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The disease of addiction affects tens of thousands of people in Florida. Many adolescents and adults regularly engage in alcohol, marijuana, and illegal drug use, as revealed by the NSDUH.

St. Petersburg, a major city in Florida, has been severely affected by this addiction problem. The rampant drug and alcohol abuse has led to an increase in the crime rate in the city, becoming one of the most violent areas in the state.

This grave problem brings us to the issue of drug addiction interventions. What can you do to help someone suffering from alcohol or drug addiction?

In this post, we’ll talk about the importance of drug rehabilitation for the health of the individual and the community. We’re also bringing you up to speed on the state of the drug rehab Saint Petersburg FL, and how to choose a rehab center.

Understanding Drug Addiction

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) defined drug addiction as the use of illegal, prescription, and over-the-counter drugs for reasons other than their prescribed purpose.

People who engage in these activities seek the pleasurable effects of the substance in their brains. But other factors can also push the individual into drug abuse, such as family history.

Drug abuse can start as a one-time event, including recreational use or taking prescribed medicines, which can develop into physical dependence.

Without intervention, the addicted person can experience behavioral issues. The individual can start exhibiting destructive or compulsive behaviors and substance-seeking patterns.

Severe drug addiction will eventually lead to serious health issues. It can cause mental health decline, memory issues, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and cancer.

It’s worth noting that addiction doesn’t only refer to illegal drugs. Other stimulating products, such as alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine, can also induce physical dependence in a person.

Saint Petersburg, Florida

Type of Drugs Abused in St. Petersburg, Florida

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement found six major types of illegal drugs used within the state. They identified amphetamines, benzodiazepines, ethanol, inhalants, opioids (specifically fentanyl), and hallucinogens.

Some of these drugs are found in prescription drugs for specific disorders. They also discovered other common addictive drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and ketamine.

Drug Abuse Statistics in St. Petersburg, Florida

The rates of addiction in St. Petersburg have been increasing in recent years. And teens are some of the most severely affected by the drug abuse trend.

Experts estimated that over 15% of adolescents have experienced using illicit substances. Teens from ages 12 to 18 have indicated the use of alcohol, tobacco products, and cocaine.

The high drug abuse rate also led to an uptick in drug-related deaths in adults. And according to county records, over 546 people died from overdose from 2018 to 2020.

Understanding Drug Rehabilitation

Drug addiction can negatively impact the quality of life. It can ruin a person’s physical health, relationships, financial stability, and professional career.

Thankfully, ways to combat addiction and its detrimental effects are now available.

Rehabilitation Process for Drug Abuse

Drug rehabilitation helps improve the quality of life after drug addiction. It aids patients in preventing loss of function caused by the destructive behavioral compulsions of addiction.

Treatment comes in four primary phases: assessment, detoxification, rehabilitation, and aftercare. Rehabilitation programs can take seven days to 12 months, depending on severity.

Types of Drug Rehabilitation Treatments in St. Petersburg, Florida

There are several drug treatment and rehabilitation options available. Here are some of the most common drug addiction interventions available for Florida residents:

1. Detoxification Programs

Detoxification programs supervise patients through their withdrawal from alcohol or drugs. It’s the initial step to recovery, which helps the body rid itself of chemical substances.

2. Residential Treatments

Residential treatments, or inpatients, target severe cases of drug addiction. They require patients to live in treatment facilities, which involves treatment plans and counseling.

3. Hospital Inpatient Programs

Hospital inpatient centers offer 24/7 drug and alcohol treatments. They provide intensive and comprehensive care plans until patients transition into less intensive treatment settings.

4. Outpatient Programs

Outpatient interventions are for people with milder addiction symptoms. It doesn’t require hospitalization, so patients can live unassisted while receiving treatment.

5. Telemedicine Interventions

Telemedicine is a remote clinical service, which is care given on the phone or online to assist patient recovery. It’s an excellent program for people far from specialists and help centers.

Importance of Individual Treatment Plans

It’s crucial to remember that addiction is a complex issue and is not the same for everyone. As such, treatment plans should address the unique needs of every patient.

The efficacy of an intervention program will depend on how it tackles unique needs. The type of drugs, duration of addiction, and medical history all play critical roles in the road to recovery.

How to Choose the Right Rehab Center

Choosing the right rehab center is essential to overcoming drug addiction. So here are some factors to consider when picking a rehab center:

Available Treatment Plan

As mentioned earlier, every patient requires different treatment plans. So before signing in, ensure the rehab center can provide the necessary program for your unique condition.

Health Insurance Coverage

Another vital factor to consider is your health insurance coverage. Can it cover the expenses for your treatment? Get in touch with the center or your health insurance provider to verify.

Treatment Setting and Facilities

When considering a care center, it’s important to take into account the facilities and settings. Is it suited to your care needs? Will it provide an optimal living environment for residential patients?

Importance of Choosing the Right Rehab Center

Choosing a rehab center is akin to choosing how you want to recover your life. So pick a center with staff and experts you can confidently trust.

You’ll want a rehab center that understands your unique needs and is committed to guiding your recovery. Treatment can be arduous, and the right people can make a huge difference.

Local Resources and Support Systems

Isolation is one of the most common struggles of drug-addicted patients. This problem can make their healing harder than necessary.

Fortunately, St. Petersburg has several local resources and support systems in place. They have free counseling services and health support hotlines for recovering patients.

There are dozens of support groups available in St. Petersburg. These communities can provide a safe space for social support, involvement, and motivation for the affected individual.

These resources offer valuable help in the patient’s recovery. They can provide continued support and aftercare to nurture accountability and avoid relapse.

Importance of the Community for Drug Rehabilitation

The family and the community are vital aspects of drug rehabilitation. Access to social groups reduces the risk of relapse, as research suggests.

Supportive communities can help individuals rebuild their social skills. Life beyond treatment can feel isolating, but having peers who understand can lift some of its burdens.

Finally, rehabilitation means relearning to own your life without depending on illicit substances. And being part of a community can guide you toward full recovery.

Final Word

Addiction is an all-time issue faced by many countries in the world. And the US is no exception, with sources reporting that over 21 million Americans suffer from addiction.

Drug rehabilitation is an effective way to combat addiction and help patients reintegrate into society. Get in touch with us, and don’t be afraid to reach out and seek help!

Additional Resources to Check Out:

  1. ReCreate Life Counseling: https://recreatelifecounseling.com/
  2. St. Petersburg Police Vice & Narcotics Tip Line: 727-551-3700
  3. Florida Department of Children and Families: 1-866-762-2237
  4. Florida Association of Recovery Residences: 1-561-299-0405
  5. SAMHSA National Helpline: 800-662-4357

Published on: 2023-06-28
Updated on: 2024-05-10