Alcohol and Drug Addiction Rehab Treatment in Alabama

Alabama Substance Abuse Facts

Across the country, many states have recorded increases in drug overdose deaths from opioids such as oxycodone, heroin, and fentanyl. Alabama has seen a similar rise, which may be related to the rate of opioid prescriptions in the state. Not only can people overdose on prescription opioids, but they may also switch to heroin when they can no longer afford opioid medications.

Alabama has the highest level of prescription opioid use in the country. Doctors wrote 5.8 million prescriptions for opioids in 2015, which is equal to about 1.2 prescriptions per person (significantly higher than the national average, which is 0.71).

More than 730 people died from drug overdose in Alabama in 2015 alone.

Alabama also has a high rate of heavy alcohol use, and few people get help for their drinking. From 2010-2014, Alabama’s annual average of past-month heavy alcohol use among adults 21 or older was above the national average (7.5% vs. 6.7%). During the same time period, only 5.3% of those aged 12 or older with alcohol dependence or abuse received treatment.

Likewise, only 9.6% of those aged 12 or older who needed treatment for illicit drug dependence or abuse during 2010-2014 received it.

Alabama Drug 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)

Laws of Alabama Drug Use

Alabama's laws regarding drug use are fairly unforgiving, and these penalties can impact people's plans for the future. You could have trouble getting a scholarship, joining the military or getting a job you want.

Alabama's “Under Age, Under Arrest” Program

The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board's “Under Age, Under Arrest” campaign targets underage drinking. Launched in 2013, the statewide initiative reminds teens and underage adults that they can be arrested, fined and sent to jail for possessing and consuming alcohol.

“Under Age, Under Arrest” provides online resources about the dangers of underage and binge drinking. The ABC also holds sponsored programs at high schools throughout the state, where ABC members and state representatives have spoken to students about the campaign.

Binge and Underage Drinking in Alabama

Underage and binge drinking is a serious concern in Alabama. About 90 percent of the alcohol consumed by underage drinkers in the U.S. is in the form of binge drinking.

Many underage drinkers are unaware of the potential consequences of alcohol abuse. Heavy alcohol consumption affects a person's judgment, leading to poor decision making. Young people are also more at risk for physical injury or alcohol poisoning while intoxicated. Underage college students caught drinking on campus could also be expelled, leading to further complications down the road.

Many factors can influence underage and binge drinking. Teens and young adults often view drinking as a rite of passage. They may experience peer pressure from friends or classmates to fit in. The stress from studies or a career can also drive some people to binge drink to blow off steam.

Alabama Has The Highest Opioid Prescribing Rate In The Country

Physicians in Alabama prescribe more opioid medications than in any other state. In 2015, doctors wrote a staggering 5.8 million prescriptions for opioid painkillers—more prescriptions than there are people in the state. That number was down from 2013, when physicians wrote 6.8 million prescriptions.

The CDC's Annual Surveillance Report of Drug-Related Risks and Outcomes found that in 2016, physicians in Alabama still prescribed more opioids than those in any other state. For every 100 Alabama residents, doctors wrote 121 prescriptions. This is a significant contrast to the national average of 66.5 prescriptions for every 100 residents.

The State of Substance Use In Alabama

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration conducts an annual survey to measure the prevalence of drug use throughout the country. According to the 2015-2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Alabama's substance use rates are comparable to trends nationwide, with a few exceptions.

Alcohol Use In Alabama

In the month prior to the study, rates of binge alcohol consumption were lower for Alabama residents than the national average.

Age 12–17

• United States – 5.33 percent
• Southern Region – 4.83 percent
• Alabama – 4.45 percent

Age 18 And Older

• United States – 26.54 percent
• Southern Region – 25.18 percent
• Alabama – 22.93 percent

Marijuana Use In Alabama

Reported rates of marijuana use during the previous month were slightly below the national average.

Age 12–17

• United States – 6.75 percent
• Southern Region – 6.13 percent
• Alabama – 5.2 percent

Age 18 And Older

• United States – 8.79 percent
• Southern Region – 7.14 percent
• Alabama – 5.25 percent

Cocaine Use In Alabama

Researchers found that cocaine use in the prior year in Alabama was also slightly lower than the national and regional average.

Age 12–17

• United States – .58 percent
• Southern Region – .45 percent
• Alabama – .33 percent

Age 18 And Older

• United States – 1.97 percent
• Southern Region – 1.72 percent
• Alabama – 1.30 percent

Heroin And Opioid Use In Alabama

Trends in heroin use over the past year among Alabama adults align more closely with the national and regional averages. However, Alabama teenagers are using heroin less frequently than their peers in other states.

Age 12–17

• United States – .07 percent
• Southern Region – .07 percent
• Alabama – .01 percent

Age 18 And Older

• United States – .36 percent
• Southern Region – .30 percent
• Alabama – .35 percent

Unfortunately, while the use of heroin is lower in Alabama than it is nationwide, abuse of prescription opioid painkillers is on the rise. Children and adults used these opioid medications at a higher rate over the past year than residents of other states.

Age 12–17

• United States – 3.72 percent
• Southern Region – 3.94 percent
• Alabama – 5.05 percent

Age 18 And Older

• United States – 4.54 percent
• Southern Region – 4.48 percent
• Alabama – 5.15 percent

National And State Responses To Addiction Trends

The federal government has put a number of measures in place to address the nationwide increase in substance abuse.

• The FDA has implemented changes to labeling requirements for immediate-release opioid medications, and the agency has supported industry efforts to develop medication formulas that deter abuse.
• The DEA has placed hydrocodone medications in a more restrictive controlled-substance category.
• The CDC has created detailed guidelines for physicians who are prescribing these medications.
• A federal effort is underway to release funds for use in syringe exchange programs.

