Frequently Asked Questions for Family and Friends
We know that detox and treatment for drug addiction and alcoholism can be a frightening prospect for both the addict and the family. Below are basic questions and answers that should help ease some of that anxiety. If you need more information about detox, treatment, or any of the topics mentioned below, please call our 24-hour helpline at 1-800-884-1727.
Where are you located?
Lakeview Health Systems is located in Jacksonville, Florida. The facility is just minutes from the beaches and in close proximity to the airport as well as several hotels, hospitals, restaurants, banks, and shopping areas. Families coming from out of town to visit or to attend our family program will enjoy the conveniences of the area. The year-round pleasant weather provides ideal conditions for spending time outdoors and the opportunity to relax knowing your loved one is getting help in a safe, secure, and confidential environment.
Why does my loved one have to travel to Florida for treatment? Aren’t there good treatment programs in my area?
Does someone you love
need help?
Admissions Coordinators are
available 24 hours a day.
1-800-884-1727
Going away to inpatient treatment removes the addict or alcoholic from the environment where he or she used drugs and alcohol.
People, places, and things can trigger the desire to use or drink again. Passing by a liquor store or drug house that was part of the substance abuse routine can be difficult in early recovery. Knowing a drug dealer is only a few minutes away is a powerful temptation. Running into people who have been part of the pattern of using can be challenging. It is best to remove such challenges when going through detoxification and treatment. The need to concentrate on recovery alone is paramount.
The desire to leave treatment early and against medical advice is reduced without the pressure of family and friends. We find patients have a much greater opportunity for success when they are at a distance from home.
In addition, not all treatment centers are equal. Lakeview Health Systems distinguishes itself in many ways: our medical model of detox and substance abuse treatment, our comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment program and other specialty programs, our state-of-the art medical detox facility, and our specialized multidisciplinary teams.
Finally, the beautiful scenery and bright sunshine of Florida is therapeutic for all of our patients, especially the ones that are suffering from depression and isolation.
How successful is your program?
We provide our patients with the best possible care based upon a medical model for detoxification and substance abuse treatment. There are a range of issues that accompany addiction and alcoholism that go beyond “using.” Mental disorders can pose severe complications for a patient, as can a patient’s history of using drugs and drinking, the amounts consumed, and the number of detoxifications experienced, just to name a few. Addiction is a medical condition known as “a disease of the brain.” That reality makes it a chronic illness that requires constant monitoring.
Our comprehensive approach to addiction and substance abuse, including all specialty programs, gives patients the tools, knowledge, and support systems to continue sobriety back at home. Once treatment ends, the work to stay clean and sober continues. It is never enough to think treatment is the “cure.” Our aftercare plans help set up the support systems and daily routines to secure a patient’s sobriety.
If a patient goes through treatment and carefully follows the aftercare plan, including individual counseling, family therapy, medication management (if necessary), attendance at 12-step meetings, and a range of other life-affirming actions, the chances of maintaining sobriety are excellent.
What can I do to help?
A patient needs to feel supported by friends and family. To best help the loved one, we strongly recommend you:
- Complete the family packet that is mailed to the family
- Attend all phone conferences with the patient’s primary therapist
- Participate (immediate family) in the 4 day Family Treatment Program
- Mail supportive letters and cards
- Attend local support groups for friends and family, such as Al-Anon or Codependents Anonymous
- Offer to help with daily responsibilities while the patient is away, such as picking up mail or caring for a pet
- Avoid arguments, blame, or serious conversations
- Follow suggestions made by the primary therapist
Are visitations allowed?
Approval by the primary therapist is required before visitations can take place. We understand how traumatic the process of detox and treatment is for both the addict and the family. Many issues need to be addressed by all involved. But the manner, the time, and the place to address these serious issues has an impact upon the ability of the patient to complete treatment. The primary therapist is key to maintaining the patient’s and family’s path to recovery.
We also believe that addiction is a family disease. It is strongly recommended that the immediate family part take in the 4-day intensive family treatment program to move from addiction to “recovery mode.” Close contact with the primary therapist is necessary for everyone.
