The Detox Center Coronavirus Policy Update

As we closely monitor the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, we are taking every precaution to ensure our top priority remains the health, safety, and well-being of our clients and staff. This guides each and every decision we make.

We have and will continue to follow the guidelines of our local health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC} the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Broward and Palm Beach County Health Departments. As a result, we stay current on this evolving situation, we want to assure you that we are taking the appropriate and precautionary measures, such as:

• Ensuring proper and rigorous cleaning and sanitation of common surfaces

• Requiring hourly sanitization of all staff and clients

• Provision of additional sanitizing products to our clients and staff

• Ongoing staff training to enhance cleaning and disinfecting procedures to maintain a healthy environment

• All employees are required to remain home in the event:

o They display any signs or symptoms of being ill. Employees who report to work ill will be sent home in accordance with these health guidelines.
oIf the employee has traveled outside of the state of Florida by any means or if an employee has traveled via cruise or airplane to any destination, that employee must report to management and Human Resources and self-isolate at that time.

Regarding current and admitted patient's change of schedule, the following has been implemented:

• Some programs and therapies have been temporarily postponed due to COVID-19

• Grocery shopping will be completed by the facility staff

• Clients are urged to keep a safe distance from other persons

• Hourly mandatory hand washing breaks are in effect

• Clients have been instructed to report to medical staff any symptoms

• Additional Health screenings will be conducted at that time of admission

• Clients will not be admitted to the facility if any of the following symptoms are present:

o Fever above 100 degrees
o Consistent Dry Coughing
o Shortness of Breath
o Severer body aches, that surpass PAWS range and/or
o Sore Throat

If a client does contract coronavirus, they will be isolated and quarantined on location. The client will only be handled by designated staff with the proper PPE. The local Department of Health (or equivalent agency) will be informed so that they may come out and provide further guidance on how to best handle the individual. All suspected cases are reported to the Department of Health (or local agency) who will be handling it accordingly. A deep cleaning will occur at the identified location.

Additional information regarding the virus can be found on the Broward Health Department's website or the Centers for Disease Control website.

We will continue to work together to ensure the safety of our patients and team members and adhere to any new regulatory changes as they come.

Nicotine is an addictive substance found in the tobacco plant. The nicotine addiction itself is a physical, mental, and behavioral addiction. People who smoke not only crave nicotine, they also crave the effects and the ritualistic actions involved with using tobacco. For example, some smokers may use nicotine after eating a meal, while driving a vehicle, or during stressful situations. The rituals become second nature. Nicotine is most commonly ingested by smoking cigarettes, but it is also ingested by smoking a pipe, smoking cigars, being inhaled as a powder, or being held in the mouth.

The list of dangers that come with nicotine addiction is extensive. It is estimated that smoking-related diseases are responsible for as many as 435,000 deaths per year in the United States. If you are battling a nicotine addiction, there are many resources you can access to help you quit. Rehab centers are out there to help aid in the process of recovery. Quitting smoking is possible.

Effects of Nicotine Addiction and Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms

Nicotine addiction can have drastic effects on the body. While nicotine may provide pleasurable feelings while using, it can cause significant and even fatal health complications. Tobacco has chemicals that cause cancer and other toxic substances.

Some of the effects that nicotine could potentially cause:

Lung cancer
Emphysema
Chronic bronchitis
Cancer
Leukemia
Heart disease
Stroke
Diabetes
Issues with eyes
Infertility
Impotence
Miscarriage
Weakened immune system
Gum disease
Osteoporosis

Secondhand smoke is also a significant health risk to those around you. It is hazardous for children. Some of the secondhand smoke risk factors for children living in the home of those who smoke indoors include:

Sudden infant death syndrome
Asthma
Respiratory infections
Ear infections

Most people who use nicotine continue to avoid nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Some of those include:

Irritability
Anxiety
Headaches
Stomachaches
Fatigue
Dry mouth

If you are struggling with nicotine addiction, the best thing you can do for your health and those around you is quit. Many resources are available to help you in the process, including rehabilitation centers. Quitting tobacco use really does have the ability to save lives, both yours and those around out.

Treatment Options

There are many options for treatments for tobacco dependence. Some of the options include:

Medications
Support groups
inpatient/outpatient treatment centers
Nicotine replacement therapies

Admitting that you have an addiction is the first step. Quitting smoking can be hard, but recovery is possible. If you are ready to take your next steps to living life free from tobacco products, consult with a behavioral health professional and see what the best course of action is for you.