Over the course of the past several years, The State of Florida has seen a significant increase in drug-related overdose deaths. In July of 2022, The Florida Department of Health issued a Public Health and Safety Alert (1) concerning the dramatic increase in fentanyl overdose deaths throughout the state. The alert reads, “Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid up to 100 times more potent than morphine. As little as two milligrams, about the size of 5 grains of salt, can be fatal. In 2020, more than 6,150 people died from overdoses involving fentanyl and fentanyl analogs in Florida. For 2021, the latest provisional drug overdose death counts also indicate an increase in fatal overdoses caused by synthetic opioids.” Fentanyl overdose was once exclusively associated with heroin use; now, fentanyl is being added to other illicit drugs — including cocaine and marijuana — in order to increase their potency and street value. Many individuals are unaware that these chemical compounds contain the lethal drug.
Illicit drugs are not the only substance related issue Florida faces as a whole. Rates of alcohol misuse and dependence are also high. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System reports in 2019, 18% of adults over the age of 18 regularly engaged in heavy drinking or binge drinking. The Florida Behavioral Health Association reports, “Alcohol is the most frequently occurring drug among decedents reported by the Florida Medical Examiners Commission. Alcohol-related deaths increased across the state from 2012 to 2019. (2) The number of decedents in which alcohol played a causal role in death increased 72% from 2012 to 2019.”
If you or someone close to you has been suffering from an alcohol or drug use disorder of any kind, CuraSouth is available to help. Our Tampa, Florida detox program combines around-the-clock medical care with evidence-based therapies. We help our clients safely undergo drug and alcohol withdrawal while actively preparing them to take the next appropriate step on their personal recovery journeys. At CuraSouth, we are committed to helping our clients meet all of their personal treatment goals and begin to thrive in their lives. Contact us today to begin.
Substance & Alcohol Use In Florida
Like many other states throughout the country, Florida has seen a significant rise in substance misuse and dependence over the past several years. Opioid narcotics like heroin, prescription painkillers, and fentanyl have been contributing to increasing overdose death rates, and the widespread use of substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and alcohol is also cause for concern. In the year 2020 there were a reported 7,460 overdose deaths in Florida; an overdose death rate of 35 per 100,000 residents. (3) Florida currently has the second largest amount of overdose deaths in the country, preceded only by California. In 2021, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Florida responded to 106,891 overdoses, and naloxone was administered a total of 44,614 times.
The Florida Department of Health reports that 15,300,313 prescriptions were dispensed throughout the state in 2021. Prescription distribution contributes to increasing rates of opioid dependence throughout the state. Many individuals who are initially prescribed a painkiller like oxycodone or hydrocodone will either misuse the medication themselves or sell it for a profit. When prescription painkillers are misused for an extended period of time, opioid dependence is liable to occur. If an opioid-dependent person can no longer obtain a prescription medication, they might be inclined to seek out heroin, an affordable and accessible alternative.
Rates of alcohol misuse and dependence are also high throughout the State of Florida. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, “Excessive alcohol use is responsible for about 88,000 deaths and 2.5 million years of potential life lost in the United States each year. Binge drinking (five or more drinks per occasion for men or four or more drinks per occasion for women) is responsible for more than half the deaths and two-thirds of the years of potential life lost resulting from excessive alcohol use. Excessive drinking results in 6,643 deaths and 187,068 years of potential life lost each year in Florida. In Florida, 17.1% of adults and 19.1% of high school students reported binge drinking in 2011. Excessive alcohol use cost the United States $223.5 billion, or $1.90 per drink consumed, in 2006 as a result of lost workplace productivity, healthcare expenses, and crime. In Florida, excessive alcohol use cost $13.3 billion, or $1.53 per drink.” (5) If you or someone close to you has been living in Florida and suffering from drug addiction or alcoholism, CuraSouth is available to help. Our integrated Florida detox program caters to individuals of all ages in need of a safe-, pain-free detox experience followed by a smooth transition into a higher level of care. Contact us today to begin your personal recovery journey.
Florida Opioid Crisis
Florida has been particularly hard hit by the recent nationwide opioid crisis. The 2021 Interim Drug Report, published in May, 2022, notes that total drug-related deaths in Florida increased by 7%. 4,140 opioid-related overdose deaths were reported, a 5.5% increase from the year prior. (6) Fentanyl was the leading cause of overdose death, responsible for 3,210 fatalities. While deaths attributed to fentanyl increased, deaths attributed to heroin decreased significantly. This does not indicate that heroin use is on the decline throughout the state; instead, it indicates that an increasing amount of heroin is being laced with the potent synthetic opioid.
