Drug Bust Yields 3 Arrests in Hollywood, Florida

Three residents of a Hollywood, Florida, apartment complex were arrested this month, allegedly for drug trafficking and contributing to ongoing disruption in their neighborhood. Residents report that there was a constant stream of people coming and going through the men’s apartments and that many feared for their own and their children’s safety as a result. The fact that a school is less than 1,000 feet from the apartment complex will only complicate matters for the three men facing charges.

Their arrests are just a few among many in recent months as local police have set up drug bust after drug bust to rid the area of the ongoing problem of drug trafficking. For local residents, it can mean being able to breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that there is less illegal activity to contend with in the neighborhood. For families that are struggling with addiction, it is a sign that action is being taken and that it is time to stand up for your loved one and connect them with treatment before it becomes a legal issue.

Drug Bust Yields 3 Arrests in Hollywood, Florida

The Changing Tide

For people living in addiction, it can feel like things will never change. Living in relative isolation with someone who is driven by cravings for their drug of choice is difficult; it can make you feel as if there is no way out. But when the community begins making sweeping changes, it can be felt everywhere – even in your home. If you are watching someone you love continue to struggle with addiction, seeing people take a stand against addiction can be encouraging and help you to start taking the first steps toward helping your loved one begin drug addiction treatment and allowing your family to heal.

Gathering Information

The first step, once it is clear that treatment is necessary, is to begin to gather information about what is available to you and what your loved one needs. This will be different for everyone, and there is a lot of information out there, so it is important to take your time and make sure you are pulling from reputable resources. You do not want to get sold on products that you don’t need and won’t work, but you also do not want to undercut your loved one’s ability to recover by choosing the cheapest, quickest option.

Consider the following as you begin to seek out treatment programs that are right for your family:

  • Whether or not your loved one will need medical detox to manage withdrawal symptoms
  • Whether or not your loved one will require a treatment program that offers treatment for co-occurring disorders (i.e., when a mental health disorder and an addiction disorder coexist)
  • The range of therapies and treatments offered
  • Their philosophy of care and whether or not they offer personalized treatment plans for each client
  • The education and experience of staff members
  • The client-to-staff ratio
  • The level of support provided for family members
  • The aftercare services they offer and whether or not they guarantee your loved one’s time in treatment
  • The constraints or limitations of your insurance policy
  • Your ability to cover out-of-pocket costs
  • Whether or not a local treatment program is the best option or if out-of-state care may be more appropriate

Connecting Your Loved One with Treatment

Once you know what you need and where to find it, it’s time to help your loved one make the move into treatment. This can be a difficult process, and it is important to remember that you cannot do this for them. They will need to recognize the need for treatment and agree to go – and stay – in the treatment program you have found. You can help to facilitate this process by staging an intervention.

An intervention is a calm, nonjudgmental approach to helping someone who is living with addiction to take a step back and realize all they have lost to drug and alcohol use and all they have to gain by undergoing medical and therapeutic treatment for their disorder. Should they agree to get help, they can begin right away due to the preparations you have made to get them into the right program for their needs. From there, you too can begin to learn more about addiction and recovery, and find out how you can support your loved one in treatment and beyond while also working to rebuild your life.

Is today the day you begin the process of connecting your loved one with treatment?

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Recovery First is located in Hollywood, Florida, which is easily accessible from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. Our small groups means you get more one-on-one support and make stronger connections with the community. Take the next step toward recovery: learn more about our addiction treatment programs near Florida's Atlantic coast or learn about how rehab is affordable for everyone.