Finding Top South Florida Rehabs for a Successful Recovery
Understanding Mental Health Disorders and Substance Abuse
What is Mental Health?
Mental health refers to a person’s mental, emotional and social well being. It is an essential part of overall health and life satisfaction. People of all ages, backgrounds and socioeconomic status can be affected by mental illness or substance use disorders like drug or alcohol addiction. Accessing prompt mental health treatment including professional assistance when needed is important.
The Impact of Substance Abuse
The abuse of substances to self medicate against symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental disorders is a common occurrence. Unfortunately, substance use only exacerbates these conditions. In addition substance abuse itself can induce depression or anxiety in those not previously experiencing it. To be most effective and to achieve long term recovery, a South Florida drug rehab that treats co-occurring disorders simultaneously with substance abuse treatment is best.
Finding the Right Rehab in South Florida
Types of Rehabs in South Florida
There are many excellent South Florida addiction treatment centers to choose from. Luxury drug rehab facilities offer upscale amenities, personal attention and customization of treatment plans. Other drug and alcohol addiction rehab facilities in South Florida specialize in holistic and alternative approaches like meditation, mindfulness or programs for special populations.
Many affordable drug rehab facilities offer both inpatient rehab or residential treatment as well as general and intensive outpatient treatment. Many South Florida substance addiction rehabs provide medical detox for drug and alcohol withdrawal.
What to Look for in a Rehab
If you’re searching for the best South Florida rehabs then keep these key considerations in mind.
Accreditation
Look for accreditation by one of the major accrediting agencies when comparing South Florida rehab centers. Specific ones to consider include the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and The Joint Commission.
Staff Qualifications
Staff members should be licensed or certified mental health professionals. They should have experience facilitating the kinds of addiction treatment they provide.
Comprehensive Treatment
Does the drug rehab facility offer comprehensive addiction treatment programs that are tailored to your interests? Can they accommodate your special population?
Co-occurring Mental Health Disorder Support
If you have a dual diagnosis then you’ll want a drug and alcohol rehab center that offers treatment for your co-occurring disorder. Staff should be qualified and have experience in treating this disorder as well as treating drug addiction.
Aftercare
A rehab center that provides aftercare with alumni meetings and 12 Step peer support group meetings is ideal. These facilities will address relapse prevention and provide socialization opportunities.
Treatment Options for Mental Health Disorders and Substance Abuse
Medical Detox and Withdrawal Management
Treatment for substance use disorders often starts with detoxification. Medical detox which is also called medication assisted treatment (MAT) uses FDA approved medications to reduce discomfort associated with withdrawal from opioids and other drugs.
Holistic therapies such as yoga or meditation are sometimes offered to reduce stress during detox. Some facilities offer MAT through an outpatient rehab program.
Therapy and Counseling
Counseling is an important component of drug addiction treatment centers. It often involves both individual and group sessions that use evidence based addiction therapy options like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and motivational interviewing (MI). Family therapy is also commonly offered. Many South Florida rehab centers offer 12-step peer recovery meetings during both addiction treatment and aftercare.
Specialized Programs and Services
Veterans Rehab Program
Some drug rehab facilities in South Florida offer programs specifically customized to meet the needs of military veterans or first responders. These professionals often experience significant trauma and they face unique challenges in addiction recovery.
These challenges are best addressed in specialized drug rehab treatment programs led by professionals with expertise in both addiction recovery and co-occurring mental illnesses.
Choosing the Right Rehab for You
Factors to Consider
Levels of Care
Do you need inpatient rehab or residential treatment with constant supervision and monitoring? Or would an outpatient treatment or intensive outpatient program that allows you to return home after treatment each day work better for you? What about dual diagnosis treatment?
Location and Reputation
Are the facility’s location or amenities important factors for you What about the accreditation and the reputation of the facility?
Costs
Is cost a major factor? Do you need to use your insurance to help pay for treatment? You can find information about paying for treatment at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Find Treatment website.
Getting Help and Taking the First Step
The Admissions Process
The admission process starts with an assessment interview and evaluation. The facility staff can often do this by phone. Following the assessment, you and your primary therapist will work together to develop a personalized treatment plan to specify your goals and the treatments you will receive. Aftercare program options will also be detailed in your addiction treatment plan.
Insurance and Financial Options
Paying for your treatment is a major consideration. You can use your private insurance plan, Medicare or Medicaid if you have these. If you don’t have insurance or your insurance is limited then you may be able to receive financial assistance directly from the facility. Many have sliding scale fee plans based on income. Grants and scholarships are sometimes available and the facility may be able to help you apply.