Overcoming an addiction can be a long, arduous process that is often hardest at the start. The thought of checking into a drug treatment center can be scary but like almost anything in life, the more you know going in, the less scary it can be. More than anything, the biggest fear is simply the fear of the unknown. So here are some things you need to know about checking into a drug treatment center in Florida.
Some journeys will need to start in a detox facility
Addiction does not look the same for everyone so no two journeys start exactly the same way. Some alcoholics may go days or weeks without drinking only to then spend several consecutive days or weeks blackout drunk. While they certainly have an addiction issue, they may not actually have a chemical dependency which requires a stay at a detox facility. In other cases, however, some individuals develop a physical chemical dependency to certain substances. If they were to simply stock taking those substances, it could result in a serious and immediate threat to their health.
Even when detoxing is not life-threatening, it can still be seriously uncomfortable. In a detox facility, trained medical staff can help make that process more comfortable. Keep in mind, however, that while a greater degree of comfort is possible, detoxing can still be extremely uncomfortable in even the best of cases. This is one of the many issues that can keep an individual suffering from a substance abuse issue from seeking treatment. Unfortunately, the reality is that in some cases, the only way out is through but the sooner you start, the sooner you will be through.
What happens in inpatient treatment?
While some individuals will need to start their journey in a detox facility, others can go directly into inpatient treatment. While most individuals may prefer to seek outpatient treatment, they may be skipping an incredibly critical part in the recovery process. Many people do not understand that addiction becomes as much a habit as anything else over time. Most individual struggling with an addiction will have certain places they like to go and get high or certain bars they like to drink in or certain people they drink or get high with. These times, places and people all become woven into the fabric of addiction and can actually be the hardest to break free from.
Generally, when a person enters inpatient treatment they are either required or encouraged to give up their phones and electronic devices. It is also highly encouraged that individuals seek inpatient treatment as far from home as possible. The point of inpatient treatment is to create as much of a vacuum as possible or a safe space from which to begin to evaluate which elements of an individuals life are healthy and which are unhealthy. From there, they can begin the process of separating themselves from unhealthy habits, patterns, behaviors and relationships and replacing them with healthier ones.
What happens after treatment?
Addiction recovery is ongoing journey that can take several months, years or even be a lifelong process. While inpatient treatment is a critically important part of the process, it is by no means the end of the journey. Following inpatient treatment, it is strongly recommended that individuals seeking recovery transition into some kind of sober living home or other type of transitional housing. In an inpatient treatment facility, patients have access to round-the-clock care and support.
While many may take significant steps on their journey during this time, without continued care and support, it can be all too easy to fall right back into old habits and patterns. A transitional facility can help solidify some of these initial steps and provide support while an individual is building new, better habits and relationships.
Recovery is just like anything else in life, it takes time, practice and repetition. The longer you stick with it, the better you get at it. In addition the stronger the support system you build around yourself, the less likely you are to fall right back into the same old habits and patterns. Building that new support structure can take time, however, so sober living houses provide a solid framework for building a more long-term support structure. If you are ready to get started on your recovery journey, give us a call today at 772-266-5320. Our trained counselors are available 24 hours a day to help you find the first step that is right for you.
