The Reality of Alcoholism in Leesburg
Situated in the scenic Lake County in the state of Florida, Leesburg is a safe haven for treatment, recovery, and support for individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Leesburg is the perfect spot to start your journey to recovery, with the peaceful and calming lakeside landscape and access to complete treatment.
For those living in and visiting Leesburg, FL, choosing to participate in an alcoholism treatment program in the area means access to therapeutically-validated evidence-based care, guidance, and recreation to build a new and alcohol-free life.
Alcoholism is often misunderstood and reduced to lack of willpower, very similar to addiction. Alcoholism is a chronic illness for millions of people. Health professionals indicate that with alcohol use disorder (AUD), the brain’s reward system is affected, leading to compulsive drinking and an inability to stop drinking despite negative consequences. In Leesburg, where social ties are strongly associated, the stigma of asking for help may feel insurmountable.
Treatment centers in the Leesburg area aim to establish trust and dismantle the stigma associated with supporting residents with AUD. Alcoholism treatment programs address the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of overall recovery. Treatment programs emphasize participation and that recovery doesn’t mean alone, rather individuals learn how to live alcohol-free within the context of support.
Comprehensive Care at LifeStream Behavioral Center
A notable entity in Leesburg is LifeStream Behavioral Center, one of the anchor mental health and addiction facilities in the area. Located in Leesburg, LifeStream provides broad-spectrum alcoholism treatment programs for adults, kids, and seniors, both in-patient and out-patient.
Their adult program, for example, serves men and women over the age of 18, and uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a means of resetting negative thought processes that accompany drinking problems. CBT assists participants in identifying the triggers related to their addiction, whether stress and pressure from social relations, or previous unresolved trauma, and developing coping strategies that endure.
LifeStream also provides dual diagnosis treatment for those with co-occurring disorders such as depression or generalized anxiety disorder, treating addiction and mental health at the same time, increasing chances of success over the long term.
Inpatient and Outpatient Options
Inpatient rehabilitation at LifeStream offers 24/7 supervised care in a structured setting, optimal for more severe cases where detox is required. Detox is a medical process of managing withdrawal symptoms safely, using FDA-approved medications to reduce withdrawal and discomfort from alcohol use.
Detox lasts about three to seven days and allows for a subsequent phase of residential treatment where group counseling and psychoeducation provide a foundation for sobriety. The outpatient options, such as intensive outpatient programming (IOP), allow for more flexibility for clients managing work and family obligations. IOP consists of a few hours per week and focuses on relapse prevention and life skills. This approach provides the client opportunities to practice the lessons they have learned when outside of the treatment setting.
The Recovery Village: A Regional Resource
In addition to LifeStream, The Recovery Village has a surrounding influence with comprehensive treatment programs for alcoholism tailored to the residents of Leesburg. Their inpatient/ residential treatment services include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which involves a food and medication regimen involving drugs such as Naltrexone to manage craving.
There are studies of evidence that MAT can reduce the risk of relapse up to 50% or more – one program, in particular, is Naltrexone – many MAT programs have this option, and MAT has proven to be a game changer for folks suffering from problematic drinking.
The amenities definitely extend beyond that which one would be used to, which could be a game changer. Examples are serene gardens to reflect, fitness centers to impose physical wellness, and a nutrition plan to increase health compromised through adult chronic drinking. In addition, aftercare planning is robust with sustained recovery, which includes disengaging the community’s resources (sober living homes, and therapists).
Holistic Healing and Accessibility
Leesburg’s unique alcoholism treatment programs include a holistic treatment approach. Alcoholism treatment facilities will often use traditional therapy, in addition to new elements like mindfulness meditation, and facilitated art therapy to heal the client’s whole person. Young adults have additional programs available that help address the additional pressures, such as schooling or peer pressure.
Likewise, senior care approaches traditional treatment methods while considering the issues related to clients’ ages. One of the benefits of treatment in Leesburg is the financial access clients will have to various forms of pay, as many facilities provide access to various service providers covered by Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or private insurance.
Furthermore, many treatment programs, even if a client is not insured, will provide access to sliding-scale fees. Finally, Florida’s Department of Children and Families has state-funded options to provide treatment to anyone regardless of cost.
Community Support Through AA
Community integration is important for lasting recovery. Leesburg’s programs collaborate with local organizations such as the Lake-Sumter Central Office of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) located at 2113 Citrus Blvd. They have a supportive, comprehensive schedule and a 24/7 support hotline service (352) 632-2001 which provides assistance getting individuals to meetings and resources.
This, however, is not a treatment. It is peer support and community fellowship that AA provides to assist clinical care. Many treatment centers encourage participation to create a combined approach between professional therapy and AA’s twelve steps. The goal is to use both to treat addiction on two fronts.
Taking the First Step
Selecting the proper alcoholism treatment program in Leesburg, FL, begins with a self-evaluation. Questions to consider: Am I able to stop or control my drinking? Have my relationships been negatively affected? If you answered yes to either question, make the call; early intervention improves outcomes.
Obtain advice from your primary care doctor or call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP for referrals. Verify credentials by confirming the program has Joint Commission accreditation and licensed staff. If you can, visit the facilities to see how the program actually operates; it should feel comfortable and welcoming, not sterile or institutional.
A Journey to a Fuller Life
In Leesburg, recovery encompasses more than just quitting drinking; it’s finding joy again. The programs in Leesburg allow individuals to identify and prepare for potential triggers, learn how to repair relationships and pursue the interests they put aside while drinking.
There are options for intensive in-patient treatment or part-time outpatient treatment, and all of the alcoholism treatment programs are designed to meet individuals where they are in their journey while providing hope amid the beautiful backdrop of Central Florida.If you’re prepared to take a step toward recovery, it’s important to know that getting sober does not mean you won’t have fun again; however, you will have more fulfilling life experiences. Contact the AA LakeSumter Central Office today, your freedom starts here.
