Website: https://clothestokids.org/

Change a Life.

Our mission is to provide new and quality used clothing 
to low-income or in crisis school-age children, free of charge.

Come and shop with us.

BECOMING A CLOTHES TO KIDS SHOPPER REQUIRES THREE THINGS

1. Your child must live and attend school in Pinellas or Hillsborough County. We are currently serving kids in PreK4-12th grade.

2.  Your child must be eligible for free or reduced-price lunch through Pinellas or Hillsborough County Schools. We require proof of free or reduced-price lunch** from the child’s school, which can be the “lunch letter.”

3. Call us and make an appointment. All shopping at Clothes To Kids is by appointment only.  Call 727-441-5050 to shop in Pinellas County (St. Pete or Clearwater Stores) or 813-616-6430 to shop in Tampa. Please keep in mind that during our busy months (back-to-school, holidays) appointments may book out as far as two weeks. Bring proof of free or reduced-price lunch eligibility and some form of photo ID to your appointment.

Then, come and shop with us! We look forward to seeing you at Clothes To Kids!

**In a crisis, or for your first visit, a referral from an approved agency by a social worker, caseworker teacher, administrator, counselor or place of worship is accepted.

REFERRING AGENCY?

 The referral form can be completed by the following community advocates:  

• A social worker or caseworker at a local agency
• A teacher, guidance counselor, or social worker at a school
• A religious leader at a place of worship

The Referral Form must be printed by an agency, school, or congregation and must be dated and signed by an agency representative.  Please fill out our the Referral Form completely, including the following:  

1. Parent name, address and phone number
2. Children’s names, dates of birth and the school they attend
3. A sentence stating that you know the family and that they are in need of assistance

We ask that you refer only those families that you know firsthand, and who you know to be in financial need of our services.  We also ask that you verify that the children are enrolled in Pinellas or Hillsborough County Schools, grades Pre-K4 through 12th.  Please notify parent or guardian that they may be asked to provide proof of enrollment upon arrival at the store.  All referral letters are subject to verification.  If you would like to refer a family to shop at Clothes To Kids, please click here. 

Please instruct families to call 727-441-5050 to make an appointment and remind them to bring their proof of eligibility or referral with them to their appointment. Parents are not required to bring their children to obtain clothing, however they are always welcome as fitting rooms are available.  Clothes To Kids is a year-round program. Eligible children may shop twice in a 12-month period.  Let’s shop!

Website: https://www.drugrehabconnections.com/

What is Drug Rehab?

If you or a loved one is suffering from drug addiction, you may be looking for help curing the disease. One of the most well-known methods is drug rehab. However, many people don’t realize that “drug rehab” is a broad-encompassing term that represents various treatment methods. The type of drug rehab that you choose could depend on an array of factors.

For instance, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, treating addiction will typically require several components due to the complexity of its nature and treatment will include a variety of pharmacological and behavioral approaches.

The NIH further elaborates that there are more than 14,500 specialized treatment facilities in the United States and that these facilities can provide services including, but not limited to, counseling, medication, case management, and behavioral therapy. This article will give an extensive breakdown of what drug rehab is and the factors to consider when choosing a facility.

HOW DO I KNOW IF REHAB IS FOR ME?

Unfortunately, many drug addiction cases spiral out of control before the user accepts that it’s time to attend a rehabilitation clinic. Looking into an addiction treatment program might be worth considering.

Statistics from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration finds that nearly 23 million Americans need treatment for alcohol or drug abuse, but less than one percent seek out the help they need.

Those who suffer from addiction may find it difficult to determine when they need to enter rehab. Psych Central cites denial as one of the primary roadblocks preventing someone from seeking the help that they need. Consider the following questions listed below. If you answer “yes” to any of them, rehab could potentially be for you:

• Have you ever operated a motor vehicle while high or intoxicated?
• Have your loved ones asked you to stop getting high or intoxicated?
• Has your doctor told you that your addiction is affecting your health severely?
• Do you abuse drugs that are illegal?
• Do you experience withdrawals when you go too long without taking your drug of choice?
• Have you harmed yourself or others while high or intoxicated?
• Have you been fired from a job because of substance-related issues?
• Do you lie about your drug use?
• Have you been fired from a job because of substance-related issues?
• The critical thing to remember when deciding on rehab is that you are not alone. Thousands of trained professionals are available to help you determine if rehab is right for you and, if so, which facility you should enter.
• Many experts strongly recommend that you contact a licensed professional who can provide an assessment of your individualized needs.

The professional who you see should not have a connection with a rehabilitation or treatment center. However, you should try to find someone who specializes in substance abuse problems.

Examples include physicians, licensed psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, mental health counselors, addiction counselors who are licensed or certified, and family therapists.

WHY IS DRUG REHAB IMPORTANT?

Many people might be hesitant to get help. Entering a drug rehab program is a critical step on the road to recovery. First and foremost, drug rehab is beneficial because it can break a user’s addictive cycle. That’s because rehab places addicted individuals in a healthy environment that is free of substances. There are also trained staff in place that can hold addicts accountable to their goal of quitting drugs.

Some addicts may require a detoxification cycle before beginning addiction treatment. This is perhaps one of the most significant misconceptions of drug rehab. Many people assume that detoxification is standard practice and is the “only” thing that occurs in a rehabilitation clinic. However, this is not the case. Drug rehab clinics seek to address the root problem to help break the long-term cycle of addiction.

One of the ways drug rehab programs do this is by teaching addicts about their disease. They will not do this until the body is free from drugs since addicts will be in a much clearer mental state at this time.

Learning about addiction allows participants to identify the events, experiences, and habits that trigger their cravings. Awareness can reduce the likelihood of engaging in these activities.

Lastly, drug rehab is important because it affords participants the opportunity to construct new habits. One of the more common characteristics of addicts is poor self-discipline and care. Rehab provides these individuals with the chance not only to set goals but to accomplish them as well. Routinely achieving goals provides addicts with an improved sense of self-worth and resolve.

Types of Drug Rehab

Another common misconception about rehab is that every clinic is the same, or that there is only one type available. However, as you’ll see below, there are at least seven types of drug rehab available, ranging in intensity from support groups to inpatient rehab. The option that you choose will have a lot to do with the severity of your addiction, mental state, and other factors.

If you’re suffering from addiction or are considering drug rehab for a loved one, we strongly advise that you do extensive research on the various options available. The ability to make an informed decision, and the type of rehab that you choose, could impact the likelihood of success considerably. And remember that it’s in your best interest to seek the advice of a trained medical professional.

INPATIENT REHAB

According to the Delphi Behavioral Health Group’s Addiction Center, the highest level of care comes from Inpatient programs that include medically supervised detoxification and all-day support. The duration of a stay in an inpatient facility can depend significantly on the severity of the addiction. Although the average visit is 30 days, patients can stay longer than 90 days if necessary.

Other factors that determine how long patients stay at these residential treatment centers include any mental health conditions and an individual’s prior history with rehab.

Inpatient rehab clinics also seek to assist families and loved ones via counseling and other planned activities. This is useful in allowing patients to help mend fences and reconnect with loved ones they have harmed. Typically, a treatment plan will be designed and implemented for the patient.

OUTPATIENT REHAB

The Addiction Center says that outpatient rehab facilities can be beneficial for those with a mild substance abuse problem who are serious about getting sober. They allow the freedom to continue working and caring for a family while recovering.

The Addiction Center elaborates that outpatient rehab is best for those who wish to stop abusing substances but cannot escape commitments, thereby requiring a flexible schedule. Outpatient rehab facilities will likely require patients to check in at pre-specified times for treatment. Treatment in outpatient rehab facilities can include medication and counseling. Outpatient treatment is a popular choice amongst those with less serious addictions.

DETOXIFICATION REHAB

A detoxification rehab program stipulates that before patients can begin healing, they must remove all drugs and toxins from their body. It is much easier to detox from drugs under the care and supervision of trained medical professionals, as opposed to attempting to do it on your own. Medical professionals could provide patients with safe drugs that could help ease withdrawal symptoms.

