Rehab & Treatment Center Information: Alcoholics’ Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Other Addiction Rehab Resources
Largo, Florida is the third largest city in Pinellas County. It’s also the 4th largest city in the Tampa Bay Area. It’s one of the most densely populated cities in Florida. There’s a good reason for this.
Residents in this city enjoy beautiful, sunny weather almost year-round. They’re in close proximity to the Gulf Beaches and can enjoy many natural parks in the area.
While this is a great city to live in, the fact that it’s a coastal city also comes with some disadvantages. Largo is close to many ports of entries, so it’s easily targeted by smugglers. Illicit drugs easily find its way into this city.
Illicit drugs are not the only problem. Florida is one of the top ‘pill mills’ of this country. Pharmacies in this state have filled more prescriptions for opioids and opiates than any other state.
If you, a family member, or a friend is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, the first place that you should look for help is from Largo rehab centers. They offer a large variety of alcohol and drug treatment options and rehabilitation programs. Here’s a more in-depth guide for you to take a look at.
Largo Detox & Other Treatment Options
Many substance use disorders will require some form of medical detox. Alcohol or drug detox relies on medications to re-balance brain chemistry levels. This helps ease withdrawal symptoms and keep recovering drug abusers and alcohol abusers safe. Without alcohol or drug detox, these symptoms can become overbearing quickly. They can even turn deadly.
Not all substance use disorders require medical detox. The types of substances that patients need to get detoxed for include:
- Alcohol
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Opioids and opiates
Other drugs, like cocaine, may not necessarily need medical detox. There are two forms of alcohol and drug detox.
Some medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for treating addictions. Others are prescribed by medical professionals based on the type of withdrawal symptoms that patients exhibit. For example, patients struggling with insomnia will be given sleeping pills.
To get the medications you need, look for detox centers in Largo, FL. Each Largo detox center will offer different types of treatment plans.
Suboxone Clinics and Methadone Clinics
Suboxone and methadone clinics are popping up everywhere in Largo. These clinics mainly treat opioid or opiate addictions. Both Suboxone and methadone are weak opioids used in Opiate Replacement Therapy (ORT).
Basically, their job is to attach to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) to stimulate the receptors. They are replacements for strong opioids, like heroin. Since they act like strong opioids, patients need to slowly taper off of them. Otherwise, they have a high chance of developing a secondary addiction.
Both Suboxone and methadone are used for long-term recovery. Many patients seek Suboxone and methadone clinics in Largo for maintenance treatment. With that said, studies have shown that these medications can help lower the total cost of addiction treatment care for opioid dependent individuals. They’re quite effective.
Some Suboxone and methadone clinics in Largo are also now offering Vivitrol services. Vivitrol is a different types of medication used in ORT. It blocks opioid activity.
Finding Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Largo, FL
Alcohol Treatment Centers and Drug Rehab Centers
Those in need of drug rehab or alcohol rehab will find that there are numerous levels of care open to them. Options include:
Inpatient Rehab Center
Patients looking for a high level of care will benefit most from Largo inpatient rehab programs. With this type of program, patients will move into the Largo inpatient rehabilitation treatment center for the entire duration of their treatment. They usually won’t leave the treatment facility at all during this time. With that said, loved ones are usually allowed to visit inpatient rehabilitation facilities. They may need to get permission from the staff.
Largo inpatient treatment centers, also known as residential treatment centers, offer programs that are anywhere from 28 to 90 days long. Longer programs are usually reserved for those with a more serious addiction. They’re more effective and offer specialized care for those that need extended care.
Patients receive all treatments at the inpatient rehabilitation centers. They usually go through alcohol or drug detox first before taking part in behavioral therapies. These rehab facilities offer a structured environment for addiction recovery. Patients can hide from triggers and stimuli in a long-term residential treatment center that would otherwise cause them to relapse.
Partial Hospitalization
Not everyone may have the means and the opportunity to move to a Largo drug treatment center. Some recovering addicts may have other responsibilities and obligations at home and at work. They may not be able to leave.
In these situations, a partial hospitalization program (PHP) will do wonders. This type of alcohol treatment in Largo allows patients to receive anywhere from 4 to 8 hours of addiction treatment each day. Patients can then return home. It’s like having another full-time or part-time job.
Many recovering addicts will choose to join a PHP if they’ve relapsed after completing addiction treatment. This type of program gives them just the right amount of medical assistance needed to get back on the right track.
Outpatient Programs
For those who would like as much flexibility and freedom as possible, Largo outpatient rehab programs are designed just for them. With these outpatient rehabilitation programs, patients don’t stay at the treatment facility at all. Instead, they travel to the facility whenever they need treatment.
So, how much treatment do patients get with outpatient rehabilitation programs?
It depends. With standard outpatient programs in Largo, patients can choose to have as little or as much treatment as they want. Those who join an intensive outpatient program (IOP) will have to subscribe to at least 9 hours of therapy each week. Most experts recommend dividing the therapy hours into 3 hours a day, three times a week.
