Fentanyl has become a Major Concern in Florida

Fentanyl has become a Major Concern in Florida

While addictions are on the rise around the country, Florida is being hit pretty hard. One of the drugs that people are abusing the most is Fentanyl. Some people do have a legit prescription for the drug, but they can and often do still abuse it. Other people are buying Fentanyl from drug dealers. Some drug dealers lace the Fentanyl with other drugs which makes it even more dangerous. If you have an addiction to this drug, be sure to reach out to us here at Harmony Stuart Treatment and Wellness Center today to get help overcoming it.

 

So, what do you need to know about Fentanyl abuse and addictions in Florida?

Opioid Epidemic Scope in Florida

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, stated that Florida ranks in the top 5 states for total opioid overdose-related deaths in recent years. Out of all the drugs being abused, Fentanyl is near the top of the list. There are many things being done to try to fight the Fentanyl and overall opioid epidemic in this state.

Using Federal Funds to Fight Against Opioid Abuse

Unfortunately, there are already many people who have lost their lives due to a Fentanyl overdose. However, many professionals are using federal funds to try fighting against the opioid abuse epidemic. In fact, there is a program called the State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis Grants that helps to fund opioid addiction education and treatment expansions. Some of the things being taught and offered in these programs include:

  • Advancing alternative pain management education efforts
  • Improving public health surveillance
  • Improving and expanding treatment and recovery service options
  • Making overdose-reversing drugs available to more of the public
  • Supporting research to help further fight the opioid epidemic

If you have an addiction to Fentanyl or you want to learn about treatment options to help a loved one fight this type of addiction, the Harmony Stuart team can help. We can discuss a potential treatment plan with you, as well.

First Responders Use Naloxone to Save Lives

Since the Fentanyl abuse epidemic is on the rise in Florida, it is more important than ever for first responders to have access to life-saving drugs such as naloxone. Federal funds are being used to help provide more of this drug to hospitals and first responders around the state.

 

Naloxone, or Narcan, comes in various forms including a nasal spray which is often administered when first responders arrive at a scene where someone has overdosed. It can be used to reverse the effects of many drug overdoses such as those with:

  • Prescription pain medications
  • Morphine
  • Heroin
  • Fentanyl
  • Other opioids

In some communities, naloxone is even available to the general public. If you have a loved one or friend who has a Fentanyl addiction, you may want to find out if naloxone is available in your community. It could help to save your loved one’s life.

 

If someone you know has survived an overdose, talk to them about the treatment programs they can attend. Let them know that you will support them throughout their recovery journey. If they need someone to take them to the treatment center, maybe you could offer to drive them there, as well.

Treatment Options for Fentanyl Addiction

Do you or someone you know have an addiction to Fentanyl? If so, it is crucial to know about the many different treatment options available to overcome this type of addiction. Some of the treatments people can receive include:

  • 12-step facilitation therapy
  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Adventure therapy
  • Medication-assisted treatment programs
  • Intensive outpatient program
  • Outpatient program
  • Inpatient program
  • Partial hospitalization program

If you are struggling with Fentanyl abuse, don’t wait any longer to get into a treatment program. The sooner you enter into one or more of these treatment options, the better chance you will have at living a successful recovering lifestyle.

 

If you want to know the specifics of any type of Fentanyl addiction treatment program, you can talk to someone here at Harmony Stuart today. We can discuss how these programs work or answer any other questions you might have about them.

Get Help for a Fentanyl Addiction Today

Anyone who is struggling with drug abuse should be able to get the help they need. If you have a Fentanyl addiction don’t be afraid to come to us here at Harmony Stuart Treatment and Wellness Center. We can get you into a treatment program to help you get clean and into recovery.

 

Contact us today to start receiving the help you need to fight a fentanyl addiction.

 

Klonopin Addiction Treatment & Recovery in Florida

Klonopin Addiction Treatment & Recovery in Florida

Do I Need Rehab for Klonopin Addiction?

This is a fair question. Klonopin is a prescribed medication, so it is easy for people to see it as safe. The fact is that Klonopin addiction is a widespread problem in the U.S. While Klonopin can be safe and effective when used exactly as prescribed by a doctor, it is habit-forming. Klonopin is a benzodiazepine, which is a class of sedatives commonly prescribed for anxiety. Benzodiazepines are also one of only three categories of drugs with potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms.

The other two are alcohol and barbiturates. Even someone with a prescription for Klonopin can fall prey to Klonopin addiction. Sometimes people increase their medication against doctors’ orders because they feel the dose is no longer adequately controlling their symptoms. Others might discover they like the euphoric side effects when they take extra medication or combine their medication with alcohol or other intoxicants.

Signs You May Need Help for Klonopin Dependence

  • Running out of medication before you can refill a prescription.
  • Seeking to “boost” the effect of your medication by combining it with alcohol or other intoxicants.
  • Stealing medication or money to buy drugs from other people.
  • Substituting any mind or mood-altering substance for Klonopin.
  • Taking unprescribed Klonopin.
  • Other Klonopin addiction symptoms, like feeling unwell before you take the medication.

