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Nebraska has high rates of both illicit and prescription drug abuse, especially opioids painkillers. Between May to June 2015, there were 5 CVS robberies in which the suspects were trying to steal oxycodone pills. The practice of “doctor shopping” to get more prescriptions filled is quite common, and there continue to be reports of people writing their own fake prescriptions to procure more drugs.
In 2014, 40% of drug overdoses were opioid-related and opioids were responsible for nearly 4 times the number of overdoses compared to methamphetamine and psychostimulants. Despite the widespread use of opioids, methamphetamine also remains a prevalent drug of choice in rural areas of Nebraska.
In some cases, problematic substance use may go hand in hand with other mental health issues experienced by state residents. In Nebraska, roughly12.3% of all adolescents experienced a major episode of depression in the past year and in 2015, approximately 58,000 people (4.2% of all adults) reported having serious thoughts of suicide in the past year. Many people turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate their mental health issues and the sometimes-troublesome thoughts and emotions associated with them. This may only serve to worsen an already bad situation, as substance abuse has generally been found to exacerbate symptoms of depression and mental illness.
In 2017, Nebraska received a two-million dollar grant in response to the current opioid crisis, but binge-drinking and meth use appear to be a more significant problem in the state. Consider these must-know statistics for Nebraska:
Binge drinking is the most pressing substance use disorder in Nebraska. One news article stated bluntly, “Nebraska is America's 9th drunkest state.”
Nebraska has higher rates of binge drinking compared to the national average. Adults in Nebraska report binge drinking in the past month at a rate of 31.28 percent, which is approximately 438,000 residents of the state. 26.54 percent of adults across the U.S. report this behavior.
Approximately 70 percent of treatment center admissions in Nebraska are due to alcohol use disorders.
Each year, over 300 Nebraska residents die and 4,000 are hospitalized as a result of alcohol. In 2016, Nebraska had 7,311 arrests related to driving under the influence. That same year, 1,708 alcohol-related crashes were reported, and 37.2 percent of all crash fatalities were due to alcohol impairment.
In 2016, expenses from alcohol-related car accidents topped $174,130,200.
Alcohol-related health conditions and death due to alcohol use disproportionately affect Nebraska's Native American population. A state epidemiological profile found that the rate of alcohol-related deaths among Native Americans was six times higher than other groups, and the rate of death due to chronic liver disease among Native Americans was 14 times higher than other populations.
While prevention and treatment of all sorts of substance use disorders are available in Nebraska, three issues have been given top priority. State lawmakers and healthcare professionals are committed to the national fight against opioid abuse, and there is a push to address the high rate of alcohol abuse among state residents. In addition, legislators are working to prevent the manufacture and use of methamphetamines.
Nebraska is making progress in reducing excessive opioid prescriptions, and strict laws are partially responsible. In early 2018, a package of opioid prevention measures was signed into law.
Among other things, this legislation puts the following requirements into effect:
Small meth labs are increasingly uncommon since the passage of federal regulations to restrict the sale of key ingredient pseudoephedrine. In 2005, Nebraska State Police identified and closed 252 meth labs. In 2016, they only found three. Unfortunately, the push to prevent local manufacture of methamphetamine has not impacted use. Meth is still imported in large quantities from northern Mexico.
Nebraska offers many addiction treatment programs to meet the needs of diverse populations.
Questions to ask before selecting an addiction treatment center include:
A full understanding of the program's features makes it possible to select an option that meets patients' specific needs.
Nebraska classifies controlled substances in five schedules, according to how hazardous or addictive the substance can be.
Schedules I, II and III list drugs that are considered highly addictive and hazardous. Crimes involving one or more of these scheduled drugs generally carry the most severe penalties. Examples of these drugs include: heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine and some anabolic steroids.
Schedules IV and V include some anti-anxiety medications and opioid prescription drugs. Most of these substances are very addictive, but penalties aren't typically as harsh as schedules I – III. However, it should be noted that possessing any schedule IV or V substance without a prescription is still considered a serious crime.
Any person who is convicted of possessing, selling or manufacturing a scheduled controlled substance in Nebraska will likely face the following penalties:
| Personal possession | ||
|---|---|---|
| Drug classification | Charge | Maximum Penalty |
| All schedules | Class IV felony | 2 years in prison and 12 months probation after release; $10,000 fine |
| Possession with intent to sell or manufacture | ||
| Schedules I, II and III | Class II felony or Class IIA felony, depending on the exact substance | 1 – 50 years in prison; variable fines |
| Schedules IV and V | Class IIIA felony | 3 years in prison and 18 months probation after release; $10,000 fine |
Harsher sentences may apply to some offenders, depending on certain circumstances. For example, if a person distributes a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a daycare, school or recreational center, they're punished by the next higher penalty than the original sentence. Violators who are convicted of distributing drugs to anyone under age 18 could also face these consequences.
