According to the DEA, fentanyl is the most abused drug in Fort Lauderdale. Families here have witnessed firsthand how devastating this powerful synthetic opioid can be.
Alcohol addiction is another huge problem. In fact, Florida loses 10,655 people to alcohol-related causes every year. Over 60% of those deaths are due to chronic alcohol abuse.
Is there hope for people suffering from substance use disorder? What can you expect from alcohol and drug rehab in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Let’s take a closer look at the different treatment options you can find at a typical addiction recovery center and how to choose the best facility in the area.
Addiction Treatment in Fort Lauderdale, FL
South Florida has many accredited treatment centers that provide quality care for those facing substance abuse or alcohol addiction.
You can find these treatment facilities right in Fort Lauderdale or in nearby areas like Hollywood, Miami, and Palm Beach.
A comprehensive addiction treatment program typically includes:
- A variety of levels of care, from medical detox to inpatient and outpatient programs
- Behavioral health services for mental health disorders or co-occurring disorders
- Aftercare and long-term recovery support
- Access to support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous
Detox and Medication-Assisted Treatment
Quitting alcohol or drugs after chronic use almost always results in withdrawal. Common symptoms include nausea, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, and tremors.
Withdrawal from alcohol and certain drugs like meth and opioids can also be dangerous. In severe cases, a person can suffer from seizures, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts.
That’s why detoxification should be carried out in a medical setting, available in many drug and alcohol rehab centers. But what exactly is detox?
Detox is often the first phase of intervention. It clears the body of addictive substances and prepares you for further treatment. The process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
A detox center monitors patients to manage acute intoxication or withdrawal symptoms safely. FDA-approved drugs like benzodiazepines, methadone, and anticonvulsants may be used.
MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment), on the other hand, is a whole-body approach that involves medication, counseling, and behavioral therapies. The duration can last months or years, depending on your treatment plan.
It aims to:
- Ease withdrawal symptoms
- Reduce cravings
- Restore normal brain chemistry
- Block the euphoric effects of certain drugs, like opioids and prescription painkillers
- Prevent relapse and support long-term recovery
Inpatient or Residential Treatment
Due to the severity of their addiction, some patients need intensive treatment. In such cases, inpatient rehab or residential treatment is the most effective option.
The program provides 24/7 care in a structured environment. During this time, you’ll live at the facility so you can avoid everyday triggers, people, or places that can tempt you to use. This way, you can focus on getting better and healthier.
Inpatient rehab usually includes:
- Medical supervision
- Individual counseling and group therapy
- Holistic support (nutrition, fitness, and mindfulness)
- Family therapy
Once a person graduates from inpatient rehab, they can choose to step down to an IOP, PHP, or sober living arrangement (more on these shortly) to sustain their progress.
Outpatient Treatment Options
Many people can’t just step away from work, school, or family obligations. Fortunately, there are flexible outpatient treatment programs that let you get the help you need while continuing with your day-to-day.
The two main options are:
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): You live at home or in sober living housing and attend hours-long therapy sessions a few times a week.
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): Therapy is more structured and hours are longer than IOP, but you can still go home at night.
Therapy for Alcohol and Drug Addiction
Successful addiction treatment involves more than just medication to curb physical dependence. Addressing the emotional, behavioral, and psychological aspects is equally important in the recovery journey.
1. Individual Therapy
Substance use disorder is a disease of the brain. It’s also behavioral, influenced by genetic, psychological, environmental, and social factors.
People who abuse alcohol or drugs do so because of emotional pain, unresolved trauma, or unhealthy coping patterns developed over the years.
The good thing is that individual therapy provides a safe, judgment-free space to explore these deep-seated issues. Because every person’s story is unique, this therapy is tailored to meet individual needs.
In one-on-one sessions, a licensed therapist may use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), or motivational interviewing to help you:
- Identify triggers that lead to alcohol or drug use
- Develop healthier coping strategies
- Set realistic goals for recovery
- Work through past trauma
- Improve emotional resilience
2. Group Therapy
In group counseling, participants can share experiences and learn from one another. This kind of therapy is vital in many addiction treatment programs to remind you that you’re not alone.
Sessions are usually guided by one or two counselors or therapists who serve as monitors and models of the group.
Typically, groups are kept small (often consisting of 6 to 12 participants), so everyone has the opportunity to share and receive feedback.
Discussions may focus on relapse prevention, repairing relationships, or building life skills. Some groups use specific therapeutic approaches, such as CBT.
3. Family Therapy
Substance use disorder can sow secrecy, fear, distrust, abuse, and conflict within families. The emotional weight of addiction doesn’t just fall on the individual. Its impact can be just as heavy on loved ones who are trying to cope.
Family therapy helps repair bonds damaged by addiction. Guided by a therapist, sessions focus on:
- Education about the nature of addiction, the recovery process, and relapse risks
- Improving communication
- Setting healthy boundaries
- Rebuilding trust
4. Teletherapy
Teletherapy allows patients to connect with their therapist without needing to visit their office. Instead, counseling is delivered via phone or video call.
In one study, online therapy was shown to be just as effective as in-person meetings. What makes it work is the same foundation that supports traditional therapy: trust between therapist and client and the use of evidence-based treatment methods.
Teletherapy also improves consistency. Since sessions can be attended from virtually anywhere, patients are less likely to miss appointments.
Aftercare and Support
Recovery does not end when treatment is complete. In fact, the weeks and months after leaving a treatment center are often the most vulnerable.
Returning to daily life means facing stress, triggers, and responsibilities. That’s why many addiction treatment centers in Ft. Lauderdale offer dedicated aftercare programs to help patients maintain their momentum.
Here are the most common aftercare services:
- Outpatient counseling: Continued one-on-one or group therapy sessions
- Sober living homes: Structured housing options for people transitioning back into independent living.
- Support groups: Many centers connect individuals to community-based groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and other peer-led groups
- Alumni programs: Some recovery centers organize events, peer mentoring, or check-ins to keep graduates engaged and supported.
How to Choose the Best Recovery Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL
With so many treatment centers in Fort Lauderdale and throughout South Florida, where do you even start?
The key is to find a place where you feel safe, supported, and understood. To narrow your choices, look for an accredited treatment facility that offers:
- Evidence-based practices
- A full spectrum of treatment services
- Dual diagnosis and mental health support
- Individualized treatment plans for your unique needs
- Holistic approaches to promote overall wellness
- Aftercare programs, sober living options, and connections to peer support groups
- A supportive environment and compassionate healthcare providers
- Health insurance coverage and flexible payment options
Will My Insurance Pay for Alcohol or Drug Rehab in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
The cost of addiction treatment can be a concern. The good news? Our treatment facilities accept a wide range of private health insurance and insurance plans.
We also work with lesser-known insurance providers and offer alternative payment options. Speak with our admissions staff about your coverage and what out-of-pocket expenses to expect.
Final Thoughts
A typical addiction treatment center offers various services, including detox, inpatient treatment, and outpatient programs.
Remember: addiction is a burden, but lasting recovery is possible. Reach out to us anytime (we’re available 24/7) for more information about alcohol & drug rehab in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
