FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT
Contact: Dr. Vikram Tarugu
Company: Detox of South Florida Inc.
Address: 608 NE 2nd Ave. Okeechobee Fl 34972
Contact Number: (863) 623-4923
Email: admissions@detoxofsouthfl.com
Website: https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/
Okeechobee, Florida, 6/18/18 – Up until about a year ago, drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers in the United States were actively marketed on Google’s advertising platform (AdWords).
However, due to rampant abuse and deceptive marketing practices the global leader of “search” suspended all rehab centers from publishing adverts.
However, according to an official statement from Google in April, 2018, rehab centers will be able to advertise once again (after being reviewed). This time though, rehab centers, prior to running ads, will be required to undergo a stringent evaluation process. Applicants, before receiving approval to run ads, will first need to be vetted by LegitScript (verification/monitoring service for online pharmacies).
This new vetting process is highly supported by both the medical community and recovery centers throughout the nation. Detox of South Florida for example, an award-winning and top-rated recovery facility in Florida, recently made a statement that “Recovering addicts need to be provided with accurate information so treatment can be sought”. Detox of South Florida went on to state that “Those seeking recovery need a reliable source for finding help. Treatment centers being vetted will help to ensure those struggling with addiction receive truthful guidance that will enable them to get the help they need”.
New Vetting Process Ensures Recovering Addicts Get Accurate Guidance
Interest in treatments for the abuse of prescription and illicit drugs are at an all-time-high as the country faces what many call the “worst” nationwide epidemic we’ve seen. One of the greatest problems that began to emerge from such a crisis was scammers that began to use Google Ads to deceive those seeking treatment. In a industry where regulations vary greatly from state to state it became easy for rehab center advertisers to defraud or misinform potential patients.
Back in September of 2017 Google finally realized that the problem has grown increasingly worse and decided to suspend all drug and alcohol rehab ads. Millions of ads, ads promoted on their search engine and on third party sites (independent publishers using the AdSense program) were immediately removed. This occurred just a week following a publication from “The Verge” that discussed the issue of rehab ads causing more harm than good. Google took the issue very seriously and as a result suspended rehab related ads altogether.
Over the course of a year, the suspension of rehab ads impacted Google’s bottom line by about $78 million dollars. For most companies and brands, setting up an ad campaigns on AdWords only requires a few simple steps to get through. However, Google now employs a more stringent vetting process for not only rehab centers but for other sectors including locksmiths, drug manufacturers, online pharmacies, and garage-door repair companies. Due to public pressure Google will also be requiring additional information from political managers that want to run campaign ads.
For addiction treatment ads the new rules will apply to not only in-person rehabilitation centers but also for support groups and crisis hotlines.
Vetting Rehab Centers – A “Good Idea” for both Rehabs and Patients
Dr. Vikram Tarugu, an award-winning digestive health expert and founder of Detox of South Florida stated that “Rehabs wanting to promote their treatment services through Google’s ad platform should be more thoroughly vetted to ensure recovering addicts receive truthful information”.
Beginning now, LegitScript, the only monitoring and verification service recognized by the “National Association of Boards of Pharmacy” will work alongside Google in reviewing and processing rehab advertising applicants. LegitScript will begin to review the criminal backgrounds of each applicant and will also check to make sure that the applying rehab has a valid operational license along with insurance (will be verified).
Of course, this vetting process is going to come at a cost to rehabs. According to a statement released by LegitScript they will also be providing “written policies and procedures demonstrating a commitment to best practices, effective recovery and continuous improvement”.
So, what does all of this mean for rehabs? Well, there’s going to be a one-time up-front charge of $995 with an ongoing annual vetting fee of $1,995.
John Horton, the chief executive officer of LegitScript stated that the “extra step may frustrate rehab centers”. This precautionary step though will help those seeking recovery to find and receive the help they deserve.
Prior to the suspension Google made efforts to verify rehab centers although previously there was no “incentive” for rehabs to undergo thorough evaluations which involved a multi-part, in-depth questionnaire.
Evidently, legitimately licensed and established rehab centers will not be faced with a cumbersome process. Back in September of 2017 Google said that it would soon publish a set of advertising guidelines for rehab centers and finally that time has come. Of course, this statement was released only once the removal of rehab ads took place. Dr. Vikram Tarugu (representing “Detox of South Florida”) spoke out on the new guidelines mentioning that the new guidelines will help to provide rehabs across the nation with a policy framework that will make it easier for legitimate recovery centers to get their treatments in front of those that need help the most.
Vetting Rehabs – What to know
Rehab centers play a vital role in the lives of patients that come to them for recovery. Addiction is a serious matter and it’s paramount that recovering addicts are never mislead or taken advantage of. As such, Google’s verification process will not only help rehabs to ensure their marketing practices are up to standards but will also help future patients to receive the help they need.