Recovery Meetings In and Near Largo
Medical detox and behavioral therapies are not the only thing that recovering addicts need to get clean and stay sober. Long-term recovery is heavily dependent on social support. This is where recovery meetings come into the picture.
In particular, most addiction specialists will recommend that their patients join 12-step programs. These programs have been proven to be effective. They give recovering addicts a place to share their personal stories and experiences. It helps to not feel alone.
Some 12-step programs and recovery meetings are gender-specific or ethnic-specific. These groups can touch upon issues that affect certain demographics only. They can help improve the quality of the care that patients receive. They’re a type of continuing care that’s worth trying.
Out of all of the Largo recovery meetings that are offered, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are perhaps the most popular. These support groups are affiliated with large, non-profit organizations. Take a look at this guide below to find recovery meetings near and in Largo. It’s easy to find meetings near you.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings
Largo Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) support groups follow the same 12-step principles as outlined in the non-profit organization. This treatment program was founded in 1935. It is designed specifically for those struggling with alcoholism or alcohol use disorders. It’s a key part of alcoholism recovery.
Those who join AA meetings in Largo are given the opportunity to share their experiences. They get matched with a sponsor that will help them learn how to deal with cravings and other issues. Information shared in these meetings are kept 100% confidential.
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings follow faith-based principles. Members believe in a Higher Power. They also follow twelve steps that help them lead healthier lives. Look for AA meetings near Largo that fit your schedule.
Pinellas County Intergroup, Inc.
8340 Ulmerton Rd # 220, Largo, FL 33771
www.aapinellas.org
+1 727-530-0415
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Meetings
If you’re struggling with a drug addiction rather than an alcohol addiction, look for Largo Narcotics Anonymous meetings. These meetings are similar to AA meetings. They follow the same 12 steps, and are also faith-based treatment programs.
NA meetings in Largo, Florida discuss drug addiction and topics related to this issue. They connect recovering drug abusers from all walks of life. Members can be addicted to all types of substances. Some are addicted to prescription drugs, like opiates or anti-anxiety medications. Others are addicted to illicit drugs, like cocaine and methamphetamine.
Try to attend at least one NA meeting each week. It’ll help keep you on the right track. Look for NA meetings in Largo that fit your schedule.
Narcotics Anonymous
Pinellas Park, FL 33781
www.bascna.org
+1 888-779-7117
Al-Anon and Nar-Anon Meetings
Loved ones of recovering addicts often have difficulties with the addiction as well. They’re often met with abusive behavior or have to deal with the addicts on a regular basis. Loved ones not only have to learn how to not be enablers, but they also need to be able to offer support to recovering addicts. Any way you look at it, the position of loved one is a stressful one.
As a result, many family members and friends will benefit from joining a support group as well. Al Anon and Nar Anon meetings in Largo, Florida can be a lot of help. They give loved ones an opportunity to share and work through their feelings about substance abuse. Members can also support one another through difficult times, like relapses.
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
455 Missouri Ave N, Largo, FL 33770
poplargo.org
+1 727-585-9969
The Bridge Community Church
5251 110th Ave N #118, Clearwater, FL 33760
www.bridge4me.org
+1 727-344-4673
SMART Recovery Meetings
SMART meetings, which stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training, are great for recovering addicts looking for a science-based support group. These support groups help all types of people in recovery. They can either be recovering addicts or alcoholics.
These groups sponsor in-person and online meetings. Members learn how to take responsibility for their own actions to deal with addiction. They learn how to manage addictive behaviors.
There are quite a few SMART Recovery meetings in Largo. If you’re interested in this treatment approach, look for one that fits your time schedule.
If none of the other treatment options sound appealing to you, don’t worry. There are many other recovery meetings and support groups in Largo. Some Largo rehab centers actually host their own support groups. Some programs offer specialized care for certain demographics. Support groups can also be hosted at community centers.
If you’re getting treatment from rehabilitation centers, you might also want to see whether they have an alumni program. Regardless of what you’re looking for, we can help. Contact the specialists at Amethyst Recovery Center for more information on what’s available.
Largo Addiction Statistics
Drug and alcohol addiction is a huge problem in Florida. In 2014, more than 8,500 people died as a result of drug abuse. The same year, this state earned its reputation as the ‘pill mill’ capital of America. Pharmacies here fill more prescriptions for opioids and opiates than any other state.
Prescription opioids are not the only drugs causing an issue. Heroin is also a major contender. Heroin-related deaths increased by 124% in this state.
Pinellas County is just like the rest of Florida when it comes to narcotic-related issues. In fact, someone succumbs to a narcotic-related issue every 32 hours here.
It’s not all rainbows and sunshine in Largo, Florida. With drug and alcohol addiction becoming such a huge problem, it’s vital for the community to come together. The fight against addiction won’t be an easy one.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact a Largo rehab center to see what treatment program will be most effective. Each addiction requires a different type of program. Addiction therapists at Amethyst Recovery Center can help you get started on your road to recovery. Contact us for more information on the type of rehabilitation programs that are available, and what the best options may be.
We’ll also work with you to see what your health insurance policy covers. If you don’t have any private insurance, we’ll see what you can get with Medicare and Medicaid.