Today’s guide allows you to explore the best drug and alcohol rehabs in Florida so you have a clear understanding of what to expect if you kickstart your recovery in the Sunshine State. Florida is highly competitive for rehabs, with over 400 inpatient and outpatient treatment centers in the state.
Whether you need treatment for a substance use disorder, an alcohol use disorder, a mental health disorder, or a co-occurring disorder, this guide outlines what to expect if you kickstart your addiction recovery in Florida.
Background of Florida
Florida is one of the southeastern United States. Florida is the only U.S. state that borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
With 21 million residents, Florida is the third most populous U.S. state. 6.2 million people live in the Metropolitan Miami area alone.
The state economy is the sixteenth largest worldwide, grossing $1 trillion in GSP (gross state product).
For those who want to initiate their recovery from addiction in Florida, there are more than 400 drug and alcohol rehabs located throughout the Sunshine State.
Florida Substance Abuse Statistics
The following Florida substance abuse statistics are taken from Florida Department of Health’s 2019 to 2020 Annual Report.
It is estimated that 8% of Florida residents have a substance use disorder involving alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs. This amounts to 1.5 million people in need of treatment in the Sunshine State.
According to data from CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), over 7,500 Florida residents died of a drug overdose in 2020. This ranks the state second behind California for the most lethal overdoses in 2020. 1,200 of these deaths involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
CDC also reports that rates of alcohol poisoning in Florida are among the highest in the United States.
Co-occurring Disorder (Dual Diagnosis)
Co-occurring disorder, also known as dual diagnosis, is the clinical term for addictions and mental health conditions that present simultaneously.
Addictions frequently implicated in dual diagnosis include:
- Prescription opioids
- Marijuana
- Alcohol
- Cocaine
- Crack cocaine
- Meth
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
- Benzodiazepines
- Z-drugs like Ambien
Mental health conditions frequently implicated in dual diagnosis include:
- Anxiety disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Schizophrenia
The following data concerning dual diagnosis comes from NSDUH 2020, the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
- 5.7 million U.S. over-18s had co-occurring disorders involving substance use disorders and an SMI (serious mental illness) in 2020.
- 17 million U.S. over-18s had co-occurring disorders involving substance use disorders and AMI (any mental illness) in 2020, up from 9.7 million people with the same co-occurring disorders the previous year.
Either the mental health condition or the addiction may present first. In all cases, integrated and coordinated dual diagnosis treatment provides the most effective route to recovery.
Addiction Treatment in Florida
If you need treatment for an addiction to alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit narcotics, you can access these evidence-based therapies at rehab in Florida.
Medication-assisted treatment
Behavioral Therapy
Motivational Therapy
Medication-assisted treatment
MAT (medication-assisted treatment) is proven effective for the treatment of alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder.
The FDA approves the following medications to treat alcoholism (alcohol use disorder):
- Acamprosate
- Naltrexone
- Disulfiram
The FDA approves the following medications to treat opioid addiction (opioid use disorder):
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
These medications are beneficial during detox, helping to alleviate the intensity of cravings and withdrawal symptoms. MAT can also be useful throughout ongoing Florida addiction treatment. The medications can:
- Discourage subsequent substance use.
- Promote ongoing abstinence.
- Reduce the likelihood of relapse.
The Florida treatment team might also administer medications for the treatment of:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Seizures
Medication-assisted treatment is best when delivered alongside counseling and psychotherapy.
Behavioral Therapy
The behavioral therapies most frequently used in Florida drug and alcohol rehabs are:
- CBT
- DBT
CBT
CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) is a form of talk therapy or psychotherapy that is proven effective for the treatment of:
- Alcohol use disorder
- Substance use disorder
- Mental health disorders
- Dual diagnosis (co-occurring disorders)
A therapist will help you to establish what personally triggers you to use addictive substances. The better you understand your addiction triggers, the more prepared you will be when temptation strikes during your ongoing recovery.
You will also learn how to create and implement healthier coping mechanisms, enabling you to deal with stress more effectively in your sober living journey.
DBT
DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) is a variant of CBT created to treat the symptoms of borderline personality disorder. DBT is now more widely recommended for treating the following conditions:
- Alcohol use disorder
- Substance use disorder
- Mental health conditions
- Dual diagnosis
Through DBT sessions, you can learn how to become more tolerant and more accepting of emotional distress. A therapist will also help you to implement relaxation techniques. You can draw on these throughout your ongoing recovery from addiction in Florida.
