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 statuses 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 an important step to protecting your overall well being.
The Impact of Substance Abuse
It’s not uncommon to abuse substances to self medicate for symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental disorders. Unfortunately, substance use only exacerbates these conditions. In addition, substance abuse can induce depression or anxiety if you haven’t previously experienced it. To be most effective and to achieve long term recovery, it’s best to receive treatment at a South Florida drug rehab that treats mental health co-occurring disorders simultaneously with substance abuse.
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 customized 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 organizations 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 mental health conditions and drug addiction.
Aftercare
It is ideal to find a rehab center that provides aftercare with alumni meetings and 12 Step peer support group meetings. These facilities 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 cleared medications to reduce discomfort associated with withdrawal from opioids and other drugs.
Holistic therapies such as yoga or meditation are sometimes available 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 typically includes 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 and group counseling are also commonly offered. Many South Florida rehab centers include 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 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
Levels of Care
Do your symptoms require inpatient rehab or residential treatment with constant supervision and monitoring? Or can you benefit from a less restrictive environment in an outpatient treatment or intensive outpatient program that allows you to return home after treatment? What about dual diagnosis treatment?
Location and Reputation
Are the facility’s location or amenities important factors for you? What about the accreditation and 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. Private insurance plans, Medicare or Medicaid can help offset the cost. 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 and other eligibility requirements. Grants and scholarships are sometimes available and the facility may be able to help you apply.