Addiction and Treatment Statistics for Alabama
The national opioid crisis highlights the urgency for quality treatment and care for people experiencing addiction. To meet this growing need, the state of Alabama’s Substance Abuse Services department manages a system to ensure rehab centers comply with evidence-based standards of care to get individuals the care that they need.
Alabama Substance Abuse Statistics
Many people in Alabama suffer from addiction and dependence. The opioid crisis has undermined the lives of residents at a higher rate than the national average. These statistics highlight the need for immediate and effective drug rehabilitation and long-term care.
- A 2016 survey found most people seek treatment for heroin or methamphetamine addiction.
- In 2016, 343 people overdosed on opioids, resulting in 7.5 deaths for every 100,000 people in Alabama.
- Approximately 481 new cases of HIV were diagnosed in 2015. Of those, people injecting drugs accounted for 13.1 percent.
- In Alabama, alcohol is the most frequently used substance (43.9% of people over age 12 reported using alcohol in 2014-2015)
Choosing The Right Rehab Program In Alabama
It’s important for people to consider that all rehabilitation centers are not the same. Yet, it’s crucial people suffering from addiction select a facility that meets their unique needs. Factors to consider include:
- Accreditation: The Joint Commission accreditation means the center meets the standards for quality of care. Other positive accreditations include the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and the state of Alabama.
- Evidence-Based Approaches: This is broadly used to define treatment based on current research and the latest science. It usually includes therapy, medications, or the combination of both.
- Length of Stay: Programs often range from as short as 30 days to extended programs that last six months or a year, which may include sober living facilities.
- Location: It may be in a person’s best interest to distance themselves from an unhealthy lifestyle, which means travel may be involved. On the other hand, the support and fellowship of friends, family, and community members can be vital to recovery.
- Aftercare and Alumni Services: The importance of long-term care and support cannot be underestimated. Select a facility that offers long-term and ongoing support groups, counseling, mentoring programs, and other aftercare services.
- Payment: Many private health insurance policies cover at least a portion of the cost of rehab programs, while other policies provide full coverage. Check individual insurance plans for more details. Other rehab centers in Alabama offer free or low-cost services to low-income individuals.
Alabama Drug And Alcohol Rehab Services
Recent statistics compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) show many people in Alabama struggle with drug and alcohol abuse. Fortunately, there is a wealth of programs available to help people take back their lives.
- Drug and Alcohol Detox Programs: Although these first-steps programs are often personalized to meet individual needs, they are based on ending substance abuse. The process includes clinical evaluation, stabilization, and program preparation.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): This approach engages the individual through a combination of FDA-approved medications in conjunction with behavioral therapy. It is sometimes referred to as the “whole person” approach.
- Behavioral Therapy: At the core, behavioral therapy targets self-defeating and unhealthy behaviors. The goal is to mold self-destructive behaviors into healthy ones. Common therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
- Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders (Dual Diagnosis): Substance use disorders are often accompanied by mental health conditions like depression or schizophrenia. Dual diagnosis programs provide integrated care to address the multiple facets of each disorder.
Finding Addiction Treatment
For a positive outcome, choose a program that provides the best opportunity for recovery. This might be a program in Alabama or another state. Traveling to treatment can be beneficial because it allows for a fresh perspective to begin recovery. The first step to a better life, however, starts with reaching out.
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Article Sources
Alabama Department of Mental Health: Substance Abuse Division - Division of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services
National Institute on Drug Abuse - Alabama Opioid Summary
National Institute on Drug Abuse - Evidence-based Approaches to Drug Addiction Treatment
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Behavioral Health Barometer Alabama 2015