What are the accommodations like?
In the detox and inpatient rehab levels of care, patients have spacious, semi-private rooms with clean, modern furnishings. Doctors and clinical therapist have offices in the building making it easy for patients to get to appointments. There are common areas in the facility for dining, group meetings, and leisure activities, such as watching television, reading, playing games, and socializing with others.
For residential treatment, the partial hospitalization program, and outpatient treatment, patients reside at The Villages. Here patients of the same sex share a typical two-bedroom treatment quarter, each with its own kitchen, bathroom, and living area complete with television. There are staff members on-site 24 hours a day to handle any patient needs that arise.
Patients are shuttled to and from The Villages daily. They are taken to outside activities, and at night patients are taken to local 12-step meetings. Living at The Villages allows comprehensive treatment to continue while providing patients with a transitional environment in preparation for re-entry into everyday life.
Do patients need money during treatment?
Patients can bring money with them for incidentals such as personal hygiene items, hair cuts, cigarettes, vending machine snacks, calling cards, etc. While in detox and treatment, a patient’s money is placed in a personal account. Monies are then distributed to the patient on a weekly basis.
How is the quality of food?
Our chef and dietician work together to create wholesome, nutritious, comforting meals. Hot meals are prepared and served three times a day. There is a fresh salad bar available, too. We offer freshly baked desserts, as well as a mid-afternoon ice cream snack. Milk, juice, soft drinks, and decaffeinated coffee are available as well. All of our food is selected and prepared to accommodate any special dietary needs. The nutritionist is available for consultations with every patient. Patients never go hungry at Lakeview Health Systems.
What kinds of activities are available?
All types of recreation are important in recovery and we provide time every day to offer activities in which everyone can participate. Patients can play ping-pong, volleyball, board games, and go to a gym two or three days a week. Exercise has a direct correlation to the natural endorphin levels in the brain and a sense of well-being.
Regular walks in the beautiful Florida weather are part of the experience as well. Every Saturday patients go for an off-site activity, which may include:
- Spending a day at the beach
- Going bowling
- Taking a class at a dance studio
- Visiting a park
- Making pottery
Learning how to have a good time without drugs or alcohol is crucial to an enjoyable life in sobriety. Our certified recreational therapist accompanies patients on the outings and therapeutically processes the activities after with patients.
Can I talk to my loved one while in treatment?
The staff, along with the patient, will place a phone call to the family to notify them of the patient’s arrival. Detox can be challenging both physically and emotionally, thus it is important to stabilize the patient medically. Under these circumstances, the patient cannot afford to become distressed and worried about issues occurring at home. It is important to keep patients focused on the detox and treatment process.
Once a patient moves from detox into drug and alcohol treatment, there are regular opportunities to phone home. Calling cards are required to place an outgoing call as no cell phones are allowed in the detox or treatment facilities.
Loved ones can call and leave messages for patients, but due to the HIPPA regulations (privacy laws) we are unable to answer questions about our patients until they have signed a consent form. To leave a message for a patient call 904-727-6455.
Can I send mail or packages while my loved one is in treatment?
Letters and postcards to patients are welcome. Mail is delivered daily. Photos, small packages containing shoes, clothing (appropriate T-shirts, shorts, skirts, pants), recovery-related reading materials, and small birthday gifts can be sent. Drinks or food stuffs of any kind, including candy, is not allowed. However, the most appreciated mail tends to be sympathetic letters and cards from friends and family members.
Packages can be sent to:
Lakeview Health Systems, LLC
8889 Corporate Square Ct
Jacksonville, FL 32216
Attn: [Patient’s name]
Do you accept insurance?
We accept most major insurance. Any questions about your insurance can be answered by one of our Admissions Coordinators. Call 1-800-884-1727. Self-pay and major credit cards are also accepted.
If you have any other questions, or if you need help or advice about a drug or alcohol problem, you can call our free Addiction Helpline, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at 1-800-884-1727. You can also reach our Helpline by using Live Chat or through our Contact Us form.
