An overdose epidemic is gripping Palm Beach County, with fentanyl responsible for most fatalities.
In 2021, 657 people died from drug overdoses, the highest number since 2018. In West Palm Beach, the county’s largest city, the rate is 25–50 deaths per 100,000 residents.
To save lives in emergencies, the Health Care District distributes free grab-and-go Narcan. Although it can reverse an overdose, it doesn’t solve the deeper crisis.
Alcohol misuse is also a growing concern, contributing to a high number of drunk driving deaths.
With more people struggling than ever, the need for effective alcohol & drug rehab in West Palm Beach, FL has never been greater.
Ahead, we discuss the services you can get from an addiction rehab facility, as well as pertinent information about co-occurring disorders.
Medical Detox
Alcohol or drug addiction recovery often starts with detoxification. This is the process of clearing harmful substances from the body so a person can begin treatment properly.
Let’s start with alcohol detox.
When someone has been drinking heavily or for a long period of time, their body becomes physically dependent on alcohol. Suddenly stopping can trigger dangerous withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Anxiety, sweating, and tremors
- Nausea or vomiting
- Insomnia and irritability
- Seizures and hallucinations, or delirium tremens (a potentially fatal condition marked by severe mental changes)
Because alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening, medical detox is strongly recommended. In a supervised setting, healthcare professionals can provide medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and keep the person safe while their body adjusts to the absence of alcohol.
It’s the same thing with drug detox. People quitting opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or other substances often experience intense withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Cravings, restlessness, and mood swings
- Muscle aches, sweating, and shaking
- Insomnia or fatigue
- Dehydration
- Suicidal thoughts
Certain substances can cause withdrawal symptoms so overwhelming that people relapse quickly without medical support.
Now, keep in mind that detox programs alone don’t cure drug or alcohol addiction. What it does is prepare the body for the next stages of rehab, such as inpatient/outpatient treatment and therapy.
Inpatient Care
For people with moderate or severe forms of alcohol or drug addiction, inpatient care (also called residential treatment) can be the most effective option.
Inpatient treatment means living at the rehab center for a set period of time, often 30, 60, or 90 days. During this time, all your energy and focus go into recovery.
Many people imagine inpatient treatment as cold or hospital-like, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. These programs are designed to feel supportive, structured, and safe.
What Does Inpatient Rehab Look Like?
Schedules can vary by treatment center, but most residential programs follow a structured routine designed to balance therapy, medical care, and wellness activities.
A typical alcohol or substance abuse treatment at a rehab center starts with medical detox. Under the supervision of healthcare professionals, your body is safely cleared of alcohol or drugs while withdrawal symptoms are monitored and managed.
Usually, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) follows. It involves the administration of FDA-approved drugs to reduce cravings and block the pleasurable effects of substances, along with counseling and behavioral health therapy. In short, MAT treats the person as a whole.
In terms of therapy, it can be a combination of different types:
- Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist to work on your personal goals and process emotions.
- Group Therapy: Group meetings where participants share experiences, practice communication skills, and learn relapse prevention strategies under the guidance of one or two counselors or therapists.
- Family Therapy: A form of talk therapy with couples and families, which aims to resolve conflicts and repair relationships.
- Holistic Therapy: Activities that promote body-mind-spirit wellness (for example, meditation, hypnotherapy, yoga, reflexology, hypnotherapy, and arts).
Outpatient Care
Not everyone can commit to inpatient treatment. Many people struggling with substance abuse are still holding down jobs, attending school, or managing family responsibilities. In short, they’re still functioning day to day.
The good news is that you can still receive professional addiction treatment through outpatient rehab. The frequency of sessions and intensity vary depending on the level of care you need.
Let’s take a look at your options:
- Partial Hospitalization (PHP): A highly structured option with several hours of therapy per day, often five days a week. Patients return home or to a sober living facility in the evenings.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): A step down from PHP, usually three to five sessions per week. Again, you can spend nights at home.
Aftercare: Staying on Track
Finishing a drug or alcohol rehab program is only the beginning. The weeks and months after leaving a recovery center can be the most vulnerable. That’s why aftercare matters.
Aftercare services in West Palm Beach may include:
- Ongoing outpatient counseling
- Sober living homes for structured support
- Peer-led support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
- Alumni programs with check-ins, mentorship, and community events
What If There’s a Co-Occurring Disorder
Addiction rarely exists in isolation. Many people who struggle with substance abuse also face mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or PTSD.
When both conditions occur together, it’s called a co-occurring disorder, sometimes referred to as a dual diagnosis.
Treating one without the other often leads to relapse. For example, someone may go through drug rehab, but if their underlying mental health issue isn’t addressed, they might return to alcohol or drugs as a form of self-medication.
Likewise, focusing only on mental health without addressing addiction leaves the person vulnerable to the cycle of substance use.
West Palm Beach recovery centers that offer addiction and mental health treatment provide an integrated approach. This means a person receives care for both conditions at the same time. Evidence-based therapies are often used, such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you recognize negative thought patterns and develop the tools you need to stay sober
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to address emotional regulation and reduce self-destructive behaviors
- Medication management for conditions like depression or anxiety
- Group and family therapy to build a strong support system
What to Look for in a Rehab Center in West Palm Beach, FL
With so many treatment options in Palm Beach County and throughout South Florida, which rehab center is the best for you? Here are some things to look for:
- Accreditation: Is the treatment facility licensed and accredited?
- Range of services: Does it offer a full continuum of care, including medical detox, inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare programs?
- Dual diagnosis treatment: If mental health disorders are present, do they treat both the addiction and your mental health?
- Evidence-based practices: Are treatment programs based on standard medical care and proven behavioral therapy methods?
- Personalized care: Aretreatment plans tailored to your unique needs and recovery goals?
- Insurance coverage: Does the facility accept health insurance and flexible payment options?
- Environment: Is the recovery center supportive and compassionate in the sense that they value both your physical health and mental well-being for lasting recovery?
Will My Insurance Pay for Alcohol or Drug Rehab in West Palm Beach, FL?
Cost is often one of the biggest concerns when considering rehab. The good news is that our addiction treatment centers accept most private health insurance carriers (and lesser-known ones) for substance use disorder.
If your insurance provider isn’t on the list, ask our admission staff:
- Is the center in-network with my insurance company?
- What out-of-pocket costs should I expect?
- Are payment plans or financial assistance available?
Final Thoughts
Addiction is a heavy burden, but it’s not one you or your loved one has to carry alone. If you’re looking for alcohol & drug rehab in West Palm Beach, FL, it’s important to consider the level of care the facility provides.
Our team at Recreate Behavioral Health Network is available 24/7 to answer all your questions about drug and alcohol treatment. Feel free to call us anytime.
