Opioid Epidemic

The opioid epidemic is sweeping across the country, affecting individuals and families at a rapid rate, and has come in waves for many years. It is estimated that nearly 130 Americans die daily from an overdose related to opioids and while the blame for this epidemic seems to lie among a group of pharmaceutical companies, no one is willing to admit fault.

The opioid epidemic is not prejudiced to race or economic status and families around the country are struggling to keep their loved ones safe. While it is extremely difficult to admit that there is a problem, admitting that there is a problem with substance abuse is the first step in getting clean, and Legacy Healing Center is here to help guide individuals and families through the entire recovery process.

The opioid crisis has come in waves since 1991 and between 1991 and 1999 there was a significant rise in the use of opioid pain medication to treat pain in non-cancerous patients. By the time we reached 1999, nearly 90% of non-cancerous patients with pain were using opioid medications for treatment.

Again in 2010, there was another large wave of overdose deaths as patients who were originally prescribed opioid pain killers could no longer renew their prescriptions and in turn turned to illicit heroin.

Then in 2013 a third large wave of overdose deaths related to synthetic opioids such as Fentanyl. Since 2013 the CDC has issued a set of guidelines for the medical community in regards to prescribing opioid medications.

How to Detox From Opioids

Detoxing from addictive substances, such as opioids, is one of the most important parts of recovery. Legacy Healing Center will provide patients with a medically supervised process that allows the body to safely get the drugs out of the body. This process is supervised because it can be a difficult process and staff at Legacy Healing Center will be with those going through detox every step of the way to ensure stability and treat withdrawal symptoms.

Once an individual begins the detox process, they can expect to begin to notice withdrawal symptoms within the first 24 hours of detox and then will notice the symptoms intensify for the following 48-72 hours. After reaching the 72-hour mark, individuals will notice a decrease in the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms that could last for up to a week. Detox from opioids works because the body is able to safely rid its self of the toxins while being in an environment that can lessen side effects and ensure the safety of the individual. Some common withdrawal symptoms that may be experienced are:

– Anxiety

– Restlessness

– Insomnia

– High Blood Pressure

– Rapid Heartbeat

– Excessive Sweating

– Blurred Vision

– Tearing

– Dilated Pupils

– Muscle & Joint Pain

– Nausea

– Vomiting

– Abdominal Pain

– Diarrhea

– Dehydration

The detox process always varies by the person in length and intensity because of certain factors related to the individual. Age, length of use, physical health, and mental health all play a role in how a patient goes through detox and therapy. No matter the circumstance, Legacy Healing Center’s detox is supervised by medical professionals who are experts at determining the correct process for each individual and ensuring safety throughout the entire process. 

What Is Opioid Rehab Like?

The way each individual experiences opioid rehab will be different but the professional team of doctors, clinicians, and nurses will treat each individual according to their unique needs through a holistic approach to healing. Those who enter opioid rehab will initially go through an evaluation process that looks at the physical, social, and psychological aspects of each individual. As mentioned above, each treatment plan will begin with a detox program that will prepare each individual to begin their therapy. Each patient that enters Legacy Healing Center will receive an individualized treatment plan that could include some of the following therapies:

– Individual Therapy

– Group Therapy

– Cognitive-behavioral Therapy

– Psychodynamic Therapy

– Dialectical Behavior Therapy

– Family Therapy

– Medically-assisted Therapy

– Relapse Prevention

– 12-Step Programs

– Aftercare Programs

All of Legacy’s comprehensive treatment programs will help individuals transition from addiction to sobriety while learning how addiction affects the body physically and mentally. Legacy prepares patients to understand what to do to prevent relapse and live a sober lifestyle. 

Sober Friendly Attractions Near Fort Myers, Florida

Once you’ve completed a luxury rehab program with Legacy and returned home to Fort Myers, it is important to be aware of sober-friendly attractions close to home where you can enjoy activities with friends and family. It is important to find new healthy things to do and places to go where you can have fun in ways that don’t involve drugs or alcohol.  Luckily Fort Myers has many activities that can be explored and enjoyed as part of a sober lifestyle, here are a few suggestions:

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium 

This 105-acre site offers hiking trails, a nature center, and planetarium. It is home to many rescue animals and includes visits to butterfly and bird aviaries.

3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, Florida 33905 

IMAG History and Science Center

This is an interactive educational museum for all ages with more than 60 exhibits that includes a hurricane simulator.

200 Cranford Ave, Fort Myers, Florida 33916 

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve 

This non-for-profit dedicated to preserving this 3,500- acre park offers a variety of wildlife, a butterfly garden, and boardwalk trails through wetlands.

7751 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, Florida 33966

The River District 

Head to the River District for a Farmer’s Market or an afternoon lunch. The River District is essentially the downtown area of Fort Myers with a concentration of low building profiles providing a view of authentic Florida food, plus global cuisines in an easy to walk around the area. There are always events going on in the River District.

2180 W First St. Fort Myers, Florida 33901

The Shell Factory & Nature Park

This family-friendly complex contains a retail shop, steak & seafood eatery, a nature park, and rides for children.

16554 North Cleveland Ave US 41, North Fort Myers, Florida 33903

Sanibel Island 

Sanibel Island is a great option for a weekend getaway from Fort Myers. It is located just 41 minutes southwest of Fort Myers and is connected to the mainland via a causeway. This beautiful inhabited island getaway features beautiful beaches and a lighthouse.

1159 Causeway Blvd, Sanibel, FL 33957

Fleamasters Fleamarket 

This is Florida’s biggest and best flea market with around 900 unique stores full of bargains. Including vintage art, jewelry, crafts, food stands, fresh fruit, and veggies, great for family and friends to spend the afternoon, even if just to browse.

4135 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33916

Manatee Park 

This waterfront park provides paved trails for those who enjoy nature walks but also up-close views of manatees! You are able to watch shows in the amphitheater as well as rent kayaks to kayak with the manatees.

10901 FL-80, Fort Myers, FL 33905