Addiction Treatment Centers St. Petersburg Florida

 

What is Heroin Addiction?

 

Among the numerous health implications caused by this drug, there are specific risks associated with solely heroine addiction. Furthermore, this disease does not discriminate based on gender, socio-economic status, or age—although it’s clearly a problem in Florida, nationally, heroin addicts make up a comprehensive cross-section of dependent users. Varying in reasons why one develops an addiction to heroin, factors can range from teens trying to cope with self-image issues, and “fitting in,” to adults self-medicating to deal with depression and anxiety. Once an addiction forms, it becomes a difficult challenge to wean off this drug; meanwhile it’s consuming a person’s life, while slowly destroying relationships, physical and mental health, and anything positive. Potential health risks includes overdose, liver failure, heart failure, etc; problems with IV heroin may also cause death, and also disturbingly, individuals who use or share dirty needles when shooting heroin may likely develop HIV (AIDS), hepatitis or other serious illnesses. To locate a heroin drug rehab to detox off opiates and get treatment from a local addiction treatment center please contact the recovery helpline now.

 

 

For those seeking heroin addiction help, it’s highly recommended to go through a drug treatment program. Not only does a drug rehab for heroin addiction assist in cleansing the user’s system of harmful opiate toxins, but this sort of program educates them on how to make positive choices moving forward, and how to avoid “triggers,” and abstain from temptation. Among these benefits, heroin drug rehab centers usually offers aftercare programs, which helps the recovering addict learn how to re-enter into and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Treatment programs significantly improves the chances of staying permanently “clean”. Additionally, they offer many resources, from local Alcoholic Anonymous meetings, to therapists within the county; however, we’ll discuss this in depth a little later.

 

Symptoms of Heroin Addiction

 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, common short-term effects of heroin addiction may include: severe itching, nausea (vomiting), flushed skin, an initial euphoric rush, long-lasting drowsiness, heaviness of limbs, slowed heart rate (following rush), and clouded thinking. Uncommon, but possible reactions to this drug may occur (due to “adulterated” heroin; or added chemicals), such as: tremors, palpitations, anxiety, shortness of breath, headache, and/or chest pain.

 

What is Opioid Addiction?

 

Basically opioid addiction, means to abuse pain medication (like opium, codeine andfentanyl, or hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and methadone; several prescription cough medicines also contain opioids). Yes, heroin is an illicit opioid, but because most get prescribed legally by a doctor or psychiatrist for reasons such as, injuries, surgeries, toothaches, chronic conditions (eg cancer), it’s important to note the dangers of legal forms; Since these tablets ease pain signals from the body to the brain, many consumers exceed the recommended amount and frequency in order to lessen discomfort, while elevating pleasure. Opioids can boost health considerably when used correctly, but unfortunately, more and more people have used painkillers improperly, causing significant damage. Some opioid addicts obtain prescriptions illegally on the street, or by “doctor shopping,”—a practice that involves visiting various doctors in order to receive multiple prescription substances. Addiction develops as the user increasingly relies on misusing the drug(s), in order to feel exhilaration. Gradually, the brain actually alters and rewires itself, thus a powerful urge to use the drug grows stronger.

 

Symptoms of Opioid Addiction

 

Signs and symptoms of substance abuse manifest physically, behaviorally, and psychology. One major sign includes the inability to stop using the substance altogether, or by not being able to take the recommended amount. Other distinct signs of opioid abuse include: drowsiness, nausea (vomiting), shallow or slow breathing rate, mood swings, irritability, sleeping more/less, poor coordination, physical agitation, constipation, poor decision making, neglecting responsibilities, slurred speech, euphoria (high feeling), lack of motivation, depression and/or anxiety attacks.

 

Symptoms of Opiate Withdrawal

 

As reported by National Library of Medicine, early symptoms of opiate withdrawal

 

(when one is coming “detox off the drug”) may include:

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Muscle aches
• Increased tearing
• Insomnia
• Runny nose
• Sweating
• Yawning

Possible late symptoms involve:

• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Dilated pupils
• Goose bumps
• Nausea
• Vomiting

 

Note: These symptoms generally start within 12 hours of last heroin usage.

 

Heroin and Other Opioid Treatment

 

Treatments for opioid addiction vary; for example, there’s behavioral and pharmacological plans available; specific medication helps restore balance to brain function and behavior. Although the National Institute on Drug Abuse states that these treatment options can work well when utilized alone, “Research shows that for some people, integrating both types of treatments is the most effective approach”.

