Substance ABUSE Treatment in Port St. Lucie, Florida
Addiction isn’t one-size-fits-all—and neither is recovery. Get a customized addiction treatment plan and begin your healing process in the quiet and charming beach town of Port St. Lucie, FL.
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Here at Amethyst Recovery Center, you’ll find yourself with a dedicated team that will walk with you on every step of your journey to recovery—many of whom have been in your exact same position.
Our facility located in the sunny serenity of Port St. Lucie, Florida, is a tight-knit community where each client receives the attention they deserve.
Offering a state-of-the-art medical detox treatment and residential rehab experience, we are committed to restoring the health and prosperity of every single person that steps foot through our doors. We offer a wide range of drug treatment programs, as well as a spectrum of daily activities to facilitate healing and make each patient’s experience as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Levels of Care at Amethyst
The Prevalence of Addiction in Florida
Individuals, families, communities, the healthcare system, and the economy are all impacted by heavy drug use and overdoses. Drug overdoses are the leading cause of injury death, with a 56.5% increase between 2013 and 2019.
Florida has an opioid problem, and this poses a serious threat to the public health, safety, and economy of the state. Overdose deaths increased significantly across the country, especially thanks to fentanyl and prescription drugs.
According to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2020, there were more than 90,000 confirmed drug overdose deaths in the United States, with opioids accounting for roughly 69,000 of those. This is the highest number of overdose deaths recorded in the country, and it represents a 29.4% increase from 2019.
Fentanyl-related deaths increased by more than 70% in 2021 and haven’t slowed down. Overdose deaths in the United States increased by nearly 30% in 2020. The rate increased by more than 37% in Florida.
Florida ranks second in the country in terms of overdose deaths, trailing behind number one, California. In 2020, over 7,000 people died as a result of a drug overdose, a 37% increase from 2019.
Compared to the 2019 figures, overdose deaths quadrupled in 2021. Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl were involved in more than two-thirds of overdose-related deaths in March 2022.
Polysubstance abuse is extremely common, and a major problem affecting young adults as well as people 65 and older. Professional treatment at a rehab facility is highly recommended to reduce the high probability of relapse, and recover in a safe environment.
Luckily, there’s accessible substance abuse treatment in South Florida that has been proven to be effective in treating opioid addiction and many other types of addiction.
Amethyst Recovery Center in Port St. Lucie, Florida, evidence-based program focuses on making it possible for people who need it to receive help. With the right support resources, harm reduction can save lives.
What is a Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?
A substance use disorder (SUD) is a disease that affects your brain and behavior and provokes an inability to control the use of legal or illegal drugs or medicines. If you are addicted to something, you may continue to use it regardless of the harm it’s causing you. Substance use disorders happen when the repeated use of alcohol or drugs leads to significant impairment, including:
- Disability
- Health problems
- Failure to meet responsibilities
People from all walks of life and all age groups can be affected by substance use disorder. In general, SUDs are common, recurrent, and often serious. Thankfully, however, these conditions are treatable.
How Does Addiction Begin?
Addiction can start with the experimental use of a recreational drug. This often begins in social situations. For some people, substance use becomes more frequent. For other people, especially with opioids, addiction begins when they take prescribed medicines or get them from people who have prescriptions.
The risk of addiction and the speed with which you become addicted varies by drug. Some have a higher risk and cause addiction faster than others. Opioid painkillers are one such drug. Attempting to stop drug use may cause severe cravings and make you feel sick physically. These are known as withdrawal symptoms.
What are Some Symptoms of Drug Addiction?
SUD symptoms and behaviors include:
- Feeling that you need to use the drug daily or even several times a day
- Feeling intense cravings for the drug that block out thoughts of anything else
- Tolerance–needing more of the drug to feel the same effect
- Using larger amounts of the drug over longer than you intended
- Making sure that you always have a supply of the drug
- Buying the drug even though you can’t afford it
- Failing to meet your obligations and work or school responsibilities
- Cutting back on recreational or social activities because of your drug use
- Continuing to use the drug despite the physical and psychological harm it’s causing
- Doing things you normally wouldn’t do to get the drug, such as stealing
- Driving or doing other risky activities while under the influence of the drug
- Spending much of your time getting the drug, using the drug, or recovering from the use of the drug
- Attempting to stop using but failing
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using the drug
Types of Treatment for Addiction
There are several different types of substance abuse treatment in South Florida available, which can vary by intensity, time commitment, and cost. These options can accommodate the unique recovery needs and personal circumstances of each individual. But choosing the right type of addiction treatment isn’t merely a matter of selecting the most affordable or convenient option. It should be based on finding a type of addiction treatment that adequately addresses:
- The severity of your addiction
- Can safely manage the side effects of the particular substance
- Provides enough support to promote long-term sobriety
Medical Detox
Medical detox (also known as ‘detoxification’ or simply, ‘detox’) offers a safe and controlled environment for the withdrawal phase of addiction when drugs or alcohol are no longer present in the body. Here, addicted persons are monitored under close supervision and are strictly prohibited from substance use. It is often the first step of any type of addiction treatment or program and many addiction treatment centers require that patients have undergone detox before taking part in the recovery curriculum.