It’s a big step forward and it’s a positive move on Google’s part. Addiction is a condition that millions of Americans struggle with and reliable treatment solutions are needed now more than ever. Moving forward, those struggling with overcoming an addiction can be confident that Google-displayed rehab ads are vetted, trusted, and reviewed.
All rehabs are going to undergo an extensive evaluation and must be properly licensed in order for ads to be approved. Definitely a much-needed process and approach!
About The Company: Detox of South Florida is the Florida region’s leading rehab center with the best addiction treatment options. The rehab center employs qualified, experienced staff committed to patients’ recovery by providing 24/7 care and treatment. In Detox of South Florida patients enjoy a painless, smooth, and manageable detox process.
###
For more information, please visit https://detoxofsouthflorida.com/ or call (863) 623-4923.
Gastroenterologist and medical professional focused on addiction. A veteran in the medical field with over 25 years of professional experience. He is a consultant for many South Florida Rehab centers. Patients travel from allover the US to seek his help with addiction and Hepatitis C treatment.
Doctor of internal medicine, C.F.O. He is Instrumental in the success of Detox of South Florida. He is known for his cheerful, ever happy and helpful attitude.
Doctor of internal medicine, medical director, and Nursing Supervisor. She is known for her ethical practice and expertise in the various detox protocols and programs.
Office Management
Director of Admissions
Director of Operations
Research studies on addiction treatment have shown that some alcohol and substance addiction treatment and follow-up procedures are more successful than others. At Detox of South Florida, we emphasize on using the best approaches in alcohol or drug detox.
Our goal is to ensure that all our patients regain their physical and mental states of health. Our treatment is therefore tailored to address each patient’s unique conditions. The treatment involves a combination of detoxification procedures such as opiate detox, alcohol detox, and heroin detox, just to mention a few, with other intervention procedures such as group and individual therapy, relapse prevention education, after-care planning, and in-house completion programs aimed at ensuring long-term sobriety and prevention of relapses.
Every patient has his or her unique type and level of addiction which is why the treatment period will normally vary from one individual to another. While some patients go through a 30-day rehab program, others will require a 60-day or 90-day program to recover from alcohol or drug addiction. The time it takes to recover will depend on the assessment report provided by the assigned medical professional who evaluates your case.
As the best rehab in Florida, we believe a relapse should not be viewed as a failure but rather as a sign to help you get back on track by making necessary adjustments to your treatment.
Our rates generally depend on the services provided. The overall cost will be determined by factors such as professional treatment fees, facilities, food, and utilities.
Unlike other addiction treatment centers across the country, at Detox of South Florida, we take your treatment and recovery process very seriously. Your treatment against addiction is a comprehensive process that may be affected by unwarranted interruptions. All visitations must, therefore, be approved well in advance by the treating therapist. We do this to ensure that your safety, focus on recovery, and stability are maintained at all times. The only visitors allowed are significant members of your family and close friends.
We strive to give each of our clients a positive and meaningful experience as we journey with them towards recovery. Read personal reviews from patients whose lives have changed after successfully graduating from our treatment program.
Call Us (863) 623-4923I am a 45 year old typical white male from upstate New York. Got addicted to opiates a few years back and I needed to get my life back. I chose detox of south Florida after some research. I am glad I found this place. Excellent care , techs and doctors . The Indian doctor I forget her name but she was especially caring . Thanks to these people.
-- James Macdonald
I feel emotional when I write this review for detox of south Florida . They made me realize that I have a life which is a gift from God. I basically wasted so many years drinking my life away . They are a bunch of good kind hearted people. God bless them
-- Ella Scott
This is place is really good Heroin detox center. Really professional people especially the doctors and techs . I stayed in this place for 14 days in total but never felt home sick.
-- Deidre Knox
If I have to say in one word- Very kind people with typical southern hospitality. I had severe withdrawals from heroin for the first night but the detox medications kept me comfortable. Keep up the good work Detox of south Florida.
-- Nicholas Berry
No way to describe the wonders they made to help out my brother, every single soul working there is willing take care of him, the staff, and the facilities are really a gift from heaven stating "there's really a way"... I recommend them with all my heart. And if you are reading this, and really know a person needing this... god bless you for reaching out.
-- Alejandro Barrios
Excellent treatment overall. I really can’t find any negatives except that I wish they were less busy. I really can’t blame them because they are so popular that people want to come here to get clean. Now the positives: Beautiful place, very very nice people and caring. The doctors and nurses are really super caring. Thumbs up to Dr. Vikram Tarugu who took care of my liver issues while I was there
-- John Harris
Experience and Knowledge We have the experience and knowledge necessary to keep you safe through every step of the detoxification process. With our Florida Detox staff experts by your side, it is easier to feel confident in every decision you make.
© Copyright 2021, Detox of South Florida Inc. | All Rights Reserved.