Addiction is a disease, an illness that not only has physiological symptoms, but also alters the chemical makeup of your brain. Much like other diseases and illnesses, addiction takes a toll on the whole person: heart, mind, body and soul.
Just like cancer, pneumonia or any other illness, you need professional help to treat and overcome addiction. Getting help is the first step to getting your life back. Rehabilitation doesn’t only address the illness itself, but it also helps you rebuild yourself from the inside out.
You are not alone in your addiction. The NIH reports that 22.5 million people in the United States (nearly 8.5 percent of the total population) over the age 11 needed treatment for an addiction to drugs or alcohol in 2014. A recent report in the New York Times indicates that deaths resulting from drug overdoses jumped in almost every county in the United States in 2014, reaching a new peak of 47,055 people at a rate of nearly 125 Americans per day. Seeking treatment is critical.
Choosing a top rehab program should be your first priority when exploring your options for drug and alcohol addiction rehabilitation. When considering a rehab program, there are many factors you need to consider, such as:
- Detoxification care and methodology
- Behavioral counseling
- Individualized treatment
- Medical treatment
- Treatments of co-occurring conditions
- Long-term follow-up care and treatment
- Use of medications for treatment
Remember, though, that full rehabilitation is not only about quitting an addiction to drugs or alcohol — it’s about starting over and creating a clean slate for building a whole new you.
Choosing a place that helps you feel happy will help you create a new beginning based on good, happy thoughts and feelings. It’s not always best to choose a location for rehab that’s close to home.
Why Go to Rehab in Florida?
Florida represents many things to different people. For some, it represents a fresh start or new beginning. Since that is the ultimate goal of every effective rehabilitation program, it makes Florida a fitting state for the rehab process.
A few reasons why Florida makes an outstanding choice for drug and alcohol rehab include:
Florida Takes You Away From Your Addiction Triggers
Many people use drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication or escapism. They may turn to substances out of a private pain rather than an abundance of joy — or even stability — in their lives.
Sometimes, though, you must leave all of your everyday triggers behind to escape drugs completely. It may be a sad memory that keeps you in a constant state of sorrow. Maybe you’re struggling with the death of a loved one or an accident that changed your life. Even the home you shared with a former partner can hold you back from the recovery you need. Whether it’s friends, family or work situations that led you to drugs or alcohol, sometimes it takes getting away to be able to fully focus on getting better.
If you live far away from the sunshine state, going all the way to Florida may seem like an extreme move to get away from negative influences or the things that are holding you back. Sometimes, however, it’s that clean break that makes all the difference in your long-term recovery.
Florida Has the Geography and Weather That Is Good for Your Emotional State
Whether it’s the coastline, the warmth or the sunshine, the state of Florida is good for your emotional balance and well-being. The relaxing vacation-like setting of Florida allows you to focus solely on your recovery, rather than worrying about work, family, friends and keeping up with what’s going on in the world.
Stormy weather can get anyone down. Winter weather can certainly be a negative factor for emotional well-being, and many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder without even realizing it.
Did you know that Jensen Beach, for example, has 234 days of sunshine? All of that sunshine provides you with a much-needed dose of vitamin D. The weather is perfect for recovery — allowing you to spend a great deal of time outdoors soaking up vitamin D and enjoying the happy feelings associated with communing with nature.
Florida offers miles of sandy-white beaches and endless acres of beautiful water on the horizon. It will be much easier to put the past behind you and focus on recovery when you’re in a happier, more relaxed state of mind. The sand, surf and sun have a magical way of making that happen.
There’s also the physical benefit of walking on the beach, swimming in the ocean and similar activities that help promote and improve your physical health during the recovery process. The fact that they are so fun makes them not even feel like exercises — so it’s a win on any day.
The seaside setting creates a different kind of therapy than you’ll find in the office of your therapist, but it is highly effective in its own right. It’s far better than drab and dreary inner-city, mid-winter climates that are cold and gray.
Florida Has a Tranquil Environment
Don’t confuse tranquil with boring. That is hardly the case. There’s something serene and relaxing about the sound of the surf hitting the sand. There’s something completely calming about palm trees and oceans. More than that, though, is the inner peace most people feel in vacation-like surroundings.
- The sand dampens the sounds of any noise other than seagulls flying overhead.
- The surf washes the worries of the world away as it ebbs and flows.