 

 

Detoxing Off Heroin or Opiates

 

Pharmacological Treatment of drug addiction heightens “retention in treatment programs and decreases drug use, infectious disease transmission, and criminal activity” (NIDA). Since medications ease craving and other physical symptoms during withdrawal, they work especially well when detoxing off drugs. Detoxification consists of cleansing the body of chemical toxinsby remaining sober anywhere from five to ten days, before entering treatment. Most rehab centers offer medically supervised rehab programs, which helps the patient either stay away from pills altogether, or makes sure that the individual uses recovering medication (developed to treat opioid addiction) appropriately. According to National Institute on Drug Abuse, “A particular medication is used based on a patient’s specific medical needs and other factors”—Three types include: “(1) agonists, which activate opioid receptors; (2) partial agonists, which also activate opioid receptors but produce a smaller response; and (3) antagonists, which block the receptor and interfere with the rewarding effects of opioids”. Effective medications for detoxing off heroin and other opioids are: Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone. Detoxing makes up the first step in recovery, so it’s important to undergo effective behavioral treatment as well. After completing treatment some choose an implant to block cravings from heroin called a Naltrexone implant.

 

Pain Pill Addiction Treatment

 

Outpatient or residential impatient in St. Petersburg Florida settings work best for recovering heroin addicts and opioid users. Through approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (actively changing behaviors to promote improved feelings and emotions), and contingency management (an incentive-based intervention), rehab centers use expert strategies in treating drug addiction. Notably, once the patient’s accepted into the program, the doctor or therapist assesses the individual in order to match them with a specialized treatment plan. Shortly after, there’s the intake process: the patient meets individually, with a counselor or therapist, a doctor, and/or a psychologist, and establishes comfortable relationships. This step may slightly restructure the initial plan, due to observations from various team members and further communication. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the intake process usually involves some form of payment and/or a financial plan.

 

St. Petersburg Inpatient Treatment

 

Impatient, or residential treatment centers (RTC), operate as highly structured evidence-based programs; Many facilities include a heroin (or opioid) detox center, as well as weekly schedules for each individual, which keeps them actively productive. Rehab groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous’, 12-step model of recovery frequently conduct meetings. Additionally, inpatient rehabs in St. Petersburg offer emotional process groups for those requiring CBT, and/or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Other meetings may include spiritual gatherings with prayer, art therapy, and further specialized topics. Conveniently, inpatient treatment centers have workshops on planning for work-return, which encourages the patient to anticipate ways to succeed financially after graduation. For individuals who recently received hospital-care, or who need considerable structure, or more stability than outpatient programs, RTC works especially well. Average length of stay is typically three to six months, and “residential-based,” means there’s no returning home each night. Find addiction treatment centers in St. Petersburg Florida and get the care you need, and begin a life of sobriety.

 

Couples Drug Rehabs

Inpatient drug rehabs for couples are special treatment programs that are tailored for those in a relationship or married. The couple is allowed to go through treatment together and receive individualized care as well. Some facilities allow the couple to stay in the same room while others have them separated in the same facility. Either way its another drug treatment for married couples program that offers relief for struggling addicts.

 

Pet Friendly Drug Rehabs

Where you aware of pet friendly drug rehabs? Did you know that there are rehabs that allow pets? It’s true, there are drug treatment centers that allow dogs or cats with their owners to enter rehab with them. Studies have shown that pets help with anxiety and depression, and entering into a rehabilitation center for drugs can be very stressful for the person going.

 

Outpatient Treatment in St. Petersburg

 

Outpatient treatment programs in St. Petersburg includes: Partial hospitalization drug rehab programs (PHP), and intensive outpatient programs for substance abuse (IOP). These rehab centers differ from RTC in that they run shorter, and the patients go home in the evenings. PHP, also known as “day rehab,” delivers the patient with the intensity of RTC, but for six hours a day, five days a week. Using many of the same tools and resources, PHP can be just as effective; individuals receive group-therapy, counseling, medical assessment, etc. Due to cost-reduction and flexibility, many drug and alcohol rehab centers now offer this style of treatment. Correspondingly, IOP has many similar services, but it goes for three hours a day, three days a week. Similar to PHP, this option suits those who’ve completed an inpatient program, like RTC, or for individuals that require an outpatient setting (due to professional or personal reasons). Typically, IOP focuses on group therapy, while using one-on-one counseling less often. Length of attendance differs from person to person, depending on their emotional and psychological progress, and well-being.

 

AfterCare

 

Immediate, and continuous follow-up treatment for substance abuse, should occur after the completion of one of these rehab programs. Addiction aftercare programs aim to encourage recovery maintenance, by enhancing skills to prevent relapse, retaining a fulfilled life through healthy relationships, and giving a sense of purpose. Longstanding substance abuse can de-normalize cognitive-function and altar parts of the brain long after rehab, therefore continuing treatment is extremely important. Beyond physical impact, several long-term psychological changes may affect thoughts, feelings, and behaviors (as another consequence to prior intoxication). Therefore, its essential that aftercare proceeds. Case management for behavioral health has been shown to lower relapse rates. Having a case manager contact them weekly and assisting them with a recovery program, significantly reduces the risk of the patient using again.