Motivational Therapy
Most Florida rehabs will also offer motivational therapies to supplement evidence-based counseling and psychotherapies. The most popular motivational interventions include:
- CM
- CRA
- MI
CM
CM (contingency management) is a short-term form of motivational therapy. CM rewards positive behaviors such as negative drug screens with vouchers or small cash gifts.
Contingency management is particularly useful for treating these addictions:
- Prescription opioids
- Meth
- Marijuana
- Prescription stimulants
- Alcohol
- Cocaine
CRA
CRA (community reinforcement approach) is often used as a component of outpatient treatment for addiction.
Sessions of CRA will be scheduled twice per week over a six-month period. Expect regular drug screens during this form of motivational therapy.
CRA sessions involve working closely with a therapist to:
- Minimize the likelihood of further substance abuse.
- Create a sober support network.
- Access counseling services.
- Connect with vocational development services.
- Develop new and healthy interests.
CRA is most beneficial for treating the following addictions:
- Alcohol
- Cocaine
- Opioids
MI
MI (motivational interviewing) involves you and a therapist entering into an ongoing and collaborative conversation. The therapist will not approach the dialogue as an expert. Instead, they will encourage you to make and implement positive lifestyle and behavioral changes based on your core goals and values.
Addiction Treatment: Levels of Intensity
ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine categorizes addiction treatment according to five levels on a continuum of care:
- Early intervention.
- Outpatient rehab.
- IOP (intensive outpatient program) or PHP (partial hospitalization program).
- Inpatient rehab (residential rehab).
- Intensive inpatient treatment.
Most Florida rehabs offering inpatient rehab provide these modalities:
- 30-day residential rehab program in Florida
- 60-day residential rehab program in Florida
- 90-day residential rehab program in Florida
Inpatient addiction treatment in Florida is normally recommended for:
- Moderate or severe alcohol use disorders and substance use disorders.
- Co-occurring disorders.
- For those with volatile home settings.
During inpatient rehab in Florida, you will stay at a residential treatment facility for 30 to 90 days or more.
Outpatient treatment offers you access to the same services and therapies as residential rehab. The core difference is that you return home between therapy sessions.
Many Florida rehabs also offer the following outpatient programs for addiction:
- OPs (outpatient programs)
- IOPs (intensive outpatient programs)
- PHPs (partial hospitalization programs)
Outpatient addiction treatment in Florida is normally recommended for:
- Mild alcohol use disorders and substance use disorders.
- Moving from a more intensive form of treatment.
- The most flexible and cost-effective approach to addiction recovery in Florida.
Activities in Florida
At a Florida rehab center, you will have access to:
- Pharmacological treatments
- Behavioral therapies
- Motivational therapies
- Holistic treatments
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
Most of the best Florida rehabs will also provide activities to supplement these interventions. Common examples used in Florida rehabs include:
- Meditation
- Climbing
- Acupuncture
- Cycling
- Mindfulness
- Music therapy
- Exercise programs
- Hiking
- Nutritional therapy
- Massage
- EMDR therapy
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Art therapy
- Yoga
- Tai chi
- Experiential adventure therapy
Drug Rehab FAQ
Does Florida accept Medicaid?
Yes. Florida Medicaid services are administered by AHCA (Agency for Health Care Administration). 176 drug and alcohol rehabs in Florida accept Medicaid for addiction treatment.
Is there outpatient programming in Florida?
Yes. Of the 437 rehabs in the state, 361 Florida rehabs offer outpatient treatment.
Which areas have the greatest concentration of drug and alcohol rehabs in Florida?
You can find rehabs throughout the state of Florida. Many are located in:
- Miami
- Jacksonville
- Tampa
- Orlando
- West Palm Beach
- Pompano Beach
What can you do in Florida?
Florida has the longest coastline in the United States, offering ample opportunity for those in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction to connect with nature. Visit the world-famous Walt Disney Resort, Universal Studios Florida, or Magic Kingdom Park for some fun and games. Head to the Epcot Center or the sprawling Everglades National Park. The subtropical and tropical climate means you can enjoy these attractions in the Sunshine State year round.