Signs You’re Abusing a Prescription

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.

Millions of people are prescribed pain killers and other addictive medications every day. When used properly, prescription pills can be extremely helpful and productive for a plethora of medical conditions. However, when abused, prescription drugs become extremely dangerous. Here are some signs that you or someone you love may be abusing a prescription med.

Taking a Higher Dose Than Prescribed

Once someone begins taking more meds than prescribed, it becomes a slippery slope. Anytime you feel you may need more of a certain medication; you must consult your doctor. If the medication has addictive qualities, you should never increase the dose on your own.

Getting Upset When a Prescription Can’t Be Filled

It’s one thing to feel like you need meds for health reasons, but if someone is becoming desperate to get a prescription filled, there may be a problem. Drug-seeking behaviors, like calling multiple doctors, asking friends for pills, or just a general sense of desperation should be noted. This could be a sign that the person is abusing their prescription.

Changes in Sleeping and Eating Habits

While it is true that some prescription drugs have side effects, extreme changes in a regular routine could be a sign of a problem. If someone begins losing sleep, or sleeping for many more hours than usual, it could be because of medication abuse. In addition, if a person loses their appetite or starts skipping meals altogether, this could also be a sign. Sudden weight loss could be a side effect of a change in eating habits as well.

Crushing or Breaking Pills to Increase Their Intensity

Prescription medications are supposed to be used in their original pill form by mouth. If someone begins crushing, breaking, or snorting medication – that is a clear indicator that they are abusing their prescription.

If you or someone you know has a prescription medication addiction, we can help. Please reach out to us today for more information.