Detoxification rehab programs could be useful because they do not take nearly as long as inpatient or outpatient programs. Additionally, because a detox rehab program is not nearly as long, it is also not nearly as expensive.

Unfortunately, these programs fail to address the root of addiction in individuals and do not involve much counseling with the family, which could increase the likelihood of relapse.

HOSPITALIZATION REHAB

Hospitalization Rehab, often known as a Partial Hospitalization Program, allows addicts to check into a treatment center or hospital for a certain number of hours each week. This is most similar to an outpatient rehab center, in that individuals will return to their home after their treatment program. However, in an outpatient clinic, patients may check in briefly and then leave.

In a hospitalization rehab program, patients will attend sessions that can last up to a few hours a day. This could be best suited for those who have recently completed their inpatient treatment program but do not feel prepared to return to the real world or an outpatient program.

Those who have recently relapsed and are looking for structure and guidance could also benefit from hospitalization rehab.

INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT REHAB

Intensive Outpatient Rehab does not rely on a detoxification program. It does, however, focus on counseling and treatment in a group setting. An intensive outpatient rehab program could require anywhere from 6 to 30 hours of addiction treatment each week.

Patients would be able to go to work, but they are mandated to check in at the facility at the end of the day and again in the morning.

An intensive outpatient rehab program is much more intense than an outpatient rehab program. An IOP will also schedule various classes and workshops throughout the day in which the patient must attend. This type of program could be most beneficial for those who are seeking structure in their lives while recovering from addiction.

SOBER LIVING HOMES

A Sober Living Home is otherwise commonly known as a halfway house. These homes can help addicts as they seek to return to daily life without substances. A sober living home is a beneficial environment because other people in the situation are also finding sobriety. These homes could help drive home lessons learned in rehab.

According to the Addiction Center, moving into a sober living home after treatment is often the difference between going back to old habits or continuing on the path of sobriety. Sober living homes are not as rigorous as inpatient facilities. They are often secondary treatments used in conjunction with other programs, as opposed to primary options.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Support groups are the least-intensive type of drug rehab available. The Mental Health Institute states that support groups allow individuals to share experiences and stories with one another, thereby reducing loneliness and isolation. Support groups often prove to be an eye-opening experience, allowing patients to see that there are others in similar situations also fighting to heal.

Support groups are most useful as a long-term drug rehab program in that they can help hold former addicts accountable years after their treatment is complete. Patients find themselves surrounded by like-minded individuals who are in similar situations like the ones with which the patient is struggling. Many find it easier to discuss issues like temptation and family problems with others who understand.

Types of Therapy Methods Used in Rehab

Instead of focusing solely on chemical dependency or detoxification, rehab often takes aim at preventative measures that individuals can implement moving forward to increase their chance of success. Much like there are several types of drug rehab available, there are also various types of therapy methods used.

GROUP THERAPY

Group therapy tends to involve a licensed professional and multiple patients. Although group therapy sessions can occur at inpatient facilities, they are more likely to happen in the other rehabilitation programs. Group therapy sessions can last up to an hour. These sessions tend to be particularly useful because they help confront one of the primary issues of addiction.

Many addicts feel the need to lie about their problems, whether it be to themselves or family members. A group therapy session creates a support mechanism in which patients are encouraged to open up about their issues in a safe setting. Since every member of the group understands that the patient is going through, there is no need for the patient to hide anything or lie.

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

When undergoing individual therapy, patients engage in one-on-one sessions with a professional counselor. These sessions will occur at least once a week, and perhaps more frequently depending on the program in which the individual chooses to enroll. An individual therapy session lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Individual therapy often includes cognitive behavioral therapy. Licensed professionals utilize these techniques in seek of a solution-oriented approach.

The National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists indicates that CBT can be helpful because it treats addiction as a learned behavior. By using CBT, the goal is to re-train the mind and break the addiction.

FAMILY THERAPY

According to the Positive Psychology Program, family therapy is designed to address specific issues that affect both the function and health of a given family.

Family therapy is often one of the most challenging parts of a drug rehab program because it forces patients to listen to those who they have hurt most.

