By The Recovery Village | Editor Camille Renzoni
Last Updated: January 12, 2024

Located in Hardee County, Florida, the city of Wauchula is mostly an agricultural area. Though it’s a small city, Wauchula and many areas of Florida are experiencing the direct effects of the nationwide opioid crisis. Opioids are not the only threat, and people across America continue suffering from drug and alcohol misuse and addiction.

Drug overdose deaths in Florida went up significantly from 2016 to 2017, increasing by 5.9%. In 2017, the majority of the state’s drug overdoses involved an opioid.

Beyond opioids such as heroin and fentanyl, people in Florida struggle with stimulants like methamphetamine, alcohol and prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines. People who suffer from a substance use disorder are encouraged to take advantage of the many drug treatment options available nearby.

Wauchula Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation and Treatment

If someone in Wauchula has a problem with drugs or alcohol, there are different types of rehab and treatment programs available.

Detox helps a person safely remove drugs and alcohol from their system. This can be done on an outpatient or inpatient basis.
Inpatient treatment, also known as residential rehab, is a type of treatment where participants live at the rehab facility.
Partial hospitalization programs are also known as day treatment. In these programs, participants have access to the same types of treatment as residential patients, but they don’t live on site.
Outpatient rehab can occur in different settings and formats. It can include drug education, group or family therapy and individual counseling.
12-step programs and other types of recovery groups are often important for someone’s recovery.

Drug and Alcohol Detox Programs and Treatment Centers in Wauchula, FL

There are local options relatively close to Wauchula, Florida, for people who struggle with drugs and alcohol. For example, The Recovery Village has centers in Orlando and Umatilla. There are also nationwide rehab centers, and The Recovery Village has facilities in states including Washington and Colorado.

Regardless of whether a person finds local treatment or travels, the most important thing is that they get the help they need for drugs and alcohol. There are 55 substance abuse programs within 50 miles of Wauchula.

Residential Treatment Programs

During a residential treatment program, which is also called inpatient alcohol rehab or drug addiction treatment, patients live at the inpatient rehab facility. There are advantages to this type of treatment. For example, the environment in an inpatient rehab center is controlled and scheduled, helping to reduce chaos and the potential for relapse.

There are 18 residential rehab programs within 50 miles of Wauchula. The Recovery Village also offers individualized residential treatment programs, including inpatient detox.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

A partial hospitalization program, also called day treatment, is very scheduled and intensive. Participants in these programs have gone through detox and are expected to make reasonable improvements with treatment. Much of the treatment they participate in is the same as residential patients. However, they can return home at night when treatment ends for the day.

Some people may begin their treatment process with partial hospitalization. Others may start with inpatient rehab and then transition to a partial hospitalization program when they’re ready.

There are seven partial hospitalization programs within 50 miles of Wauchula.

Outpatient Treatment Programs

An outpatient rehab program is flexible and doesn’t require someone to live at the treatment center. When someone participates in outpatient rehab, they can keep up with their work, family and school commitments while also receiving treatment.
There are six outpatient detox programs within 50 miles of Wauchula. In this same area, there are 39 regular outpatient treatment programs and 22 intensive outpatient treatment programs. There are also outpatient drug treatment programs offered at The Recovery Village in Florida.

Sober Living and Rehab Aftercare Programs in Wauchula, FL

Sober living and aftercare programs are important parts of a full treatment plan. Aftercare services and continuing care help prevent relapse and allow someone to keep building on the skills they learned in rehab. Aftercare is often considered one of the most important parts of the addiction treatment process and shouldn’t be treated as an afterthought.

Options for alcohol and drug rehab aftercare programs include checking in at aftercare facilities, sober living homes, rehab alumni programs and participation in support groups.

Specialized Treatment Programs in Wauchula

For addiction treatment to work well, it needs to fit the patient’s needs. Sometimes, a patient may have specialized treatment needs. There are many options for specialized addiction treatment programs within 50 miles of Wauchula:

There are 20 programs with rehab for teens.
28 programs offer women’s rehab centers, including locations in Avon Park, Sebring and Bartow
24 substance abuse programs have rehab for pregnant women, including locations in Winter Haven, North Port and Tampa
Seven rehab centers offer rehab for the LGBT community
13 substance abuse treatment centers include rehab for veterans
Six programs for active duty military service members
35 treatment centers for co-occurring mental health disorders are located in cities like Mulberry and Bartow
There are 23 programs for people who have experienced trauma, which includes rehab for PTSD

What Is the Process Like in a Drug Detox and Rehab Facility?

This is a common question, and it’s natural to want to know what to expect when making the big decision to receive treatment for drug or alcohol addiction.

The first step of the alcohol or drug treatment process is usually intake. During intake, you meet with a treatment team that can include a doctor, psychologist and perhaps a counselor. Intake can feel like an interview, but it’s important to be honest and disclose everything. The intake process is how your treatment team builds a plan that will work for you.

Once the intake assessment ends, a patient may begin detox. During detox, any substances you use will leave your system. Medical detox includes supervision from a team of professionals. It may also include medications and medical interventions if necessary.

After you fully detox, you can begin your individualized rehabilitation treatment plan. Many people receive care along a continuum and may participate in several types of rehabilitation, starting with inpatient and ending in outpatient.

Finally, aftercare planning begins when someone’s rehabilitation ends. Learn more about what you can expect during drug and alcohol treatment on this page from The Recovery Village.

Finding the Best Rehab Program for You

Finding a rehab program that matches your personal needs is important. The more closely a program is matched to your unique needs, the more likely you are to stay in that program. Staying in treatment for enough time helps ensure successful long-term outcomes. Because of this, it’s important to know how to find the best rehab centers. As you compare programs and look for the best drug rehab centers, think about the following:

Do you have co-occurring mental health disorders requiring treatment? If so, are the programs you’re considering equipped to offer that kind of care?
What level of care do you likely need? For example, if you have a severe, long-term addiction, you may need a high level of care in an inpatient program.
Are you able to leave your home, job and family for treatment?
Will your family want to play a role in your treatment, and could that be beneficial to you?
Does the treatment center offer individualized care based on your unique needs?

What Questions Should You Ask When Considering a Treatment Program?

In addition to finding a program that suits your needs, you should also learn about the reputation of a treatment center and the quality of care they provide. There are a few questions to ask as you consider a treatment program.

Is treatment evidence-based?

Current research and evidence indicate an addiction to drugs or alcohol is a chronic disease. Addiction affects the brain and body of a person, and it’s important to find a treatment program that uses an evidence-based treatment model. While every center may have a different approach, scientific and medical evidence should be the foundation for that approach.

Is specialized and individualized treatment available?

No two people are the same, and nobody shares the same history of drug and alcohol abuse. Addiction treatment should include an individualized treatment plan as well as specialized treatment if necessary. This is why the intake assessment is such an important part of the process — this is when the treatment team learns who you are and what your needs are.

How much will treatment cost and can you work with my insurance provider?

Cost is one of the biggest barriers for people who are seeking treatment, but it doesn’t have to be. The cost of treatment is often covered by private insurance, and a rehab center may be able to work directly with your insurance company. Even for someone who doesn’t have private insurance, a rehab center may be able to work with them to make treatment affordable and accessible.

Does family play a role in treatment?

It can be valuable in many cases for family and loved ones to play a role in treatment. If you’re attending rehab locally, it may be even more feasible for your loved ones to participate in certain aspects of your rehab program. You may also want to ask about family support programs, such as what your family can expect in terms of communication from the treatment center.

Find more answers on this page of frequently asked questions.

Exploring Treatment Options Near Wauchula

Should you stay near Wauchula for rehab, or should you travel to another city or even out of Florida? This is a big question you face as you choose a rehab program. Travelling has many advantages, but there are benefits to staying near Wauchula as well.

When traveling for treatment, you can put your environment of substance misuse at a distance physically and mentally. You can focus on your treatment in an environment that doesn’t remind you of your substance use or trigger you. You have more types of treatment available to you if you’re able to travel as well. Staying in rehab for long enough to complete your treatment plan is an important part of long-term recovery. If you travel for treatment, it is less likely you would leave rehab early.

On the other hand, you may be at a point where you aren’t physically or mentally able to travel far for treatment. In this case, it’s better to find drug abuse treatment near Wauchula. When you stay close by, you don’t have to arrange travel. Your family and loved ones may also be able to participate in your treatment.

Additional Addiction and Rehabilitation Resources in Wauchula

The work of maintaining long-term recovery continues well after someone completes a rehab program. This is why it’s important to have a connection to local addiction resources. Local addiction resources near Wauchula can include nonprofit groups, support and recovery groups and government resources.

