Within the recovery community, there’s a commonly held adage that “addiction is a family disease.” In addition to being harmful for the addicted individual, any behavior arising from addiction can also circle back and harm loved ones and family members. Addictive behaviors can also sometimes arise from family dynamics which have gone awry or become dysfunctional. To get ahead of these problems, especially when our children are in trouble, researching treatment for drug and alcohol addiction is an important step. Still, the recovery industry can be an intimidating place—and potential customers will soon find themselves faced with many options to consider.
For those considering treatment, the following question may come up: should I send my addicted child to Florida? To provide context, many rehabs in Florida follow the innovative Florida Model of Treatment, which has been around since the 1980s. The main distinguishing feature of the Florida Model is that, unlike some facilities, the spaces for living and treatment are kept separate (though they are closely interrelated). Though the specifics of each program may differ, some important factors to consider are that a chosen facility offers individualized treatment planning, dual diagnosis support and a full continuum of treatment services. To fit all these criteria, concerned parents would do well by considering Ambrosia Treatment Center.
In fitting with the Florida Model, all of Ambrosia Treatment Center’s programs and facilities house residents in comfortable homes while transporting them to and from a nearby treatment facility throughout the day. In general, this approach is a good fit for clients who would benefit from life skills training and holistic care in addition to a basic clinical or 12-step integrated approach. However, all care plans are individualized to account for each person’s needs. While several of Ambrosia Treatment Center’s facilities are located in Florida (specifically in Port St. Lucie, Singer Island and West Palm Beach), the treatment approach also holds for its programs in Medford, New Jersey and Beverly Hills, California (which offers high-end, luxury treatment).
As mentioned, looking for an organization which offers a full continuum of care can be an important factor when considering residential treatment. At Ambrosia Treatment Center, residents can begin by calling a free recovery helpline before being admitted to medical stabilization and detox if necessary, followed by residential treatment for 14 to 35 days and then continuing care on a flexible timeline. Additional family and alumni support is also available for those who complete a program.
Unlike some programs which treat all residents of different ages relatively the same way, Ambrosia Treatment Center has separate programs for adults of differing age ranges—including a young adult program for people between 18 and 25 years old. While in the program, all residents go through fully structured days including individual and group therapy with evidence-based treatment practices. In addition to 12-step recovery principles, young adults are also taught the importance of nutrition and diet. To that end, they help cook and prepare their own meals throughout treatment.
As an added bonus, Ambrosia Treatment Center’s facilities also offer all the natural beauty and comfortable climate that Florida has to offer. During down time, residents can relax by the pool or use on-site fitness centers to get in a workout. The program also includes a wide range of holistic treatment services including massage therapy, acupuncture, guided meditation, art therapy, music therapy and much more. In the young adult program specifically, residents also learn basic life skills including how to budget, stress management, communication skills and relapse prevention.
Although residential treatment may seem intimidating or expensive, Ambrosia Treatment Center works with many major insurance companies to ensure that people can attend a program that fits their budget. Deciding to go to drug and alcohol treatment is an investment in a loved one’s future, as well as in our own. Addiction is not only a family disease—it is also a progressive and potentially fatal one without the necessary help. According to SAMHSA statistics, approximately 23.5 million people ages 12 and older will need treatment for addiction of some kind. Of that number, only about 2.6 million will actually get the help they need.
Needless to say, making treatment decisions for a loved one, whether it’s an addicted spouse or child, is a difficult decision that requires careful consideration. Though there are no hard and fast rules for which treatment plan would be an ideal fit for a person, there are some criteria to look out for when considering programs. Ask the important questions: does the facility offer individualized treatment? Is there a full continuum of care? Are holistic options included with clinical treatment? Are the 12 steps factored in? Are there qualified therapeutic and medical staff available to ensure the safety of residents?
For Ambrosia Treatment Center, the answer to all of the above questions is an unequivocal yes. Young adults who are struggling with addiction and co-occurring disorders need a caring staff who has their best needs at heart. In addition to dealing with the pressures of addiction, they are also learning how to grow into responsible adults. With many facilities to choose from (and with a robust execution of the Florida Model of Treatment), Ambrosia Treatment Center has strong programs for teens and families who are fighting addiction. Because addiction is a family disease, it also takes a family to fight back.
Sponsored DISCLAIMER: This is a paid advertisement for California Behavioral Health, LLC, a CA licensed substance abuse treatment provider and not a service provided by The Fix. Calls to this number are answered by CBH, free and without obligation to the consumer. No one who answers the call receives a fee based upon the consumer’s choice to enter treatment. For additional info on other treatment providers and options visit www.samhsa.gov.
