Alcohol and drug addiction are serious problems in Collier County. It isn’t the worst-hit area in Florida—that goes to Escambia County with a staggering 75 overdose deaths per 100,000 population—but it’s by no means mild.
According to City Data, 76% of people living in Naples have at least one alcoholic drink per month, and about 19.2% engage in heavy or binge drinking. That’s higher than the Florida state average of 15% for adults. Meanwhile, 20% of residents have used hard drugs like heroin, crack cocaine, or methamphetamine.
The year 2023 has seen a decline in overdose deaths for the first time since 2017, so things are looking up. But despite the drop, Naples’ rate remains higher than many states.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, it helps knowing the treatment options available to you. This article discusses everything you need to know about alcohol and drug rehab in Naples, FL, including signs of addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment.
Table of Contents
What Is Addiction?
Addiction in the context of drug and alcohol addiction is the psychological and physical dependence on a substance despite harmful consequences. People suffering from addiction struggle to control their desires and may go to great lengths to obtain their substance of choice.
Addiction is a chronic brain disease that alters the brain’s chemistry, resulting in poor decision-making, impaired impulse control, and cravings that make it difficult to stop using even when someone wants to.
Those who have developed a strong dependence on alcohol or drugs suffer from a condition called Substance Use Disorder (SUD). SUD is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States, and unfortunately the most underdiagnosed.
In 2023, over 48.5 million Americans struggled with an SUD. Nearly half of those who have been diagnosed also suffered from mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.
According to a WalletHub study, Florida is ranked among the states with the lowest drug problems in the United States, placing it at 47th out of 51 states with a score of 30.79%. In comparison, New Mexico, West Virginia, and Nevada—the top three states with the worst drug problem—have a score of 68%, 63%, and 59%, respectively.
This isn’t to say that Florida hasn’t been affected by the opioid epidemic. The state saw a 62% increase in opioid overdoses near the start of the pandemic, and figures fluctuate from year to year depending on the availability of illicit drugs.
For example, state-wide opioid-related deaths climbed to over 8,000 in 2021 before dropping closer to 6,200 in 2023. That’s still well-above pre-pandemic levels, when opioid deaths hovered around 3,800 annually.
What Causes Drug and Alcohol Addiction?
Drug and alcohol addiction doesn’t have a single cause. Most people develop an addiction due to a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors that interact over time. Among the most common causes of drug and alcohol addiction include:
- Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or PTSD
- Growing up in a household or community where substance abuse is common and normalized
- Easy access to substances
- Trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), like physical or sexual abuse, neglect, violence, parental incarceration
- Stressful or difficult life situations, like financial problems, poverty, relationship issues, bereavement, or illness
Study shows that people living with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder are 50% more likely to develop a co-occurring disorder. Often, they turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate and cope with emotional pain, overwhelming stress, and intrusive thoughts.
Additionally, people with a family history of drug and alcohol abuse are 40 to 60% more likely to develop an addiction themselves. Genetics can influence how the brain responds to drugs or alcohol, affecting tolerance levels, sensitivity to pleasure, and vulnerability to cravings. This explains why some people develop addiction faster than others.
What Are the Early Signs of Addiction?
Recognizing the early signs of addiction is crucial to early intervention and treatment. Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for:
Physical Symptoms
- Unexplained weight changes (weight loss or weight gain)
- Bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Difficulty sleeping or waking up
- Changes in appearance, like thinning hair, yellowing or rotting teeth, weak nails, and bad skin
- Uncoordinated movements
- Falling ill when not using (withdrawal)
- Runny nose
Behavioral Symptoms
- Neglecting responsibilities at home, school, or work, despite negative consequences
- Engaging in risky behavior, such as unsafe sex, stealing, or driving under the influence
- Losing interest in hobbies or activities that once brought joy
- Spending less time with friends and family
- Avoiding friends and family who ask about your substance use
- Lying when asked where you’ve been or what you’ve been doing
- Spending more time around people who also use
- Prioritizing drugs or alcohol over food
Psychological Symptoms
- Needing more of the substance to feel the same effect (tolerance)
- Irritability or aggression for no particular reason
- Obsessive thoughts about drugs or alcohol, to the point where they consume your every thought
- Denial of the problem despite clear consequences
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Intense mood swings
What Does Alcohol and Drug Withdrawal Look Like?
Alcohol and drug withdrawal often starts 6 to 24 hours after last use. Withdrawal looks different from one person to the next, and its severity and length depend on the substance used, length of use, amount consumed, and the individual’s health and well-being.
Common symptoms of alcohol and drug withdrawal include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Watery discharge from the nose and eyes
- Hallucinations
- Intense cravings
- Depression or feelings of hopelessness
- Anxiety
- Fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased heart rate or blood pressure
- Muscle cramps and body aches
- Changes in appetite
- Poor concentration
Alcohol and drug withdrawals can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Severe cases of alcohol withdrawal can result in a condition called delirium tremens (DTs), characterized by sudden confusion, high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, and seizures.
DTs is a medical emergency and can be fatal if left untreated. It has a fatality rate of 5 to 15% with treatment, and up to 37% without treatment. Symptoms usually begin 48 to 72 hours after the last drink.
Drug withdrawals aren’t as deadly as alcohol withdrawals, but they can still be extremely uncomfortable. Death usually occurs due to accidents, underlying medical conditions, and dehydration.
How Does Naples, FL Treat Alcohol and Drug Addiction?
Naples, Florida, has one of the most comprehensive addiction treatment centers in the state. Here’s what to expect when treating addiction in Naples:
Detox
When first admitted to an addiction treatment facility in Naples, the first step to treatment is often detoxification.
Detox services involve clearing the body of drugs and alcohol under medical supervision to safely manage withdrawal symptoms, which we’ve discussed earlier, can be dangerous and even deadly. Medications are prescribed to reduce cravings, ease discomfort, and prevent dangerous complications like increased heart rate, seizures, or hallucinations.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy is one of the most proven methods for treating addiction. Two common behavioral therapies in addiction treatment include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT).
CBT identifies and changes negative thought patterns and behaviors, while DBT teaches patients how to regulate their emotions, avoid self-destructive behavior, improve relationships, and tolerate distress.
Support Groups / Group Therapy
Patients are encouraged to participate in support groups during and after treatment. Naples offers a number of addiction-centered support groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, and 12-step programs.
Support groups help people struggling with addiction find companionship and understanding from people who share similar experiences.
Where to Find Addiction Treatment In Naples, FL
If you’re looking for a reputable addiction recovery center near Naples, FL, Recreate Life Counseling can help.
Recreate Life Counseling is a comprehensive drug and alcohol rehab facility that offers various treatment services, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), inpatient and intensive outpatient programs, evidence-based behavioral therapies, alternative therapies, dual diagnosis treatment, aftercare, and relapse prevention, among others.
Contact us for a quick and confidential consultation and start your long-term recovery today.
