Substance Abuse Treatment Options in Miami, FL

Miami. The name alone brings to mind South Beach nightclubs, spring break parties, fun in the sun with a few margaritas poolside. But for many people, drugs an alcohol don't represent recreation, but life-ruining addictions which they cannot control. In the Miami-area, there are places addicts, or those who have substance abusing loved ones, can turn for help in conquering addiction and regaining control of life.

Better Way of Miami, Inc ( 800 NW 28th St, 305-634-3409) offers several levels of substance abuse treatment. A non-profit organization dedicated to helping low-income clients with not only substance abuse, but also mental health and homelessness, Better Way of Miami offers in-patient/residential and outpatient programs. The residential program, according to the organization website (www.betterwaymiami.org), lasts an average of 61 days for clients. It is for clients who are still in denial of their issues and include counseling and introduction to the 12-step program. After consistent sobriety and participation, the client may advance to day/night outpatient care. This is a stage of recovery where clients can participate in the "outside world," working, going to school, while living in Better Way housing and receiving "intensive" recovery treatment including counseling and family therapy. This stage of the Better Way program, according to the website, lasts three to five months. Upon successful completion of this program, the client enters outpatient recovery, where he or she can continue to take advantage of Better Way counseling services. Better Way of Miami especially looks to help homeless/impoverished addicts.