HIDTA stands for High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and is a program that was created by Congress back in 1988 when the Anti-Drug Abuse Act was created. HIDTA provides resources and assistance to federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement that work in areas that are designated as critical drug trafficking regions. Operating under the Office of National Drug Control … Read More
Common Barriers to Addiction Treatment in Florida
Professional, comprehensive addiction treatment works. One of the biggest reasons for high rates of drug addiction, in Florida and elsewhere, is that accessing addiction treatment can be daunting—particularly for someone acting on their own behalf from a place of debilitating pain and discouragement. Excellent Florida drug rehab options exist, but there are often barriers between people with addiction and the … Read More
HIV in Miami: A Drug-Induced Ticking Time Bomb
When most people think of HIV, they remember the heartbreaking epidemic that hit this country in the 1980s. Despite popular belief, the crisis has not passed. Due in part to this nation’s opioid epidemic, there are still rising numbers of new HIV cases. The hardest hit city in the country is Miami, Florida. The Spread of HIV in South Florida … Read More
4 Ways Al-Anon Helps Florida Families Heal
When a loved one goes away to a Florida addiction treatment program, you trust that he or she is getting the help needed to address a substance use disorder. What about family members who have been affected by addiction for so long? There are support groups for addiction, but there is one for loved ones as well. Al-Anon is a … Read More
Using EMDR to Address Co-Occurring PTSD in Florida Drug Rehab
Many people are exposed to stress at some point in their lifetime, and the body’s reactions can vary. A stressful event can lead to uncontrolled reactions in the body and mind which have the potential to become post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD has a proven link to substance abuse, where a sufferer may use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate feelings … Read More
How to Handle the Stigma of Addiction
There is an undeniable stigma that surrounds addiction. For those who do not know anything about the disease, it is often viewed as a moral failing instead of an illness. For someone with a substance use disorder, this can be difficult to deal with on several levels. You might feel shame associated with your addiction because of this stigma and … Read More
ER Visits on the Rise for Women Drinkers
Most people who drink do so in moderation and follow certain rules that ensure the safety of themselves and others. There are some, however, who overdo it. Enough of this behavior can lead to an alcohol use disorder. One recent study reveals that there has been an increase in the number of alcohol-related emergency room visits, particularly among women. Fortunately, … Read More
FDA Approves Non-Opioid Drug to Treat Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
One of the most significant barriers to recovery for an opioid addict is the fear of withdrawal. Opioids are such powerful drugs that going without them for just a short period can cause significant discomfort for someone with an opioid use disorder. Fortunately, there are medications that can help and the FDA just approved a new one – the first … Read More
A Look at Cocaine Use and Abuse in Palm Beach
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug whose effects on the body and mind are instantaneous with use. Once someone becomes addicted to the drug, it can be incredibly difficult to break free without specialized help. Recent statistics show that cocaine use and abuse has become a growing problem in Palm Beach, Florida. There are serious risks associated with cocaine use, … Read More
Should You Go to a Sober House after Florida Drug Rehab?
Even after you commit to a Florida drug rehab, maintaining abstinence from alcohol and drugs can be a challenge if you do not have the right support in place once you leave. A stable, drug-free environment is an essential component to continuing this process, and not everyone has this at home. While it may not be necessary for everyone, having … Read More