Getting Help for Klonopin Addiction in Florida

However, you ended up here, you’re here. It’s not important whether or not you have a Klonopin prescription or if your Klonopin addiction is a result of pills you bought off the street or got from a friend. What matters is that you’ve recognized you have a problem and you want help. That’s tremendous in fact. Believe it or not, the biggest obstacle to early recovery is usually denial or unwillingness to stop and get help. If you’re even part of the way past denial and reluctance, then you’re doing great! The next step is planning for treatment. Klonopin dependence will generally require a medical detox. You come off the Klonopin under medical supervision. They use medications to make you comfortable and control any withdrawal symptoms.

A Note About Benzodiazepine Detox

Note, you must never try to detox yourself off Klonopin at home without medical supervision. Even under controlled conditions, there can be some discomfort but a detox can monitor you and respond to any withdrawal symptoms as they appear. If you were to attempt a home detox, you would not have the advantage of detox medications and the careful eye of doctors and nurses. Klonopin withdrawal can result in anxiety and seizures. Like alcohol or barbiturate withdrawal, these seizures can be potentially fatal. We tell you this not to alarm you, but to impress upon you the importance of medical detox for Klonopin dependence.

Why You Should Consider Treatment for Klonopin Addiction 

As mentioned above, it’s dangerous to try and detox yourself off any benzodiazepine like Klonopin. It must be under medical supervision. But what about after detox? The question then becomes how to do you keep from picking it up again. If you had a prescription, your doctor should be fully aware that you had a problem with it so they can prescribe you a non-narcotic alternative if needed. However, there is still a risk of relapse. That risk is usually greatest in early recovery.

This is why detox for Klonopin addiction symptoms is so important. It’s also why to follow-up treatment after detox is critical if you want lasting recovery. Very few people can simply detox for a week or two and then go back to life as usual without relapse. Those are the facts. People who attend addiction treatment for benzos are far more likely to be drug-free 6 months to a year later or more. There’s no reason to try and buck the odds when excellent help is available to you.

Conclusion 

Harmony Treatment and Wellness offers high-quality evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders, including benzo addiction. All of Harmony Recovery Group’s facilities are gold standard institutions with excellent reputations for patient care. You are welcome to contact us directly at (772) 247-6180 or reach out to us via our contact page here.

Rebuilding Foster Care Families in the Aftermath of Addiction

Foster Care and Addiction

It’s no secret that addiction tears families apart, this is especially true in the case of foster care. Studies have shown one in three children in the program were admitted due to parental substance abuse. But what happens when parents are in recovery and their children are able to come home. How do you heal the trauma that tore the family apart? 

 

Communicate 

Talk about what has happened, apologize, listen to their feelings. Depending on their age, this may be the time to have an open discussion with them and communicate honestly. Make sure they know that their feelings are valid, that you hear them, and of course, that you love them. 

 

Create a “New Normal” 

Children and families thrive on consistency. Try to create routines in your everyday life, maybe every night you have dinner at 6pm together. Or every morning you listen to the radio. Small things can make a difference in creating a feeling of consistency. Consider creating new traditions. Maybe every Saturday morning you take a walk together as a family or every Sunday you make pancakes. Making traditions make ordinary days feel special and make memories that last. 

 

Be Patient and Don’t Play the Guilt Game

Just because you’re in a different place now doesn’t mean you can expect things to change overnight. You may feel closed out or be frustrated by how your relationship building is going, but remember to be patient. This process takes time, particularly with older children. Don’t guilt them for holding a grudge or not responding the way you want them to. With time and consistency you can rebuild, but don’t put your expectations onto them. 

 

Keep Showing Up

It might be hard to face the circumstances, and new requirements such as supervised visitation however no matter what, continue to be there for them. It might take weeks, months, or even years for them to recover, feel safe, and accept the “new normal.” Regardless of how distant they may be, even when they act out or misbehave, stay with them. They need you and are likely testing your limits to see if you are here to stay. Be truly there for them. Show up, every day, in whatever way you can. 

 

Every scenario looks different. The ultimate goal is to heal, and let go of resentments and the shame. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and their children have been placed in foster care our case managers might be able to help. Contact us below or click here.

Telehealth: Addiction and Mental Health Conditions

Telehealth visit for addiction and mental health conditions therapy

What is Telehealth? 

Telehealth is a healthcare service available through a virtual platform. Visits occur on a device such as a phone, tablet or computer.

Telehealth also referred to as Telemedicine or Teletherapy,  has reduced the barriers to receiving care. Often used for those who are unable to travel for treatment. Patients can receive quick, on-demand counseling for medical conditions that do not require an in-person assessment or in mental health support like therapy. 

Is Telehealth Right For Me? 

Telehealth offers quick, on-demand support when you need it most. Telemedicine is for a patient that would benefit from care that does not require travel or time off. However, for some, it can feel impersonal compared to an in-person mental health experience. It is always down to the individual.

Privacy and Telehealth:

The concerns with privacy risks involve a lack of control over the collection, use, and sharing of data. According to Hall and McGraw, “The primary security risk is that of unauthorized access to data during collection, transmission, or storage.”  This is why the software used to conduct telehealth visits is HIPPA compliant and has special end-to-end encryption.

“Currently, the Health Insurance Portability and Accounting Act (HIPAA) contains the primary set of regulations that guide the privacy and security of health information. HIPAA requires that identifiable health information be encrypted so that only those authorized to read it can do so.”

Thinking about telehealth for yourself or a loved one facing addiction and mental health conditions? Give us a call with any questions.