Q: What are alcoholism and drug addiction?
A: Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, and drug addiction, known as chemical dependency, have the following symptoms:
Craving: A strong need or urge to drink and/or use other mood-altering substances.
Loss of control: Not being able to predict how much you use or to stop once you begin.
Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shakiness and anxiety after stopping or cutting back on use.
Tolerance: The need to drink and use chemicals in increasingly greater amounts in order to get high.
Q: Are alcoholism and drug addiction diseases?
A: Yes, alcoholism and drug addiction are diseases. The craving that an alcoholic or addict feels can be as strong as the need for food or water. An alcoholic or addict will continue to use a substance despite serious family, health or legal problems. Like many other diseases, alcoholism and drug addiction are chronic conditions, meaning that they last a person's lifetime, usually follow a predictable course and have symptoms. The risk for developing alcoholism or drug addiction is influenced both by a person's genes and by his or her lifestyle.
Q: If an alcoholic is unwilling to get help, what can you do about it?
A: This can be a challenge. If the alcoholic or addict is destructive to himself or others, it may be necessary to file for an involuntary commitment, which is a court order for the person to receive treatment. But you don't have to wait for someone to hit rock bottom to act. Many addiction treatment specialists suggest the following steps to help an alcoholic or addict get treatment:
Stop all "cover ups." Family members often make excuses to others or try to protect the alcoholic or addict from the results of his or her abuse. It is important to stop covering for the person so that he or she experiences the full consequences of drinking or using drugs.
Time your intervention. The best time to talk to a user is shortly after an alcohol or drug-related problem has occurred, like a serious family argument or an accident. Choose a time when he or she is not immediately under the influence, when both of you are fairly calm and you have a chance to talk in private.
Be specific. Tell the user that you are worried about his or her drinking or drug abuse. Use examples of the ways in which the drinking and abuse have caused problems, including the most recent incident.
State the results. Explain to the user what you will do if he or she doesn't go for help - not to punish the user but to protect yourself from his or her problems. What you say may range from refusing to go with the person to any social activity where alcohol or drugs are available, to moving out of the house. But be careful not to make any threats you are not prepared to carry out.
Get help. Gather information in advance about treatment options in your community. If the person is willing to get help, call immediately for an appointment with a treatment counselor. Go with the user on the first visit to a treatment program.
Q: What types of addictions do you treat at the South Miami Hospital Addiction Treatment Program?
A: We treat alcohol, drugs and prescription drug addictions.
Q: What is the process of getting someone into the Addiction Treatment Center?
A: Admitting procedures at South Miami Hospital's Addiction Treatment Center may vary from individual to individual, but all admissions begin with an interview by a program clinician case manager. This person gathers information about a client's alcohol and drug use, previous treatments and any medical, psychological and legal issues.
Q: What types of services do you offer?
A: We offer adult inpatient, outpatient and residential treatment in both English and Spanish, plus family therapy in English and Spanish. We also offer an outpatient adolescent program during day and evening hours. Relapse support groups and continuing care services are integrated into all our programs.
Q: What is the program like?
A: The program is comprised of a team of chemical dependency professionals who treat all aspects of the disease: physical, emotional and spiritual. Days are structured to include lectures, group therapy, one-on-one counseling, recreation therapy and free time. All information obtained during treatment is covered by the Federal Confidentiality Law that states treatment providers may not give out any information regarding your treatment without your written consent.
Q: What's the environment like?
A: The inpatient program offers an intensive blend of educational and therapeutic programs with an emphasis on dignity and respect for each client. It features a hospital-based, 16-bed detoxification unit with semiprivate accommodations. The program's residential treatment takes place in a comfortable, home-like setting. The residential location has its own unique characteristics that include the qualities of a skilled staff, comfortable surroundings and a supportive atmosphere.
Q: How long is the program?
A: The timetable for treatment may vary depending on the nature and severity of the addiction. On average, the outpatient programs last 30 days. The residential program averages six weeks. This program is for people with long histories of usage, failed attempts at recovery, users of injectible drugs, those with significant stressors such as family problems and legal complications.
Q: Who will help me throughout my treatment?
A: Many people will help you along the way. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a counselor who will orient you and help you get settled. Physicians and nurses on the medical unit will help you during your first few days if you require a detoxification period, and will monitor your physical condition while you're here. Your individualized treatment plan will be developed and carried out by a team of experienced professionals including certified chemical dependency counselors, licensed psychologists and recreation and dietary specialists. You will be assigned a case manager who will coordinate your care, answer your questions and follow your progress throughout treatment. A financial case manager will also be assigned from the start to help you with insurance and payment issues.
Q: What is the background of the counselors?
A: Staff members are licensed and certified, and have extensive experience in working with complicated recovery issues. South Miami Hospital's Addiction Treatment Center is licensed by the Florida Department of Human Services. It has received accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
Q: What kind of detoxification program do you have?
A: The Addiction Treatment Center provides a detoxification program for alcohol and most other drugs. Our medical director is skilled in prescribing medication to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Registered nurses are on duty at all times to ensure safe withdrawal. Detox from alcohol usually takes two to five days depending on the severity of symptoms. Detox from drugs may take longer.
Q: Can I have contact with my family?
A: Yes, telephones are available at designated times. Visitors are welcome on specific days.
Q: May I visit the facility prior to admission?
A: Yes, arrangements can be made in advance by contacting the admissions office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1-800-YES-HOPE (U.S., Mexico, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia only) or 786-662-8118.
Q: How do I arrange for payment?
A: Payment arrangements vary with each client and will be worked out with a South Miami Hospital financial case manager. We accept most forms of insurance; however, we recommend that you check with your insurance company or your employer's Employee Assistance Program for specific coverage information. Patients with insurance coverage, or whose company has a contract with South Miami Hospital, will be responsible for any co-payments or deductibles. All major credit cards are accepted.
Q: What happens when the treatment is over?
A: South Miami Hospital offers services and programs to help clients maintain their sobriety throughout their lives. The staff will help clients make connections in their home community with 12-step support groups, refer them to counseling professionals for follow-up care and serve as a resource for ongoing recovery. We will also provide local patients with weekly continuing care groups for up to three months. Program staff also refers clients and their families to other support groups such as Al-Anon/Alateen, the National Association of Children of Alcoholics (NACOA) and the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI).