We know you have many questions when considering drug or alcohol treatment for you or a loved one. We want to be as helpful as possible during this difficult time. Below you will find answers to many of the common questions we receive. If the information you are looking for is not below, please call us at 1-800-679-0026 and speak to one our friendly Admissions Specialists, or contact us here.
Where is the Gabel Center located?
The Gabel Center is located on beautiful Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Steps from the Gulf of Mexico, our environment is a central component of the comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs we offer.
Does the Gabel Center offer an inpatient/residential program?
Residential programs are rare in Florida because of zoning restrictions. The Gabel Center offers day/night treatment which, like residential, offers around the clock supervision and care for clients requiring intensive treatment. In addition, we offer Intensive Outpatient programs to those who do not require constant, round-the-clock care.
What does the Gabel Center treat?
The Gabel Center is a comprehensive substance abuse treatment program that treats substance abuse including alcohol, opiates, benzodiazepines, marijuana, cocaine and many other substances, as well as co-occurring of dual diagnosis clients. The program is limited to those 24 years of age and older. The Gabel Center has specialty tracks including a focus on trauma and the treatment of PTSD. Find out more about our treatment programs by clicking here.
What is the average length of stay?
Length of stay in our program is based on client progress and reaching major treatment milestones, rather than a pre-determined number of days. For more information about length of stay at the Gabel Center, call us now 1-800-679-0026.
Does the Gabel Center accept my insurance?
The Gabel Center works with most private insurance companies at the out of network level. We are happy to provide a complimentary benefits check to determine the level of coverage of your policy, and determine whether or not there will be any out of pocket expense for your treatment. The Gabel Center does not accept medicare, medicaid or tricare at this time.
What is the cost of treatment at the Gabel Center?
So that we can give you an accurate cost based on your circumstances, please call our Admissions Specialists at 1-800-679-0026.
Is the Gabel Center a co-ed program?
Yes, the Gabel Center is co-ed. However, our client residences are separated by gender, and limited to six clients per residence.
Is there family involvement at the Gabel Center?
Absolutely! When possible, and in the best interest of the client, the Gabel Center encourages family involvement. There are several ways for family members to become involved in their loved one's treatment. Family update calls keep family and other concerned parties aware of the progress of the client. Family therapy can be arranged based on client consent and clinical appropriateness. These sessions can be done in person or via phone. The Gabel Center's comprehensive Family Weekend is a valuable resource for the client's family as well. Read more about family involvement by clicking here.
What is Addiction?
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Drug and alcohol addiction may initially appear as social use of mood altering substances, including prescription medications. With use of these substances, tolerance may be increased, requiring increased amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect. Addiction is then a primary, chronic disease of the brain, leading to biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dysfunction.
What are the affects of drug addiction?

Similar to other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. It is characterized by an inability to abstain from use, despite experiencing significant social, economic, financial, and legal consequences directly related to its use. Furthermore, just like other chronic diseases, addiction can lead to permanent disability and premature death if not treated effectively.
What is withdrawal?
Withdrawal is the generally uncomfortable and potentially life-threatening set of symptoms experienced as a result of reducing or completely stopping the use of addictive drugs and alcohol. The length and symptoms of withdrawal vary with the type of substance abused. Physical symptoms of withdrawal include: restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, elevated blood pressure, and cold flashes. While the psychological symptoms of withdrawal generally include: depression and anxiety.
What is trauma?
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Trauma can be recognized as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience, or series of experiences, repeated over time, causing an overwhelming and sometimes uncontrollable sense of emotional pain, fear, and loathing. Psychological trauma may be the result of verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as being witness to a tragedy or shocking event. Regardless of the underlying root cause of the trauma, its negative impact is deep and can be long lasting without treatment.
What are the effects of trauma?
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Given the depth of the emotional pain and torment caused by trauma, individuals suffering with the condition often feel alone, often struggling with recurrent feelings of fear, worry, and worthlessness. The individual battling symptoms of trauma often has difficulty establishing and maintaining healthy relationships, low self-esteem, poor concentration, and anxiety.
To learn more about common addiction terminology, click here. To find out more about the Gabel Center, call us now: 1-800-679-0026.