However, many experts believe that making amends with loved ones is critical in the healing process and plays a significant role in determining the likelihood of success.

EXPERIENTIAL THERAPY

Of the therapy options available, this is undoubtedly one of the more unique. Psychology Today shares that the program is therapeutic, relying on specialized activities such as acting and role-playing. It could also utilize tools such as music, arts and crafts, or guided imagery. The goal is to simulate emotional situations that have occurred in relationships due to addiction.

Rehabs.com likens experiential therapy to an iceberg. They say that while some portions of the ice could be evident from the surface, many of the most critical issues lie below the surface. Experiential therapy helps to chip away at the “giant mass” that exits beneath the surface, helping to expose problems suppressed for years.

What Questions Should I Ask When Looking into Treatment Programs?

If you or a loved one is considering drug rehab or entering a drug rehab center, it’s vital that you find the right treatment program for your specific needs. Choosing the correct treatment will increase the likelihood that it will be useful. Furthermore, a rise in the opioid crisis has created an array of knockoff or unethical treatment centers who use deceptive marketing practices to solicit business.

We must again stress the importance of talking with a licensed medical professional when choosing a treatment program. We do not recommend talking to someone affiliated with a treatment program, as they have an interest in recruiting patients to attend their facility.

Instead, ask for impartial expertise from someone who you can trust. Questions that you may want to consider asking include:

• Is the treatment center certified by either The Joint Commission or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities?
• What are your goals for entering a drug rehab program?
• What is the expected length of the program?
• Does the treatment center use medication to help withdrawal symptoms? If so, what kind?
• What does the treatment program do to promote long-term health and wellness? Do they include a nutritional component?
• How is the family involved in the rehab process and drug treatment plan?
• Do they support a variety of addictions including alcohol abuse, alcohol addiction, and other substance use disorders?
• What does the anticipated recovery process look like?
• Do treatment options differ based on insurance coverage?
• Does the recovery center have good reviews and is the drug rehabilitation tied to evidence-based treatment?

The answers to all those questions will reveal what the best rehab program is for the patient and what type of addiction help they truly need.

Who Suffers From Addiction?

Addiction can happen to anyone. A drug or alcohol addiction can take many forms, and while there are undoubtedly both internal and external forces that can lead to a larger chance of forming an addiction, this disease is completely color blind.

It doesn’t matter what you look like or where you come from, addiction can happen to anyone. There are many misconceptions about people who are drug addicts or alcoholics. Our mission is to help you or your loved one find answers and support on what steps you can take to overcome your addiction.

Millions of Americans struggle with this disease and we are here to help you understand how addiction can form and from there guide you to proper treatment and rehab.

Help is out there and it is available to you. There are many treatment options, from inpatient rehab to outpatient counseling and support groups. Just because a problem has developed doesn’t mean it has to stay a problem.

No matter what your background is, we view you as a person and not just a drug addict. Know that you are loved and cared for, and we will do whatever it takes to help.

The Drug Rehab Connections Promise

We always promise to be on your side.

Our organization was founded upon three principles:

• Information
• Reality
• Action

We are not a treatment center, we are an independent website that understands the importance of recognizing addiction and helping guide those who need help to find treatment and rehab.

We firmly believe that everyone deserves a second chance. We are not here to judge, we are here to listen and help.

SOURCES

An Overview on Experiential Therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://luxury.rehabs.com/experiential-therapy/

Denial: The Primary Roadblock to Addiction Recovery. (2018, January 08). Retrieved from https://psychcentral.com/lib/denial-the-primary-roadblock-to-addiction-recovery/

Experiential Therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/experiential-therapy

Find Support Groups. (2018, March 26). Retrieved from http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/find-support-groups

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Drug Addiction Treatment in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/drug-addiction-treatment-in-united-states

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Nationwide Trends. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/nationwide-trends

What happens in individual therapy? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.crchealth.com/addiction/drug-addiction-rehab/drugs-addiction-treatment/what_happens_in_individual_therapy/

What Is A Sober Living Home? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/sober-living-homes/

What is Family Therapy and What Are Its Goals And Benefits? (2018, August 13). Retrieved from https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/family-therapy/