When it comes to the effective treatment of opioid addiction, the first line of defense is finding a medical detox program in which to safely undergo withdrawal. The physical and psychological symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable when left untreated, and often lead a person back to drug use before the detoxification process is complete. At CuraSouth we effectively treat all symptoms of opioid withdrawal using a combination of medication assisted treatment, around-the-clock medical supervision, holistic treatment options, and behavioral therapies. If you or someone close to you is living in Florida and struggling to overcome an opioid use disorder, we are available to help.
Choosing a Florida Rehab Facility
Choosing a Florida rehab facility is a relatively straightforward process when you know what to look for. First off, we recommend determining which type of treatment center will best meet your needs — a community-based treatment center that is funded by the state, or a privately-funded treatment center like those in the Guardian Recovery Network family. Looking into state-funded options might be the more cost-effective route, but finding a privately funded facility that accepts insurance will allow you access to more comprehensive and individualized treatment services.
When choosing a Florida rehab facility, we encourage you to ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the Florida rehab center both licensed and accredited through the state?
- Is the rehab center staffed with a team of licensed therapists, medical professionals, and experienced/knowledgeable support staff members?
- Does the rehab center cater to a specific demographic, like working professionals or individuals who have been diagnosed with a co-occurring mental illness?
- Does the rehab center provide a singular level of care, or does it offer a step-down program for those in need of medical detox services, inpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment?
- What is the client-to-staff ratio at the treatment center?
- Does the treatment center offer highly individualized care, making sure the needs of each client are adequately met?
- Does the rehab center offer holistic treatment options as well as a range of evidence-based therapies and 12 Step program education?
- Does the rehab program prioritize aftercare plans that are both comprehensive and unique to each individual client?
When choosing a drug and alcohol rehab center in Florida, it is a good idea to consider which level of care will best meet your needs. If you have been struggling with a moderate or severe substance use disorder and you have not previously been to treatment, entering into a medical detox center before transitioning to a higher level of care will likely come recommended. If you were sober for an extended period of time and recently experienced a return to drinking or drug use, a lower level of care, like outpatient treatment, might prove more beneficial. To learn more about which level of care is right for you, contact us today.
Detox & Rehab Options in Florida
There is no shortage of detox and rehabilitation options available in Florida. However, it is important to keep in mind that not every addiction treatment center is going to be right for you. When narrowing down your search, we recommend first determining which level of clinical care will best meet your needs.
Intervention
If you have a loved one who has been suffering from a moderate or severe substance use disorder but is unwilling to seek professional help on their own, staging a professional intervention is likely a good idea. Guardian Recovery Network works directly with several licensed and experienced interventionists in Florida. We are happy to connect you with an interventionist in your area who will guide you through the process and help your loved one commit to receiving the professional care they need and deserve.
Medical Detox
In medical detox, a person undergoes a safe and closely monitored drug and/or alcohol withdrawal under the close supervision of a team of licensed medical professionals. Many medical detox centers offer comprehensive care, meaning they combine therapeutic and holistic approaches to recovery with medical treatment options. If you are looking for detox options in Florida, it is a good idea to determine whether you will attend a privately funded detox center or look for detoxification services provided in a hospital setting or by a state-funded facility. At CuraSouth we offer an integrated and individualized approach to medical detox, actively preparing our clients to take the next appropriate step on their personal recovery journeys.
Residential & Inpatient Treatment
Residential or inpatient treatment often serves as the next step once a person has been physically stabilized in medical detox. Residential inpatient treatment is an immersive model of treatment where clients come to live amongst other sober peers and participate in a daily treatment program in a facility that is professionally staffed by medical professionals, licensed therapists, group facilitators and support staff. Clients participate in a daily packed schedule of recovery related activities including group therapy, individual therapy, recovery meetings, educational workshops, life skills courses, recreational therapy, social activities, yoga, meditation and 12 Step program education and involvement. There are many reputable residential treatment centers throughout Florida.
Outpatient Treatment
There are three distinct types of outpatient treatment: partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment. The right level of care for you will depend on several factors, including the severity of your substance use disorder, any previous experience with addiction treatment, and the presence of any time-consuming personal obligations, like work, school, or taking care of dependents.