Recovery Meetings Near You

Research shows that one of the most important factors for sustained recovery is social support. Social support can come in different forms, and recovery meetings are a popular option. Recovery meetings include 12-step programs, but alternatives are available as well.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the most popular support and recovery groups for people who struggle with alcohol addiction. Alcoholics Anonymous is a 12-step program based on surrendering to a higher power. Meetings are typically open to anyone who has an interest in stopping their alcohol use or remaining sober. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Wauchula and nearby include:

First United Methodist Church
Mondays, 7:00 p.m.
207 North 7th Ave., Wauchula, FL 33873

First Baptist Church
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m.
211 E. 4th Ave., Zolfo Springs, FL 33873

Wings of Faith Christian Worship Center
Saturdays, 6:00 p.m.
4348 Schumacher Rd., Sebring, FL 33872

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Meetings

Narcotics Anonymous is a 12-step program that’s similar in most ways to AA. The primary difference is that NA meetings are geared toward people who struggle with drug addiction, as opposed to alcohol addiction. NA meetings near Wauchula include:

First United Methodist Church
Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.
207 North 7th Ave., Wauchula, FL 33873

First United Methodist Church
Mondays, 7:00 p.m.
207 North 7th Ave., Wauchula, FL 33873

SMART Recovery Meetings

SMART Recovery is a local recovery and support group organization. However, this group is for anyone who struggles with an addiction of any kind, including substance or behavioral addictions. SMART Recovery is not spiritual or religious. The four-point program is built on concepts of self-reliance and self-management.

The CATE Foundation
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.
5942 Frond Way, Apollo Beach, FL 33572

Southwest Florida Counseling Center
Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m.
1777 Tamiami Trail Suite 202, Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Al-Anon and Nar-Anon Meetings

When you care about someone who struggles with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, you may need your own support system. Al-Anon and Nar-Anon are two options, known as family groups. These are 12-step programs for the loved ones of people who struggle with addiction.

Al-Anon meetings:

Union Congregational Church
Tuesdays, Noon
106 N. Butler Ave., Avon Park, FL 33825

St. John United Methodist Church
Saturdays, Noon
3214 Grand Prix Dr., Sebring, FL 33872

Nar-Anon meetings:

St. John’s Methodist Church
Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.
1800 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven, FL 33884

First Presbyterian Church
Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.
175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland, FL 33801

Non-Profit Organizations in Wauchula, FL

Nonprofit organizations and groups also work with people in the local Wauchula area who struggle with substance abuse or mental health issues.

Peace River Center

213 East Orange St., Wauchula, FL 33873

863-248-3311

Mental Health Community Center Prospect House Sarasota

240 B S Tusle Ave., Sarasota, FL

941-953-3477

Tri-County Human Services

202 South 9th Ave., Wauchula, FL 33873

863-773-2226

Centerstone Florida

379 6th Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34205

941-782-4150

Baycare Behavioral Health

1201 First St. South, Winter Haven, FL 33880

863-294-7062

Wauchula, FL Substance Abuse Hotlines

Below is a list of Wauchula, Florida, substance abuse hotlines and mental health hotlines as well as national hotline resources for people who may need access to care or help. In addition, local drug abuse hotlines can help you find assistance nearby. If you have questions about substance abuse, including treatment, you can also contact The Recovery Village at any time.

CLEAR Warm Line

800-945-1355

Peace River Center 24-Hour Crisis Line

863-519-3744

800-627-5906

Peace River Center Wauchula Offices Direct Number

863-773-3228

Crisis Text Line

Text 4Hope to 741741

Suicide Prevention

614-221-5445

National Institute on Drug Abuse Hotline

800-662-4357

Suicide Prevention Hotline

1-800-784-2433

Lines for Life Alcohol and Drug Helpline

800-923-4357

The Recovery Village

866-235-4572

The City of Wauchula, FL

Wauchula, Florida, is located in Hardee County. Route 17 passes through Wauchula, and it’s close to cities including Bartow, Arcadia and Zolfo Springs. Wauchula is named the “Cucumber Capital of the World,” although citrus has become more important in this agricultural area in the past few decades. The nearest airport with domestic flights to Wauchula is Charlotte County Airport. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is around 50 miles from Wauchula. Wauchula is located at 27.5473° N, 81.8115° W.

Addiction Resources in Nearby Florida Cities

For those who are seeking alcohol and drug treatment facilities outside of Wauchula, Florida, there are also many drug rehab resources across the state of Florida: