Opioid Epidemic

The Detox Center Coronavirus Policy Update

As we closely monitor the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, we are taking every precaution to ensure our top priority remains the health, safety, and well-being of our clients and staff. This guides each and every decision we make.

We have and will continue to follow the guidelines of our local health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC} the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Broward and Palm Beach County Health Departments. As a result, we stay current on this evolving situation, we want to assure you that we are taking the appropriate and precautionary measures, such as:

• Ensuring proper and rigorous cleaning and sanitation of common surfaces

• Requiring hourly sanitization of all staff and clients

• Provision of additional sanitizing products to our clients and staff

• Ongoing staff training to enhance cleaning and disinfecting procedures to maintain a healthy environment

• All employees are required to remain home in the event:

o They display any signs or symptoms of being ill. Employees who report to work ill will be sent home in accordance with these health guidelines.
oIf the employee has traveled outside of the state of Florida by any means or if an employee has traveled via cruise or airplane to any destination, that employee must report to management and Human Resources and self-isolate at that time.

Regarding current and admitted patient's change of schedule, the following has been implemented:

• Some programs and therapies have been temporarily postponed due to COVID-19

• Grocery shopping will be completed by the facility staff

• Clients are urged to keep a safe distance from other persons

• Hourly mandatory hand washing breaks are in effect

• Clients have been instructed to report to medical staff any symptoms

• Additional Health screenings will be conducted at that time of admission

• Clients will not be admitted to the facility if any of the following symptoms are present:

o Fever above 100 degrees
o Consistent Dry Coughing
o Shortness of Breath
o Severer body aches, that surpass PAWS range and/or
o Sore Throat

If a client does contract coronavirus, they will be isolated and quarantined on location. The client will only be handled by designated staff with the proper PPE. The local Department of Health (or equivalent agency) will be informed so that they may come out and provide further guidance on how to best handle the individual. All suspected cases are reported to the Department of Health (or local agency) who will be handling it accordingly. A deep cleaning will occur at the identified location.

Additional information regarding the virus can be found on the Broward Health Department's website or the Centers for Disease Control website.

We will continue to work together to ensure the safety of our patients and team members and adhere to any new regulatory changes as they come.

The opioid epidemic is real and has taken the lives of many worldwide. With a rapid increase in cases over the past few years and the ongoing pandemic, people naturally gravitate more toward greater substance abuse, especially opioids, and need help from a residential treatment program. The opioid epidemic is closely related to the use of other substances such as marijuana, alcohol, and other illicit drugs.

Medical professionals at The Detox Center are essential to help guide those who suffer from addiction to a drug-free life and to avoid relapse. Individual therapy, group therapy, and stress management seminars are excellent methods to cope with eliminating your use of opioids. Alternative techniques, such as yoga and chiropractic therapy, can also make all the difference in your journey toward sobriety. And there is always long-term residential treatment available in such cases that require more intense supervision and assistance.

What Are Opioids and the Opioid Epidemic?

With the opioid epidemic leading to the loss of life worldwide, it is vital to raise awareness about what opioids are. Opioids are a classification of drugs that include heroin, synthetic drugs such as fentanyl, and prescription pain reliever drugs.

All types of opioids are related to one another by their chemical make-up and the way they interact with nerve cells located in the body and brain. Opioid consumption is safe when taken in controlled amounts as prescribed by a doctor, but regular or excessive use may lead to detrimental side effects, dependency, and addiction.

When promptly attended to, an individual who has had an opioid overdose can be treated by administering the drug naloxone immediately and going through a prescription drug detox center program. Naloxone is a drug that is precisely engineered to eliminate the harmful effects of opioid abuse. Other useful medicines can treat long-term opioid abuse and withdrawal systems.

Short-term and Long-Term Effects of Opioid Use

The use of opioids as deemed safe by a medical expert poses little threat to our health. However, regular use can lead to several effects, both long-term and short-term. The short-term effects of opioid use include:

Drowsiness
Constipation
Slowed breathing pattern
Nausea
Loss of Focus
Loss of Consciousness

The long-term effects include:

Physical dependence
Addiction
Withdrawal symptoms (restlessness, body aches, vomiting, cold flashes)
Coma
Mental illnesses (depression, personality disorders, bipolar disorder)

Treatment and Recovery

Opioid addiction is challenging because you become addicted and dependent on the use of the substance. The effects of continued use can lead to life-threatening sicknesses or even death. If you choose to reduce or eliminate the use of opioids after becoming addicted, then you will likely suffer withdrawal symptoms that range from mild to severe.

Seeking professional assistance from a drug detox center program is the first significant step to take to solve your opioid abuse problem. Occupational therapists are knowledgeable and aware of the different aspects of addiction. Through multiple sessions and a willingness to commit to change, you will gradually improve and learn techniques to handle your stresses in life without having to depend on the use of any drugs. Find friends and family who will accept and support you through this journey. Build a solid foundation to ensure your success in battling addiction.

Get In Touch With Medical Experts at The Detox Center Today

The opioid epidemic has massive implications for society as a whole because of the harmful nature and effects of excessive drug use. But you do not have to choose to remain dependent on opioids. Choose to live clean and drug-free. Help stop the opioid epidemic by consulting with our team of experts on how you can break your opioid addiction. They are ready to help you make that important transition to become the best version of yourself. Book an appointment online or contact The Detox Center at [Direct] to book an appointment today!