 

Sober Living

 

Another idea to consider is living in a sober living home— a group home for addicts, that allows one to come and go as they please, as long as they follow curfew-rules and do chores. Before moving in, the recovering-addict should find a 12-step sponsor (a family member, a friend, or an acquaintance, that will support, listen, and hold you accountable). Once, enlisted, residents in these homes must remain sober, and willingly support one another. Thus, this environment encourages sobriety and helps addicts adjust to a non-substance/non-alcoholic life. Many sober living homes include volunteer opportunities and therapeutic meetings, such as feeding the homeless at soup-kitchens, as well as, Alcoholic-Anonymous (12-Step) gatherings, and job-search tools. Before moving in, each individual must complete the detox process. For an updated list of sober homes in Pinellas County search local online directories.

 

Not every recovering-addict needs to move into a sober living transitional housing, but, like the above resources and programs listed, it’s worth considering. Many members agree that there’s strength in numbers, when trying to get help; and it’s comforting to know that most other members can relate, as they too suffered from addiction. Still, if a patient recovered with a different program, and can confidently live on their own without feeling the urge to take drugs or drink, than that’s great too. Though the road to recovery differs for each person, the end result should look the same: the individual in recovery achieves a healthier, safer, and sober lifestyle.

 

St. Petersburg, FL

 

St. Petersburg, a town in Pinellas County, Florida, has dramatically increased in heroin and opioid use, and drug-induced deaths; unfortunately, this mirrors the rest of the state. According to the Medical Examiners Commission, deaths caused by drugs increased by 22% (2,126 more) across the state, in 2016. Reportedly, 96.9% of heroin deaths were considered “accidental,” and only 1.2% resulted from suicide, 0.8 percent from homicide, and 1.2 percent were natural, or undetermined. Overall occurrences of heroin increased by 31%, and deaths caused by heroin ascended by 30%.

 

Even more, fentanyl use surged by 80 percent, and deaths caused by fentanyl increased by 97 percent. With an estimated population of 960,730, Pinellas County, has a death rate of 10.00-14.99 per every 100,000 people from Alprazolam (a benzodiazepine) alone. Diazepam, another medication of the benzodiazepine family, caused 69 deaths (in 2016) in the town of St. Petersburg. Across Florida, diazepam-related deaths made up 664 reports. Deaths caused by opioids (as reported by the Medical Examiners Commission) in St. Petersburg, increased from 472 in 2015, to 550 in 2016 (a 16.5 percent change). Statewide, ethanol was illegally used by descendants 5,318 times, and frequency of occurrence of ethanol in decedents made up 19.8 percent. Methamphetamine use for Florida residents rose by 103.6 percent from 2015 to 2016; similarly, Phenethylamines/ Piperazines (hallucinogenics) increased by 109.1 percent in that time. Like Florida, Pinellas County, needs considerable improvements in the area of drug addiction.

 

Crime Rate

 

According to the Neighborhood Scout database, last year, St. Petersburg had a total of 1,727 (6.62 per 1,000 residents) violent crimes, and 12,850 (49.23 rate) property offenses. Compared to other US cities, it has a crime index of 4 (a score of 100 is “safest”). Chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in this city is 1 in 151; Statewide this changes to 1 in 232. Robbery in St. Petersburg, makes up the second largest offense, with 556 cases; assault, comes in first, with 1,029 cases. Property crimes included, burglary (1,941), theft (9,812), and motor vehicle theft (1,097). From these same statistics, there’s 224 crimes in the city per square mile. Cameron Polom, a reporter for ABC News, says there’s a close-relationship with Florida’s increased crime rate and it’s heightened drug use. Alphonso Sherman, a St. Petersburg local, says, “Right now you got all these people selling crack, selling spice, walking up and down the sidewalk,” adding, “I come home from work, my wife comes home from work, these drugged out people are laying out in my yard passed out”; thus, he’s been forced to call police time and again. Logically, once there’s a manageable city budget for more available rehab centers and recovery programs, drug addiction should decline, which will lessen certain crime rate.

 

What Officials Say:

 

Reporter, Ryan Van Velzer, of Sun Sentinel, says, that a 2016 report “release coincided with an announcement from Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi that she joined 43 other attorneys general in urging Congress to hold opioid manufacturers and distributors accountable for the opioid crisis”. Additionally, certain cities have hired law firms to sue drug manufacturers over the opioid epidemic (Velzer). Currently Florida officials have been keeping track of drug-related incidences. However, the reality is, drug abuse and addiction has gotten worse for the most part, and quick action must take place; Florida residents need help now more than ever, and that’s where drug rehab comes in. To find heroin drug rehab centers in or around St. Petersburg contact our recovery helpline.