In Nebraska, possessing, selling or cultivating marijuana for recreational or medical use is illegal. Charges for each crime vary according to the amount of marijuana involved.
| Amount or type of offense | Charge | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | ||
| 1 oz less, first offense | Civil infraction | $300 fine |
| 1 oz or less, subsequent offense | Misdemeanor | 7 days in jail; $500 fine |
| More than 1 oz – 1 lb | Misdemeanor | 3 months in jail; $500 fine |
| 1 lb or more | Felony | 5 years in prison; $10,000 fine |
| Sale or cultivation | ||
| Any amount, first offense | Felony | 1 – 20 years in prison; $25,000 fine |
| Any amount, subsequent offense | Felony | 3 years to life in prison |
Just like other drug offenses in Nebraska, selling marijuana within 1,000 feet of a protected area or to a minor is punishable by the second higher penalty.
Mental illness is just one of many factors that can contribute to addiction. Addiction is a complex disease and there is no single treatment that is right for everyone. It’s important that you find a treatment program that addresses your individual needs.
Substance abuse can be treated in both inpatient and outpatient settings and, even within these broad categories, individual treatment programs may vary significantly in terms of time commitment and treatment intensity. Some facilities offer amenities such as massage therapy or outdoor activities. In many traditional recovery programs, therapy is typically conducted in both individual sessions with a therapist and group meetings. Many programs encourage ongoing participation in a 12-step program, both during and after the initial period or rehabilitation.
When you or someone you know is ready to get help, that’s a great first step. You can look through our directory of treatment facility listings to find an option that meets your needs, or give us a call to learn more about enrollment.
The state of Nebraska takes a strong stance against substance abuse and has both comprehensive programs to control it and strict laws to deter it. Nebraska offers cost-effective treatment options for low-income families. When looking for the right rehab program, other things to consider include:
Not all drug and alcohol rehab services in Nebraska will offer the same programs. An important step is to understand some essential components of treatment, which can include:
Recovering from an alcohol use disorder or addiction to other substances typically requires professional addiction treatment from an experienced provider. Once a provider has been selected, the first step in most treatment plans is to determine where patients should begin on the continuum of care. Some possibilities include the following:
Individuals experiencing active addiction are not always prepared to help themselves. Family members and friends may be hopeful that their loved one will eventually choose to seek treatment, but it is dangerous to wait for a decision that may never come. Nebraska intervention services provide training and support to families who are ready to have difficult conversations with loved ones who are struggling with drug and alcohol abuse.
High-quality addiction treatment programs rely on individual assessments to determine how best to manage substance use disorder. The results of these assessments are used to customize treatment plans that may include some or all of the services in the continuum of care.
Many people experiencing active addiction must begin treatment with a detox program. These are typically inpatient facilities so the detox process can be supervised round the clock by medical professionals.
Getting through withdrawal symptoms can be very uncomfortable, and in some cases, it can become deadly. Nebraska drug and alcohol detox centers offer assistance in treating the symptoms of withdrawal and provide medical intervention as needed.
Once any physical dependence on a substance has been addressed, the next step is to treat the psychological, emotional and behavioral factors that underlie the substance use disorder. High-quality Nebraska residential addiction treatment facilities offer a variety of therapies.
The benefits of inpatient addiction treatment over outpatient options include the following:
Though some patients choose outpatient addiction treatment from the start, most rely on such programs to provide ongoing support after completing a Nebraska inpatient drug rehab program.
In an outpatient program, those in recovery are able to return home or to a sober living home each night, but during the day they continue to participate in programs and therapies that are similar to the inpatient experience. This step can be critical for those returning to their original home environments, as these environments can trigger a relapse.
Successful completion of an addiction treatment program is a momentous accomplishment. However, long-term recovery is an ongoing process. Nebraska offers a variety of aftercare and alumni services that keep former patients connected to the recovery community. These programs ensure lifetime support for those who are no longer suffering from active addiction, ensuring they have the tools necessary to prevent a relapse.
The use of medication during the treatment of substance use disorders may extend beyond the detox phase. Patients who participate in medication-assisted treatment participate in a customized therapy program in addition to receiving medications proven to help support recovery. Studies show that in some cases, the use of medication in addition to tailored therapy can help sustain recovery long-term.