- Partial Hospitalization (PHP) — PHP is a step down from residential treatment, the main differentiating factor being clients will return home (or to a sober living house) after a full day of treatment. PHP typically offers a combination of evidence-based therapies, relapse prevention training, and psychiatric services in the case of dual diagnosis disorders. Clients undergo full days of recovery-focused group workshops, and have slightly more personal freedom than they would in residential rehab.
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP) — IOP is a step down from PHP, and therapeutic groups typically meet 5 days a week for several hours each day, usually in the morning or the evening. IOP is often utilized as a step down level of clinical care for those who have already been through medical detox and inpatient rehab, though it can be used as a standalone treatment option for those in need of more flexibility in their day-to-day schedules.
- Outpatient Treatment (OP) — Outpatient treatment is the lowest level of care available, and is often recommended as a final step before a person transitions back into fully independent living. Because outpatient treatment often functions as a “last line of defense,” there is often a significant focus on relapse prevention training, vocational training, and educational placement for those who want to continue with school.
MAT & Suboxone
Medication assisted treatment (MAT) can be an important part of the addiction recovery process. In some cases, comfort medications are used to facilitate the withdrawal process, minimizing physical symptoms while reducing drug cravings.
- Methadone — Methadone is a synthetic analgesic opioid used to treat severe cases of opioid addiction. Because methadone can cause a high when used other than as prescribed, it is generally recommended that a person use Suboxone, which has a lower risk of misuse, if they have an option. If you are interested in learning more about Florida methadone clinics, see a methadone clinic list provided by The Florida Department of Children & Families HERE.
- Suboxone — Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid medication that works as an opioid agonist, mimicking the effect associated with other opioid narcotics (like heroin, painkillers, and fentanyl) while preventing fatal overdose. Naloxone prevents the euphoric effects or “high” associated with addictive opioid drugs, ultimately reducing the risk of misuse. Find a comprehensive list of buprenorphine/Suboxone treatment options in Florida HERE.
Substance Use Disorder Program Costs in Florida
Privately Funded Rehab Programs
There are many benefits that go hand–in-hand with selecting a privately funded rehab program in Florida. Benefits include:
- More individualized and focused treatment options.
- A wider selection of treatment services, including holistic treatment options.
- A range of evidence-based therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.
- Closer attention paid to aftercare planning and implementation.
- Case management services.
- The option of dual diagnosis treatment.
- Treatment geared towards members of specific demographics.
Public & State Funded Rehab Programs
The Florida Department of Children and Families offers several community-based treatment options for Florida residents who are suffering from a substance use disorder and who are looking for affordable and easily accessible care. While there are some benefits to choosing a public or state-funded program, like cost-effectiveness and accessibility, choosing a program offered through the State of Florida can be limiting. You might not have access to individualized care, and treatment services are often limited to basic one-on-one therapy sessions, MAT, and 12 Step program education.
Insurance Based Treatment Options
Most privately funded detox centers and residential rehabs in Tampa, Florida and surrounding areas accept insurance from major regional and national providers. If you are interested in learning more about the services offered by CuraSouth and covered by your current provider, contact us today for a free, no obligation health insurance benefit check.
Free Treatment Programs & Medicaid or Medicare
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states, “Medicare is a medical insurance program for people over 65 and younger disabled people and dialysis patients. Medicaid is an assistance program for low-income patients’ medical expenses.” Some treatment programs in Florida accept Medicaid and/or Medicare, though utilizing one of these government programs will harshly limit the network of treatment centers you are able to choose from.
Find out more about Medicaid in Florida HERE.
Find out more about Medicare in Florida HERE.
Florida Addiction Recovery Resources
Florida is home to a range of addiction recovery resources. Once you have completed your personal program of addiction treatment, you will transition back into independent living and begin implementing your individualized aftercare plan.
Alcoholics Anonymous in Florida
Alcoholics Anonymous is a mutual aid fellowship rooted in spiritual development, and easily accessible to everyone who has a desire to stop drinking. There is certainly no shortage of AA meetings in Florida, as the warm, tropical environment Florida offers is conducive to mental, emotional, and physical healing.
A comprehensive list of Central Florida AA meetings can be found HERE.
A comprehensive list of AA meetings in Northeast Florida is available HERE.
Examples of specific AA meetings in Florida include:
- First Things First — This early morning meeting is held every weekday at 7:30am in Orlando, Florida, and it can be attended in person or virtually.
- If you are living in the Palm Beach, Florida area and you are looking for an AA meeting, visit the local intergroup website HERE.
- A list of AA meetings in Miami-Dade can be found HERE; a popular AA meeting in the Miami area is the SOBE Outdoor meeting, held in Maurice Gibb Memorial Park at 7am on weekdays.
Narcotics Anonymous in Florida
Narcotics Anonymous is a 12 Step fellowship for those who have struggled/are struggling with drug misuse and dependence. NA is based on the 12 Steps outlined in AA, but focuses more on drugs than on alcohol.
A list of NA meetings in Florida can be found HERE.
Smart Recovery Meetings/Recovery Dharma Meetings
SMART Recovery is an alternative peer support group for people who are attempting to move away from substance use. According to the official website, “SMART Recovery utilizes a collection of scientifically proven tools and techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), as well as some motivational enhancement techniques.”
Find a list of SMART Recovery meetings in Florida HERE.
Recovery Dharma is another alternative peer support option, one that revolves around Buddhist teachings. Find a list of Recovery Dharma meetings in the Florida area HERE.
Finding a Drug & Alcohol Rehab in Florida
Finding a drug and alcohol rehab or medical detox center in Florida might seem like an overwhelming process, seeing as there are so many potential treatment options to choose from.
Fortunately, finding an addiction treatment program in Florida is a straightforward process when you know what to look for. Once you have determined which level of care is right for you, we recommend reaching out to an experienced Treatment Advisor who can guide you through the admissions process. At CuraSouth we have a team of experienced Treatment Advisors standing by to answer any additional questions you have and help you get started on the road to recovery as quickly as possible. As soon as you contact us, you will undergo a brief pre-assessment over the phone. The pre-assessment consists of a series of questions geared towards finding a treatment program that meets all of your unique clinical needs. We offer a free, no obligation health insurance benefit check to those who are insured through a major regional or national provider. If you are currently uninsured, we will help you determine which costs will need to be covered out-of-pocket. Finally, we help arrange local ground transportation to our Florida detox center , or help set you up with an alternative level of care. To learn more or to begin your personal journey of addiction recovery in Florida contact us today.
Commonly Asked Questions
We offer programs lengths individualized for each client. Generally detox is anywhere from 3-7 days. These are estimates and are adjusted to meet the needs of the individual client.
Yes! We work with most major insurance providers. We offer free no-obligation insurance benefit checks for those who are interested in our program. Our admissions team will speak with your insurer and get a detailed verification of your insurance benefits and share those details with you. Unfortunately Medicaid and Medicare do not cover our facility.
Absolutely. We understand that addiction affects the entire family system and encourage families to participate in their loved one’s treatment. To help families recover we also offer intervention services, case management, and family workshops.
Yes. We believe in complete and total confidentiality and privacy for all of our clients. We take extra measures to make sure we go above and beyond HIPAA and health privacy standards. If you are concerned about specific privacy requirements please feel free to reach out and we can answer your questions.
While we strongly discourage leaving before treatment completion, we are not a lockdown facility. Clients are in our program voluntarily and may leave when they want.
Clients who need to take off work to attend treatment may be eligible for the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). FMLA ensures that you will not be terminated while taking a leave of absence from work to attend treatment. Our admissions and case management staff can help with setting up any FMLA paperwork. For clients who are self employed, we do offer an executive program that allows for cellphone and laptop access in certain cases during business hours.
Contact Us Today to Begin
Finding an addiction treatment program in Florida is a straightforward process when you know what to look for. Once you have determined which level of care is right for you, we recommend reaching out to an experienced Treatment Advisor who can guide you through the admissions process. At CuraSouth we have a team of experienced Treatment Advisors standing by to answer any additional questions you have and help you get started on the road to recovery as quickly as possible. As soon as you contact us, you will undergo a brief pre-assessment over the phone. The pre-assessment consists of a series of questions geared towards finding a treatment program that meets all of your unique clinical needs. We offer a free, no obligation health insurance benefit check to those who are insured through a major regional or national provider. If you are currently uninsured, we will help you determine which costs will need to be covered out-of-pocket. Finally, we help arrange local ground transportation to our Florida detox center, or help set you up with an alternative level of care. To learn more or to begin your personal journey of addiction recovery in Florida, contact us today.
Reviewed for accuracy by:
Travis Atchison
LCSW, MCAP
Travis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Addiction Professional. He has worked in various community-based settings, where he served families and couples, addressed issues related to homelessness and crisis and worked in a substance abuse setting.