Depending on the type of addictive substance, withdrawal can be dangerous. Medical staff is trained not only to quickly manage all withdrawal symptoms but can offer relief through medications and other resources that are only available through specialized rehabilitation centers.
Inpatient Treatment
Also referred to as ‘residential treatment’ this is the second most intensive level of care, after medical detox. This immersive rehab treatment known is ideal for those with severe levels of addiction, as patients reside on-site at the facility and have access to 24/7 care. In addition to round-the-clock access to medical professionals and staff, patients are able to better focus on recovery by having their basic needs provided by the facility, which includes meals and entertainment in addition to accommodations and therapy.
Another added benefit is the social aspect. Addiction can be an isolating and lonely experience. Inpatient treatment can foster strong bonds with fellow patients that help to rebuild social skills and create new, positive relationships outside facility walls.
Our inpatient program allows recovering individuals to concentrate on healing by immersing them in a positive environment free of the temptations, triggers, and stressors of everyday life. Our cutting-edge facilities at Amethyst enable us to offer a luxury detox and addiction treatment experience in the charming beach town of Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Outpatient Treatment
The lowest level of addiction treatment, outpatient can be suitable for individuals with moderate to mild levels of addiction. Patients do not reside at the facility and instead can remain in their own homes or often time, at an associated sober living facility. This type of treatment is less intrusive on one’s day-to-day schedule, however, does not provide the same level of environmental control as such, face more temptation to use and relapse.
Many times those in an outpatient program have graduated from a higher level of care (such as inpatient) and are slowly working their way through the lower levels of addiction treatment. Outpatient treatment can often be seen as the last bit of support before a patient is ready to truly rejoin society on their own.
Commonly Abused Drugs
Signs of drug use or intoxication vary according to the substance. Here are a few examples of commonly abused drugs:
Cannabis-Containing Substances
Cannabis is used by smoking, eating, or inhaling a vaporized form. Cannabis use often precedes or is used with other substances such as alcohol or illegal drugs. Signs of cannabis use include:
- Feeling a sense of euphoria (high)
- Heightened visual, taste, and auditory perceptions
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Bloodshot eyes
- Loss of coordination
- Memory problems
- Problems concentrating
- Slower reaction time
- The odor of cannabis on clothes
- Cravings for certain foods at unusual times
Central Nervous System Depressants
These central nervous system depressants are often used and misused to feel a sense of relaxation and stress relief. Some examples are:
- Benzodiazepines–sedatives such as Valium, Xanax, and Ativan
- Hypnotics–sleep medications such as Ambien and Sonata
- Barbiturates–phenobarbital
Signs of recent use include:
- Drowsiness
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Mood swings or irritability
- Problems with memory and concentration
- Involuntary eye movement
- Lack of inhibition
- Decreased blood pressure
- Slowed breathing
- Accidents or falls
- Dizziness
Stimulants
Stimulants are often used to get a “high,” boost energy, improve work or school performance, control appetite, and lose weight.
Stimulant drugs include:
- Methamphetamine
- Cocaine
- Ritalin, Concerta
- Adderall XR, Mydayis
Signs of recent use include:
- Feeling happy excitement and highly confident
- Increased alertness
- Increased energy
- Restlessness
- Aggression or changes in behavior
- Rambling or rapid speech
- Enlarged pupils
- Delusions, hallucinations, and confusion
- Anxiety or paranoia
- Fluctuations in blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature
- Nausea or vomiting and weight loss
- Poor judgment
- Nasal congestion (if snorting the drug)
- Depression when the drug wears off
- Insomnia
Alcohol
People drink alcohol to relax, decrease inhibitions and shyness, and socialize. Symptoms of alcohol intoxication include:
- Loss of coordination
- Bloodshot eyes
- Flushing of the face
- Speaking louder than usual
- Slurred speech
- Clammy or damp skin
- Mood swings or changes in personality
- Aggression or depression
- Drowsiness
- Slower reflexes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
Opioids
Opioid painkillers are prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. But they are often misused to get high or experience the numbing effects.
Common opioids include:
- OxyContin
- Vicodin
- morphine
- methadone
Symptoms of opioid use include:
- Small pupils
- Slowed breathing
- Drowsy
- Increase or loss of appetite
- Weight loss or gain
- Flu-like symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, sweating, shaky hands, feet, or head
- Wearing long sleeves or hiding arms
- Personality changes
- Secretive behavior
- Decrease in performance at school or work
- Change in hobbies, activities, and friends
- Avoiding contact with family and friends
Treatments Offered at Amethyst Recovery Center
Treatment for drug addiction is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. The level of care received varies depending on some of the following factors:
- Medical history
- Mental health
- Severity of one’s condition
- Specific need
- The substances abused
- Affordability of treatment
Some of the most common evidence-based addiction treatments that we use to help people on a successful path to recovery include:
Detoxification
Medical detox allows your body to rid itself of addictive substances. In some cases, it is best to complete your detox in a medically supervised environment. Withdrawal from certain drugs can be extremely uncomfortable and may even be life-threatening. Since detox doesn’t treat the underlying behavioral causes of addiction, it is meant as a preparation for further treatment.
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapies are successful evidence-based approaches to treating many types of substance use disorders. Behavioral therapies help you recognize your unhealthy behavioral patterns and identify triggers. In addition, you learn coping skills and relapse prevention.
12-Step Program Facilitation
Twelve-step programs are recognized to be effective programs for treating alcohol and substance abuse. It’s a type of recovery support that acknowledges that addiction has many negative consequences that can be social, emotional, physical, and spiritual. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are popular 12-step groups that use group meetings for discussion, helpful tips, accountability, and mutual support.
Amethyst believes in the importance of providing education to our clients to promote long-term, genuine recovery outcomes. In addition to relapse prevention, we offer a variety of substance recovery methods.
Alumni Program
From admission to treatment and beyond, we’ll always be there to guide and advise you from the beginning of recovery and after. Learn more about our Amethyst Alumni program and the opportunities to stay connected and supported throughout your community.
What is the Amethyst Recovery Difference?
Amethyst Recovery Center can offer you an unmatched continuum of care not typically found within substance abuse treatment in South Florida. You will progress along your recovery journey with peers on the same track. You will be held accountable, support each other, and build life-long friendships during recovery and after. Our facility recognizes the hardships that the disease of addiction places on the person experiencing it and their loved ones (family and friends).
We focus on what truly matters, which is getting to the root of the problem, providing accurate diagnoses, and treating it with evidence-based methods proven to work. We don’t make any promises, but our team of professionals does everything they can for people who come to our facility entrusting us to help them recover every day. In other words, we believe actions speak louder than words. Therefore, we don’t just say things, Amethyst follows through.
What’s in Port St. Lucie?
Port St. Lucie is located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, on the southeast side of the state, less than an hour north of Palm Beach, and roughly halfway between Miami and Orlando. Port St. Lucie is more laid-back than its larger neighbors. Its quiet neighborhoods and clean streets are woven around scenic waterways and lush green golf courses.
The St. Lucie River is a landmark of this Atlantic coast city, and a valuable community resource, for boating and fishing. The natural beauty of Port St. Lucie is enhanced by its world-class amenities. Visitors can hike environmental preserves, paddle lush rivers, ride horses on nearby beaches, watch a baseball spring training game, and play a few rounds of championship golf.
Amethyst’s substance abuse treatment in South Florida provides comprehensive care in an area surrounded by beauty, support, and opportunities for a fresh start in life.
Our Care Philosophy
The foundation of our addiction treatment approach is a 12-step program. We believe that facilitating spiritual growth, in addition to medical care and therapy, is the key to a successful addiction treatment program. We offer the following services:
- Treatment programs (Residential/inpatient rehab)
- Types of therapy
- Involvement in the community
- 12-step program
- Health and wellness
Achieve Long-term Recovery at Amethyst Recovery Today
You want to recover and live a full life. You have tried but relapsed, maybe many times. Maybe you think your life will be boring if you quit. For people who sincerely wish to turn their life around and find genuine happiness and rediscover a sense of purpose without the influence of a substance, there is help for you.
Contact us today and receive the care necessary to achieve optimal recovery outcomes. At Amethyst Recovery Center, you’re not alone on your journey!
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Call our 24/7 helpline to speak with an admissions cordinators and get the support you need when you need it.
Jeffrey M. Bishop, D.O.
JOHN GAU
CORI BAIZA
AMANDA MARINELLI, DNP, BBA, AG NP-BC, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP
MARK GUDIM