A co-occurring disorder is when a substance use disorder is accompanied by mental illness. Many individuals experiencing active addiction experience simultaneous mental health conditions that also require treatment. Common examples include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders, all of which may exacerbate addiction issues. Patients diagnosed with co-occurring disorders require integrated treatment plans that address all of their needs.
Group therapy is a staple of substance use disorder treatment, and in many cases, the groups include both men and women. However, this type of setting isn't right for every patient. Many treatment centers offer male-only and female-only group therapy to ensure that participants are comfortable exploring their feelings during the sessions.
Many types of therapy are available to treat substance use disorders. Specific programs in Nebraska may limit their focus to certain solutions, so it is important to gather information about possible treatment plans when determining which treatment center best fits a patient's needs.
Common therapies include the following:
This group of therapies operates under the philosophy that behaviors are learned, and therefore they can be changed. Through the use of techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and motivational interviewing, people suffering from addiction can learn to reduce unhealthy and self-destructive behaviors.
A variety of complementary therapies have been shown to support and sustain recovery efforts. Examples include yoga, meditation, acupuncture, equine therapy, and journaling.
One-on-one counseling is an opportunity for patients to collaborate with a professional who specializes in recovering from addiction. During these sessions, the counselor and patient discuss issues that stand in the way of achieving goals, as well as the best way to overcome them.
Sometimes, receiving support from peers in a professionally guided session can offer insight that is not available in a one-on-one setting. Many programs incorporate group counseling and support groups in treating substance use disorders.
The impact of substance use disorders is not limited to those who suffer from active addiction. Friends and family members also experience the effects of their loved one's behavior. Family therapy is designed to support those around the primary patient, and it may help to resolve interpersonal rifts that have developed.
Healthy eating and physical activity are proven mood elevators, and related therapies can transform patients' physical and mental health.
Everyone faces stress at one time or another. Creating healthy habits for coping is critical for long-term recovery.
Battling addiction leaves little time for learning basic life skills like finding and keeping a job and managing finances. High-quality addiction treatment programs ensure patients are prepared with the skills they need for long-term success.
Many patients are concerned about the expense of drug rehab. Fortunately, most health insurance plans pay some of the bills related to the treatment of a substance use disorder.
Plans that operate in Nebraska and cover a portion of inpatient drug and alcohol treatment may include United Healthcare, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska and Humana. Medicaid may also be an option for those suffering from addiction.
Most treatment centers offer additional programs to assist with paying any remaining out-of-pocket expense. These may include sliding-scale fee structures, grants, and scholarships. Finally, a majority of treatment facilities offer payment plans.
Nebraska drug rehab programs vary in length, depending on the treatment methods used. While some are short-term, lasting a month or less, others can extend for a year or more. Aftercare and alumni services may last a lifetime. The final length of an individual patients' participation depends on the type of program and the individual's treatment needs.
When reviewing the price of rehabilitation in nebraska, look at the expense as an investment in your future and your family's. Most recovery programs are able to take partial payment through any PPO or HMO plan you have. If you wish to review your eligibility and the expense of treatment in NE, dial our hotline, toll-free to get direct and truthful answers to your questions.
Whether your NE inpatient-residential alcohol, prescription and street drug addiction recovery with take four weeks or 90 days, beginning recovery today improves your chances of becoming and keeping healthy. Choosing a recovery center that can meet your expectations before you ever start the program can also help substantially. When you're ready to book treatment, our phone line advisors can help you find the right location so you get a good start.
The cost of going to rehab all depends on the center you choose and the type of program you are in.
More than half of the facilities in NE offer treatment free of charge to those unable to pay. About 77% of programs accept private health insurance, almost 80% accept Medicaid, and almost 40% accept Medicare.
One barrier to accessing treatment for substance abuse and mental health problems is either lack of health insurance or insufficient funds to pay for it. According to Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the ability to pay is not a factor; persons pay what they can afford. Programs in the state offer sliding scale fees, unreimbursed care, and other subsidies.
If the entire process of finding treatment, enrolling, and paying for rehab feels overwhelming, it can be helpful to break it up into steps. There are resources and systems in place to help you every step of the way, including treatment programs that offer sliding scale payments, financing, flexible payment plans, and even free services.
There are many rehabs that accept health insurance, so check with your insurance provider to see what kinds of services are covered. If you don’t have insurance, visit the Nebraska Medicaid page to see if you’re eligible and fill out an application. Medicare users are also entitled to certain substance abuse treatment services.
You can conduct much of your research using the internet, but meeting in person with other people in recovery may also help you connect with local resources. Going to a 12-step meeting such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or a non-12-step group like SMART Recovery or LifeRing, can help you meet sober individuals who have experience navigating the treatment process and are keen to share their insider knowledge.
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