Alabama lawmakers and public health agencies are working hard to provide assistance for individuals struggling with substance abuse. In 2015, Alabama passed a law to protect “good Samaritans” who provide help to suspected victims of overdose by administering naloxone, an opioid-reversal medication. In 2016, a separate law was passed to give state and county health officers the authority to write standing orders for naloxone.

Alabama is also working to comply with recommendations from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which include the following steps:

• Increasing access to treatment
• Reducing unmet treatment needs
• Addressing the epidemic of opioid-related deaths through prevention, treatment and recovery programs

SAMHSA's recommendations came with funding, and states have received some financial support for implementation. Alabama received a total of $7,967,873 in federal funds for use between May 1, 2017 and April 30, 2018.

Alabama's action plan is focused on seven categories:

• Expanded access to treatment for substance use disorders
• Increased access to FDA-approved medications for treatment of substance use disorders
• Enhanced retention in treatment for those who have diagnosed conditions related to substance use
• Training for Alabama healthcare providers who offer services for individuals suffering from addiction
• Greater public awareness of substance-related issues, including the prevalence of opioid misuse in Alabama and available treatment options
• Increased naloxone supply to areas with high rates of overdose fatalities
• Implementation of community-based prevention and education programs

The money invested in Alabama inpatient drug rehab and outpatient treatment centers promises a substantial return, both in the health of residents and the cost of healthcare. Prevention programs will also benefit communities. Research shows that for every dollar spent on these educational services, there is $10 in treatment-related savings.

Treatment Facts

• Alabama ranks 25th in treatment centers servicing/accepting no payment accepted per 100,000 residents. Maine is ranked one spot worse at spot 26. Montana is ranked one spot better at spot 24.
• When adjusted for population, Alabama ranks 35th in treatment centers servicing/accepting IHS/638 contract care funds. Massachusetts is ranked one spot worse at spot 36. Iowa is ranked one spot better at spot 34.
• For persons with HIV or AIDS clients, Alabama ranks 36th in population-adjusted treatment centers. One spot worse is Rhode Island, ranked 37 in the U.S. Mississippi is ranked one spot better at spot 35.
• Alabama is 37th among U.S. states in treatment centers servicing or accepting rational emotive behavioral therapy. Massachusetts is ranked one spot worse at spot 38. One spot better is New Hampshire, ranked 36 in the U.S.
• Alabama ranks 39th in treatment centers servicing/accepting matrix model per 100,000 residents. Louisiana is ranked slightly worse, ranked 40. Delaware is ranked slightly better, ranked 38.

Getting Addiction Treatment Help

The two main types of addiction treatment in Alabama are inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation.

• Inpatient programs require you to stay full-time at the center, where you receive 24-hour supervision.
• Outpatient programs only require you to visit the center on certain days of the week for individual or group therapy. This option lets you live at home but may not provide the safe and sober environment you need in the beginning of your recovery.

If you need help deciding which type of program is best for you, give us a call. We can provide information about Alabama rehab programs that best meets your unique needs.

How Much Does a Rehab Treatment Center Cost and Is Insurance Accepted?

Regarding the expense of rehabilitation in alabama, look at the expense as an investment in your family's future. Most rehabilitation centers are able to take partial payment through any company or private insurance plan you have. If you wish to review your eligibility and the price of treatment in AL, contact our hotline, at no cost to get all the answers to your questions.

Ready to Get Help and Change Your Life for Good?

Whether your AL inpatient-residential prescription and street drug recovery with take 28 days or 90 days, calling our treatment helpline improves your chances of becoming and staying healthy. Picking a rehabilitation program that can meet your standards before you ever arrive at the clinic can also help considerably. When you're ready to book treatment, our help line advisors can help you get properly placed so you feel comfortable.

Where Else Can I Find Help?

If you don’t have insurance, don’t dismiss the possibility of getting help; there are other ways to manage the cost of treatment. Many programs will work out a payment plan with you or adjust the cost of the program based on your ability to pay.

You can also see if you are eligible for public insurance programs such as Medicaid or Medicare. Many treatment programs accept these as forms of payment.

Another option is to use savings or health care credit cards or even utilize a crowdfunding site to raise money. You may be surprised how many people are willing to help you get the care you need.

Twelve-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous host free-to-attend meetings across the state. However, these programs do not offer medical care or detox services.

How Much Does Rehab Cost?

There are many factors that affect the cost of addiction treatment, such as the length of your program, whether you're going to an inpatient or outpatient facility, and what types of treatment the program offers. For example, a 90-day program will be more expensive than a 30-day program, and a facility offering special treatment options, may be more expensive than one that doesn't.

Although the price of rehab can play a big part in your final decision, be sure to pick a program that will give you the greatest chance of a sober life, even if there are cheaper options.

Resources in Alabama

• Substance Abuse Services Provider Directory: The Alabama Department of Mental Health offers a list of drug and alcohol abuse treatment providers.
• Alcoholics Anonymous meetings: Find a local AA meeting.
• NA Birmingham meeting list. Find meetings in the Greater Birmingham area.
• Alabama 2-1-1: Call for help with food, clothing, shelter, health insurance, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and more.
• AIDS Alabama: This organization provides services to people who have HIV/AIDS in the state, including substance abuse programs.
• Buprenorphine treatment provider locator: Find doctors in the state who can prescribe buprenorphine, a drug that can help in the treatment of addiction to opioid drugs such as heroin and oxycodone.
• Alabama Medicaid: Get information about this federal-state insurance program that may cover treatment for drug abuse or mental health issues.
• Suicide prevention: The Alabama Department of Public Health has information on suicide in Alabama and how to get help.
• NAMI Alabama: The National Alliance on Mental Illness has resources, support, and treatment information for people who suffer from mental illness in the state.