If you’re tired of struggling, and you’ve decided it’s time to seek help for your substance abuse issues, pat yourself on the back because this is a monumental decision — probably one of the most important choices you’ll make in your entire life. However, before you look at rehabs in New York State, consider the potential benefits of traveling to South Florida for treatment.
Inpatient drug rehab centers in New York are indeed closer to home and more accessible, but convenience shouldn’t be the driving factor when it comes to choosing the best treatment center. You may find it tremendously helpful to put a healthy distance between you and the old friends and familiar places. For many people, getting away from the responsibilities of work and home allows them to rest and focus on recovery.
Why Treatment in South Florida may be a Better Choice over Going to Rehabs in New York State
There are several good reasons for traveling to South Florida over New York substance abuse treatment centers. Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:
The Weather in South Florida is Conducive to Healing
According to the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota, spending time outdoors is restorative. It can help with a variety of physical and mental issues, including depression, stress, muscle tension, and high blood pressure. Time spent in nature can also boost the immune system, bolster self-esteem, and improve impulse control.
In other words, spending time outdoors is essential for our overall health and wellbeing, and sunny South Florida is the ideal place to reconnect with the natural world. It’s not surprising that South Florida rehabs attract people from across the nation, especially those who reside in dark, chilly northern climates. If you happen to be specifically looking at rehabs in New York city, adequate access to nature is going to be difficult to secure.
Unlike New York, where the weather is less than perfect for much of the year, South Florida is warm and sunny year-round. The environment is ideal for rest and renewal, and most South Florida rehabs will ensure outdoor time is built into your days. Many offer outdoor recreation, swimming pools, and time for quiet meditation and peaceful walks on the beach.
Vitamin D and Health
Vitamin D helps keep our bones healthy, but that’s only the beginning. Studies suggest that vitamin D, also known as “the sunshine vitamin,” may help significantly with depression, respiratory illness, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer.
If you’re from New York, you may have a difficult time absorbing enough vitamin D. The Harvard Medical School says residents of northern climates, where the skin makes minimal vitamin D from the sun, are at relatively high risk for vitamin D deficiency. The experts at Harvard also advise that 10 to 15 minutes of sun a few times every week can generate sufficient levels of vitamin D. However, the ideal amount of sunlight can depend on several factors, including your age and skin color.
According to Addictions: Indiana University, vitamin D deficiency is linked to negative emotions, increased pain, and addiction. Although more research is needed, there are indications that vitamin D supplementation may boost the effectiveness of addiction treatment. If you live where days are gloomy and sunlight is in short supply, a rehab in South Florida may be just the ticket.
Why Getting into a Detox Center in New York State May Prove Difficult
Detoxification is the process of removing toxic substances from the body. Unfortunately, withdrawal symptoms can be so miserable that some people are hesitant to begin treatment, and detox from some substances, such as alcohol and benzodiazepines, can lead to cardiac arrest or seizures. Consequently, when people finally do make the decision to get help, they often need to get into treatment right away.
Inpatient Detox Programs in New York are in High Demand
If you’re considering detox centers in New York State, keep in mind that inpatient detox is often more comfortable and safer than outpatient detox, and you’ll have support throughout the entire process. Unfortunately, getting into an inpatient drug treatment program in New York state can be difficult, since they are in high-demand. According to a WalletHub report, New York, Maryland, and Connecticut are tied as the states with the most people receiving substance abuse treatment per 1,000 drug users. Florida made the “best states” list for this category, as one of the five states ranking for the fewest people receiving treatment per 1,000 users.
South Florida has many highly regarded detox centers. If your addiction is severe, your detox may take place in a medical detox facility or hospital, where your vital signs will be monitored around the clock. If you’re fearful, keep in mind that a medical detox facility can provide medications to help ease uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as pain, headaches, anxiety, depression, nausea, and vomiting.
Medication-Assisted Treatment in South Florida
Like New York drug rehabs, ,many South Florida treatment centers offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which involves the use of FDA-approved medications in combination with counseling and other traditional treatment methods. The medicines are marketed by various brand names and are available in various forms, including tablets or pills, patches, liquids, injections, or implants.
Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are commonly used to treat addiction to opioid drugs. All have proven to be safe and effective. The drugs have various purposes but generally work by blocking the effects of other narcotics, or by staving off cravings and other withdrawal symptoms. According to the National Institute on Drug Addiction (NIDA), MAT for opioid addiction decreases transmission of infectious diseases, overdose deaths, and criminal activity.
Disulfiram (Antabuse), introduced in 1948, is a useful medication for alcohol addiction. Drinking while taking disulfiram will trigger severe nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, blurred vision, headache, breathing difficulty, and other unpleasant symptoms. Newer drugs for alcohol addiction include Acamprosate, which reduces cravings; and naltrexone, which blocks the effects of alcohol while reducing cravings.
Considerable research over the years has shown that medications can be highly beneficial for the treatment of alcohol dependence. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notes that currently, medications are underused in the treatment of alcoholism.
Many people can engage in treatment longer with the help of medications, thus increasing the chance of long-term success.
New York Drug Rehabs Aren’t Your Only Option
If you’re exploring alternatives to entering a rehab center in New York, contact us if 1st Step Behavioral Health today.. We’re located in beautiful and tranquil Pompano Beach, and we welcome clients from across the United States. Take a virtual tour, or give us a call today at (855) 425-4846 for additional information.