- The sun allows you to soak in its warmth, so you can relax and live in the moment instead of worrying about what has come before and what will happen next.
This kind of tranquility is something that can’t be prescribed but can be highly beneficial to your recovery efforts.
Florida Has a Supportive Community for Recovery
Florida is home to a wide community offering abundant resources to aid in the recovery process. These resources include:
- Recovery radio shows
- Therapy groups
- Coffeehouses
- 12-step meetings
Many people who go through rehab in Florida choose to stay and become part of the community afterwards because they feel so welcomed and supported.
Since Florida is home to many people in recovery, you’ll be part of a community with experiences that are similar to your own. It might not seem like a big deal at first glance, but it will mean more to you than you realize as you get further into the recovery process.
Someone who has experienced addiction can truly understand what you’re going through on a physical, emotional and mental level. They’ve been there and can relate to you. They can help you process your emotions and provide a living example that recovery is possible. That is perhaps the most important thing you NEED to know while going through rehab.
Florida Has Endless Opportunities for Distracting Activities
In this case, distraction is a good thing. It’s a critical element when going through rehab. You need a steady stream of things to distract you from thoughts of drugs, addiction and all the things that have held you back from recovery in the past. More importantly, though, you need to learn that life without drugs and alcohol can be FUN!
That’s part of the appeal of recovery in Florida where there are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy such as:
- Beach volleyball
- Swimming
- Shore and pier fishing
- Deep sea fishing
- Outdoor barbeques
- Boating
- Sailing
- Kayaking
- Horseback riding
- Relaxing
- Enjoying life
If you’re wondering why drug rehabs in Florida are so popular, these are a few of the top reasons. Florida is a famous tourist destination as well. This means there’s always something going on. Concerts, art shows, outdoor markets and countless other entertaining activities and events give you numerous ways to enjoy your time — while remaining sober. The more you see that staying sober has its benefits, the better your recovery will go.
Florida Is the Recovery Capital of the United States
Rehab facilities in Florida lend themselves to a more relaxed, slower-paced environment. This calm and serene atmosphere is highly conducive to helping someone suffering from an addiction break their cycle of dependency.
While rehab centers are inevitably responsible for steering you in the right direction and providing you with the tools, guidance and resources to do so, the community and environment where these things take place is a major contributing factor to your healing and recovery process.
As the recovery capital of the United States, Florida is also home to today’s most effective evidence-based treatments. Advancements in addiction science and treatment continue to improve recovery outcomes. When you choose Florida for your recovery, you’re choosing the center of today’s most effective and progressive addiction treatment modalities.
Florida Offers Out-of-State Rehab Advantages
One of the biggest reasons to consider an out-of-state rehab facility is the opportunity it represents to escape the stresses in your own community that may hamper your recovery. This can be the stress of work, family drama or even friends that are bringing you down or dealing with substance abuse themselves.
Going to another state for treatment gives you a break from the stress that might otherwise drive you. Many life changes require you to step away from what is familiar and known to really assess your situation, strengthen your desire for a fresh start and break habits that may contribute to addiction once and for all.
Distance also allows you to focus on what’s truly important while going through recovery: yourself. There is the added benefit going out-of-state for rehab provides: the extra incentive to stay the course and finish the program, rather than going home early. Going to a facility in another state means you’ll have to find a way home if you quit, and that isn’t always palatable.
Florida Is Accessible
Florida is a popular destination for tourists and travelers. You can get there many ways. Most airlines fly to destinations throughout the state of Florida. There is also the possibility of traveling to Florida by bus or car if necessary. The bottom line is that it isn’t hard to gain access to Florida if you are serious about going into rehab.
Why Turn to 12 Keys for Rehab?
Choosing the right facility is just as important as choosing the right location for rehab. While getting away from the stress of home and work to a Florida rehab center is vital, so is finding a facility that will be effective for meeting your rehabilitation needs.
The foundation of any effective rehabilitation program includes the beliefs that:
- Addiction is a complex, yet treatable, disease that affects both brain function and behavior.
- There is no one treatment that is effective for everyone.
- Fast access to treatment is paramount.
- The longer individuals remain in treatment, the greater that person’s chances for long-term success.
Most successful programs include several steps beginning with detox and behavioral counseling. Medication may be necessary to assist with the detox process and beyond. Then, there is evaluation and treatment for co-occurring disorders followed up with long-term treatment to prevent a relapse into addiction.
The compassionate addiction specialists at 12 Keys Rehab understand these fundamental principles of treatment. They work to ensure you receive treatment based on your specific needs, goals, challenges and interests.
At 12 Keys, we know that every person seeking recovery from addiction is different. We also know every addiction is unique and different as well. That’s why you get an individualized treatment plan for you, one that we adjust to ensure it continues meeting your evolving needs as you progress in your therapy.
Sober Is Fun at 12 Keys
While 12 Keys does focus on drug and alcohol addiction recovery, there is a great deal of emphasis on the fun aspects of getting sober. The treatment methods in your customized plan will vary based on your specific needs, but all treatment plans include the following three treatments as well:
- Detox
- Spiritual Care
- Behavioral Treatment
When you stay at our waterfront facility on the east Treasure Coast, you can explore the grounds, swim in the pool, read, walk along shaded paths or simply bask in the sun and enjoy the tropical settings.
If you prefer a little more excitement, though, you have the opportunity to go horseback riding, swimming, kayaking, deeo sea fishing, paddle boarding, play sports or simply get to know other guests and learn about their stories.
The more you embrace life at 12 Keys, the better your recovery experience is likely to be. The key is to remain active and focus your attention on all the fun things to see and do. That way, you’re not thinking about your addiction.
Life at 12 Keys Rehab
Here at 12 Keys Rehab, we understand that beating a drug or alcohol addiction isn’t easy — nor is it something to be taken lightly. Just as we’ve worked hard to develop the treatment methods for you, you’ll have to work hard to overcome your addiction.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to play hard, too. We offer plenty of time for both. It’s important that you have time to reflect on your life, your treatment and how to re-engage with the world once your rehab is complete.
On the other hand, we understand an environment that is overly clinical could provide roadblocks to your recovery. For this reason, when you’re not actively engaged in treatment, you’ll have full access to our pool, as well as the opportunity to participate in other activities such as horseback riding and kayaking.
We also understand that proper rest, nutritious and delicious food and recreation are all important for recovery. You also need plenty of time to reflect and relax after intense recovery sessions. We include an abundant amount of free time in your daily schedule to allow for reflection and emotional recovery. There are also plenty of places on the property where you can go to catch a nice, peaceful moment to get your thoughts together.
The food is not only delicious, but also rich in nutrients. It’s important to have physical healing from addiction — just as it is to have emotional and mental healing. While you’re enjoying these healthy meals, you’ll learn more about the importance of eating right to aid in your recovery and keep you healthy.
Sober is fun. That’s the one lesson you’ll learn at 12 Keys. You can live a life that’s filled with fun without drugs and alcohol. Boredom is a trigger for relapses, and we strive to offer plenty of distractions so it never becomes a factor.
The fun activities offered have other purposes, too. They help you:
- Improve your personal interaction skills
- Get or stay in shape
- Build confidence
- Learn new skills
- Develop discipline
- Deal with stress
- Cope with challenges
These skills will not only serve you well while going through rehabilitation, but they will be critical to help you stay true to your recovery once you leave 12 Keys behind and venture on your own again. Ultimately, our goal at 12 Keys is to see you fully recovered. We want you ready to face the world with the confidence that you will be able to overcome your addiction.
You will also have the opportunity to participate in off-site activities, such as trips to local movie theaters, bowling alleys and beaches. These adventures help take your mind off the cravings that often accompany rehabilitation. Those small victories are still victories, and they can help build your confidence for larger victories on the way.
Why Does Everybody Go to Rehab in Florida?
It’s not that hard to see the appeal of the sunshine state for rehab — especially for those in northern states who are shoveling sidewalks and scraping ice off cars just to get to work every day. Florida is certainly an exciting place to visit for rehab and other reasons. The sun, the sand, the surf and the ability to walk a few steps to experience it all is certainly attractive.
Not nearly as attractive, though, as the prospect of a future free of the burdens of addiction. 12 Keys Rehab can help you work through the pain of addiction so you can enjoy the wonderful reality of recovery from addiction. 12 Keys offers access to experts in the field of rehab treatment and many different programs to meet all of your needs and promote healing on every level.
Don’t wait for the right time to go into rehab. Make a decision today, while it is on your mind. It is the most important decision you’ll ever make about your personal health and future. The caring and dedicated addiction specialists at 12 Keys — along with the healing warmth of the Florida sun — can help you make it happen. Contact us today to get started.