Fort Lauderdale, FL

Addiction and Rehabilitation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale is on the southeast coast of Florida, it's home to around 172,389 people. With 4,000 restaurants, 12 shopping malls, 63 golf courses, 16 museums, 278 parkland campsites it is now wonder why Fort Lauderdale is a top tourist destination. It had 12 million visitors in 2012, with 2.8 million of them being international.

Fort Lauderdale also has plenty of rehabs and treatment centers to take care of its residents that are struggling with addiction, including helping them through the detox process. Its facilities also take those who decide to travel for treatment, which is good, because a change of venue can be just what the doctor ordered.  Likewise, it's also highly recommended to find a meeting in your area after your treatment program is completed. Fellowships like AA are proven to help those in recovery stay in recovery.

If you're not the one in need, but rather have a friend or loved one who doesn't seem to recognize that their life is falling apart around them due to their addiction, don't despair. Intervention has saved thousands of lives in the past and with professional help from trained interventionists, it can save the life of your loved one too.

Is Addiction Genetically Passed On?

According to the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence (NCADD), the risk for developing addiction to substances does run in families and is genetic. This same study also noted that just because there is a genetic disposition for addiction, it doesn't mean all children of addicts will automatically become addicted. The children of addicts may not even abuse the same substances, or have any desire for that behavior. The study reports that people can just as commonly develop an addiction without any dependency or addiction in the family history.

If you are a relative or family member of an addict, there are group meetings you can attend that help you with your difficulties, and that can teach you coping mechanisms to better tolerate living with an addiction. Groups such as Coda and Alinon may be a great support system for you.

Consider traveling for treatment. If you are ready to enroll in a rehab facility, one of the most successful methods of rehab is traveling to another city or state for treatment. Traveling for treatment removes you from the toxic conditions that may lead someone to use drugs and alcohol. As alcohol abuse is primarily driven by social situations and relationships, traveling for treatment can remove you from these temptations.

While you might think that rehab is the last step, it isn't. The work isn't over, it takes constant work to stay clean. Finding meetings is an important part of aftercare. Meetings will give you a strong support system and a place to go if you are feeling tempted. Consider joining a weekly group meeting to help with your recovery. Group meetings can help you build a support system of friends who are struggling with the same affliction as you. You can also find a sponsor at group meetings to help you on an individual basis. Sponsors can help coach you and keep you on track with your recovery goals, and they can be someone to call on if you're down and under a temptation to use. Also consider joining a 12-step program. The 12-steps teach accountability, and calling upon a higher power to overcome addiction.