180 days, depending on the needs and progress of the individual. We also offer nutritional support, and family and alumni programs. As you know, a committed support group is crucial to recovery.

The opioid epidemic is a community challenge, and to use a cliché – it takes a village. The 2016 Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs and Health points to the need for an all-hands-on-deck approach, saying that healthcare providers, public safety agencies, schools, businesses and the faith community should all be involved, along with families and friends of those with substance-use disorders, as well as those in recovery and current drug users. Everyone one has something to contribute, and we agree.

You Too Can Experience Long-Term Recovery

According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., nearly 20-million individuals and family members are living life in long-term recovery. You can, too.

It’s time to choose recovery over addiction and take back your life.

Florida Addiction and Recovery Center offers both residential and outpatient treatment – and extended care at our treatment facility. Our rehab center is located in beautiful Fort Lauderdale and provides our clients with all of the luxuries of home, along with a few additional recovery-related amenities. We genuinely believe that everyone deserves a fair shot at a life filled with happiness and fulfillment.

We help clients address the underlying issues that led to their addiction, using a combination of proven techniques to help them manage their stress and embrace a life of lasting sobriety. Our compassionate, professional on-site staff is amazing.

You don’t have to struggle alone. It’s time. If you are a loved one is battling alcohol or drug abuse, call us at (877) 800-REHAB to learn more about how our addiction treatments can help you recover from your addiction and heal. Our drug treatment center is available 24/7. We look forward to helping you on your wellness journey.