During an interview on ABC’s “Morning Blend,” Robin Piper, CEO and clinical director at Turning Point of Tampa, FL talks about the need for addiction education in our communities. The opioid crisis is continuing to get worse and addictive substances are often easier to access.
She comments on the magnitude of drug use, “last year the overdose rate and addiction rate increased by 31% since the pandemic. Starting to talk about what is going on is the key in helping people understand what to do.”
Addiction is not a Moral Issue, it is not a Moral Dilemma
Addiction is a disease, and with a proper treatment plan you can move towards recovery. She later added, “It is important to start to educate people so that they understand that addiction is not a moral issue, it is not a moral dilemma. Addiction does not just happen to “bad” people, it happens to all of us.” In the Tampa area the struggles of drug and alcohol addiction are devastating to our families and our communities.
Many of us have been affected by addiction, whether it is from family members, friends, or others. It can change family dynamics, but if we support each other and help family members with proper treatment and medical care, they can move towards recovery. It is a top priority to address addiction as soon as possible, and the underlying issues behind addiction.
What is addiction?
Substance use disorder (SUD) is complex a condition when you have a lack of control over a substance, despite the negative and harmful consequences it may cause.
People with a substance use disorder have an intense focus on using a certain substance such as alcohol, illicit drugs, tobacco, or other substances to the point where the ability to function in daily life becomes impaired.
Despite the rise in using drugs, there is help available. Treatment centers that specialize in treating substance use disorders can help you break free from drugs and alcohol.
Treatment Centers
The recovery process is unique to everyone. Receiving treatment in the Tampa Fl area is accessible and Turning Point of Tampa is committed to the well-being and lasting recovery for anyone with the desire to turn their life around.
Based on the recovery plan, most patients will seek support starting with a phone call. This one action, picking up the phone to reach out for help, is life changing.
Seeking support requires an evaluation, most insurance plans will offer guidance to find resources for treatment.
The level of care needed is based on the physical and emotion stressors that are determined via evaluation.
Drug Rehab Levels of Care
Levels of care can be identified as the following:
- Detox treatment
- Inpatient treatment such as a hospital
- Residential treatment program
- Partial hospitalization program also known as day treatment
- Intensive outpatient program also known as an IOP
- Outpatient program most are inclusive of individual therapy sessions
ASAM Criteria for Placement
Utilizing levels 0.5 – 5 matches a patient to an ASAM Level of Care based on the acuity of services needed to best treat the patient. An example of this is ASAM level 4 a detox program. This level is where the detox process begins, and withdrawal symptoms are addressed. Although ASAM level 4 is medically monitored, based on the state one is seeking treatment, this could be inpatient or residential treatment.
Substance Use Disorder replaced the term “Substance Abuse” and “Substance Dependence”
When the DSM came out with the 5th edition, the American Psychological Association (APA) began utilizing a new term “substance use disorder” in lieu of “substance abuse” and “substance dependence”.
Classification of Addiction
No longer are the terms abuse or dependence used when referring to addiction. If someone is diagnosed with substance use disorder, the medical staff will determine if it is mild, moderate, or severe.
Support for Those Needing Help
To be more open and meet people where they are at in their recovery, using substance use disorder as the clinical term for addition allows both patients and clinicians to identify those who need help, but may not have a debilitating addiction.
Recognizing The Difference
Recognizing the difference between mild, moderate, and severe substance use disorder can help to better understand the nature of support needed. Knowing as much as possible about substance use disorders and the best ways to approach the recovery journey is what separates Turning Point of Tampa.
The Opioid Crisis
Reported drug overdose deaths in the United States hit a new high of more than 96,000 in the 12-month period ending March 2021, according to data released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.
The misuse of and addiction to opioids—including heroin, prescription pain relievers, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl—is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare.
Devastating consequences of the opioid epidemic include increases in opioid misuse, chemical dependency, and related overdoses, as well as the rising incidence of newborns experiencing withdrawal syndrome due to opioid use and misuse during pregnancy.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Someone abusing drugs or alcohol, may also suffer from anxiety, depression, panic disorder or other mental illness.
Substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders often go hand in hand, a proper treatment plan will include behavioral health strategies to address both problems. If you are struggling with a substance use disorder, it is important to be assessed for mental health issues as well.
Addressing Addiction
The comprehensive drug and alcohol programs at Turning Point of Tampa combine intense therapy and compassionate care with the 12-Step model for recovery.
Over the last three decades we have helped thousands of clients change the course of their lives by developing the coping skills needed to maintain abstinence from mood and mind-altering substances.
Finding Help at Turning Point of Tampa
The Turning Point of Tampa treatment program is for patients struggling with alcoholism, drug addiction, dual diagnosis, and eating disorders. We help clients through the process of their recovery journey.
In Network
We are proud to be in network with many insurance companies and are recognized by Aetna as an Institute of Quality Program.
To achieve the honor of and Aetna “Institute of Quality” (IOQ) designation, providers must meet strict criteria. These include:
- Offering daily access to medical care
- Maintaining accreditation from a recognized body
- Involving family and significant others in treatment
- Measuring treatment progress and outcomes
We are also one of Cigna’s Center of Excellence centers. The Cigna Centers of Excellence program helps customers identify the most appropriate care. Recognized for quality care and cost efficiency, Turning Point of Tampa has received the Cigna Center of Excellence designation for Substance Use.
Alcoholism
Treating alcoholism begins with determining if medical care is needed and addressing all medical and physical issues to stop drinking. During treatment, our clinical team will help examine the best approach to break free and begin a new sober life.
Substance Use Disorders
Our drug treatment programs include addressing recovery from all substances and utilizing traditional and experiential therapies. We believe treatment based on the 12-Step philosophy leads a person to a life that is productive and meaningful.
Dual Diagnosis
For many of our clients a dependency on drugs or alcohol can also be deeply intertwined, which is referred to as a “comorbidity” or “co-occurring” diagnosis. At Turning Point of Tampa, we address all these circumstances and treat the individual.
Eating Disorders
Turning Point of Tampa has a holistic approach to the treatment of eating disorders. We believe that there are several important aspects of any individual that must be considered during the course of treatment.
Addiction Treatment Tampa – Turning Point of Tampa
At the core of Turning Point of Tampa’s treatment programs is the concept of creating a safe and supportive environment where each client can begin to develop the life skills necessary for long-term recovery.
In our individualized treatment program, clients take part in a carefully planned routine to help them leave behind the chaos of their addiction and build a structured, meaningful life. Our holistic approach to drug rehab helps achieve recovery and begin a new life.
Provided Services at our Addiction Treatment Center
Our treatment team provide services that include holistic care, support groups, individual and group sessions, and other treatment modalities to meet our client’s needs.
How to Get in Touch
Our treatment facility is in Tampa Florida and recognizes addiction as a serious and treatable disease. We can help you or your loved one find the help they need. If left untreated, a substance use disorder can lead to harmful consequences. Reach out to us about our treatment services.
If you feel that you or someone you care about has a problem with drugs, please call us at (813) 680-2037 or email us at admissions@tpoftampa.com.
