Are All Florida Drug Treatment Programs the Same?

Florida’s east coast is home to one of the most vibrant recovery communities in the United States. There are over 500 drug treatment programs in Florida. So the short answer is, no, not all Florida drug treatment programs are the same. Let’s look at some of the ways they are different:

State-run facilities vs. private Florida drug treatment programs: One of the most fundamental differences in Florida drug treatment centers is whether they are state-run or privately owned. State funded treatment drug treatment programs are generally reserved for those living in poverty without health insurance and those who are ordered to complete treatment as part of a penalty for a criminal charge. For this reason, state funded treatment centers are usually locked-door facilities. You do not have the option to leave without a lot of red tape. They also usually have long waiting lists, because many people are waiting to get in.

Private rehabs are voluntary only. Most accept health insurance or are willing to work with you financially. They are not limited by state funding, so they are able to offer more one on one time, alternative therapy, and more comfortable accommodations.

12-step program versus non-12 step Florida drug treatment programs: 12-Step Florida drug treatment programs are based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. For 75 years, once hopeless drug addicts and alcoholics have found redemption in the AA principals. No one really knows how it works, but in the 75 years since Bill Wilson founded the program, experts have yet to design a program that works better, despite the wealth of knowledge we have amassed in subjects like psychology, medicine, and human behavior.

Non-12 step Florida drug treatment programs are a little harder to describe, because there is no set method for non-12 step programs. The only thing they have in common is that they do not use the 12-steps of AA or NA.  Usually, they involve different methods of behavioral modification and motivation to teach clients how to live a drug and alcohol free life. A very small percentage of non-12 step programs actually try to teach clients how to drink moderately.

Holistic vs. Non-Holistic Florida drug treatment programs: Whether they are 12-step or not, many Florida drug treatment programs incorporate some holistic treatment methods. Some Florida drug treatment programs are completely dedicated to holistic treatment. So what does holistic mean in terms of drug treatment? Holistic Florida drug treatment programs treat the whole body. Addiction is a three-fold disease. It is a spiritual malady, a physical allergy, and a mental obsession. Holistic Florida drug treatment programs treat the whole person-spiritual, physical, and mental -using methods like yoga, aromatherapy, meditation, massage, and healthy food. Research shows that clients of a drug treatment program that incorporates at least one holistic practice are three times more likely to recover.

Non-holistic Florida drug treatment programs treat clients according to a more traditional treatment model. They generally employ psychotherapy as the sole treatment method.

If you or someone you know needs a Florida drug treatment program, call us at (877) 711-HOPE (4673) or visit us online at www.palmpartners.com.