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Drug and alcohol abuse continues to spread throughout our country, from large cities to small towns and everywhere in between. No state is immune from the problems substance abuse disorders create in families and in communities, including South Dakota.
In government surveys conducted between 2014 and 2015, patterns of drug and alcohol abuse were seen across all ages and demographics:
South Dakota's judicial court is tough and unforgiving when it comes to handling drug-related crimes. Offenses for possessing, selling or producing drugs are met with steep fines, lengthy prison sentences or a combination of both.
To determine the right penalties for drug offenses in South Dakota, substances are categorized into one of four schedules according to their probability of abuse and accepted use in a medical setting.
Schedule I drugs include heroin, dextromoramide, benzethidine, phenomorphan and methaqualone. These drugs have the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the U.S.
Schedule II drugs have a high probability of abuse and accepted medical use under severe restrictions. Examples of schedule II drugs include fentanyl and methadone.
Schedule III drugs are considered less addictive than schedule I or II substances, but are well-documented and approved for medical use. This category includes stimulants like ephedrine and benzphetamine.
Schedule IV drugs have a lower potential for abuse and are fully acceptable in a medical setting. Drugs in this category include benzodiazepines, like alprazolam.
Possessing, selling or manufacturing any amount of a drug listed under schedule I or II is a Class 4 Felony, punishable by a fine no more than $20,000 and up to ten years in prison. However, the sentence is increased to a Class 3 Felony (up to 15 years in prison and $30,000 in fines) if law enforcement find the following at the scene:
If the schedule I or II drug offense involved selling to a minor, the offender can face a Class 2 Felony – up to 25 years in prison, and $50,000 in fines.
Crimes involving schedule III or IV aren't taken any more lightly. Violations for schedule III drugs can result in a Class 5 Felony, or five years in prison and $10,000 in fines. Schedule IV drug offenses come with a Class 6 Felony conviction – up to two years in prison and $4,000 in fines.
It's illegal to possess, sell or cultivate marijuana in any type or form in South Dakota. No matter the type of offense, violators can expect to spend a considerable amount of time in prison and pay a steep fine.
Here's a breakdown of South Dakota's penalties for marijuana offenses:
| Amount | Charge | Time in prison | Maximum fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marijuana Possession | |||
| 2 oz or less | Misdemeanor | 1 year | $2,000 |
| 2 oz – 1/2 lb | Class 6 Felony | 2 years | $4,000 |
| 1/2 – 1 lb | Class 5 Felony | 5 years | $10,000 |
| 1 – 10 lbs | Class 4 Felony | 10 years | $20,000 |
| More than 10 lbs | Class 3 Felony | 15 years | $30,000 |
| Paraphernalia, including pipes and water bongs | Misdemeanor | 30 days | $500 |
| Marijuana Sale | |||
| Less than 1/2 oz | Misdemeanor | 1 year | $2,000 |
| 1/2 – 1 oz | Class 6 Felony | 2 years | $4,000 |
| 1 oz – 1/2 lb | Class 5 Felony | 5 years | $10,000 |
| 1/2 – 1 lb | Class 4 Felony | 10 years | $20,000 |
| More than 1 lb | Class 3 Felony | 15 years | $30,000 |
South Dakota also enforces an “internal possession” standard. According to state law, you can be arrested for having marijuana in your system – even if you ingested it in another state where recreational use of the drug is legal, like Colorado.
In 2015, South Dakota police seized 31 pounds of methamphetamine and discovered and dismantled 28 meth labs. There were incredible 2,126 arrests for methamphetamine, which is an alarming statistic considering the sparseness of the local population.
Synthetic drugs have also arrived on the scene in South Dakota. Bath salts, a synthetic drug that produces a stimulating effect similar to cocaine, has been found on individuals arrested for committing violent crimes and suffering from an overdose.
Synthetic marijuana (Spice, K2) has been a popular drug choice among teens. A survey conducted by the South Dakota Health and Drug Administration showed that nearly four percent of high school adolescents had tried the drug at least once in their lifetime.
Heroin has also been making a comeback in recent years throughout the state of South Dakota. Local authorities who have been tracking these drug trends over the past several decades indicate that rates of heroin use among South Dakota residents reached a peak in the 1980s, then decreased significantly over the next 20 years. In the past five years, however, rates of heroin use and overdose have been climbing again. Many officials believe the nationwide opioid epidemic and overprescribing of painkillers is to blame for this increasing trend.
South Dakota state officials have worked to stay ahead in the fight against methamphetamines through the use of special task forces that aim to rid the region of meth labs and traffickers. These special units are comprised of various law officials and detectives who carefully track the spread and trade of methamphetamine into South Dakota's smaller communities.
The South Dakota Department of Social Services has also created a campaign against methamphetamine use, called Meth Changes Everything. This campaign urges residents to pledge against using meth or other drugs. Stories of how meth use negatively impacted people's lives are an important part of this campaign, sharing the effects of illicit drug use with those who are most at risk.
South Dakota lawmakers also work with hospitals and physicians to develop new laws regulating the prescribing of opioid painkillers in a medical setting. These laws make it easier for prescribers to view a patient's recent prescriptions and keep track of individuals seeking out opioids for non-medical use.
When seeking help for a drug or alcohol abuse problem, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin. Fortunately, you can search for treatment in South Dakota from this page’s directory listings. If you prefer to attend treatment outside your home town or state, you can also browse treatment listings across the country. Treatment consultants are also available to speak with by calling us. They can provide you with options for treatment and answer questions you may have about how to get started.
For anyone with health insurance, a call to your benefits provider can point you in the right direction by giving you a list of substance abuse treatment providers and programs that your plan will pay for.
You may also consult with a trusted physician, therapist, or psychiatrist for a recommendation for a local substance abuse treatment provider. Additionally, community health centers often have lists of qualified providers available to the public.
South Dakota rehab programs vary considerably according to their structure and quality. If a person chooses an inpatient program, they will live at the facility for the duration of the program.
When comparing different inpatient treatment programs, consider the following characteristics to make the best choice:
People in search of addiction treatment in South Dakota may benefit from a number of different services. Some of the most popular services available in the state include:
For many people who seek recovery, the best way to take back control of a life that has been damaged by addiction is to seek professional help through a specialized drug and alcohol treatment program.
High-quality drug and alcohol rehab facilities in South Dakota create personalized treatment plans for each of their patients. Clinicians will perform an assessment of an individual's health, mindset, the severity of addiction and other mental health needs to determine what therapies will work best for that individual.
This type of individualized addiction treatment can help patients achieve lifelong recovery.
Substance abuse and addiction can quickly turn lives upside down. Sometimes, addiction can continue for years until something happens that forces an individual to discuss their substance abuse with family and loved ones. For others, it may be possible to spot a developing addiction in a loved one before their life spirals out of control.
It is sometimes necessary to seek professional help through an intervention. Professional intervention services can help plan a group discussion to talk to someone about their substance use and research treatment options when they agree to go to drug rehab.
Addiction has a profound effect on the body, changing the structures and function of the brain over time. The body begins to function more normally with the substance than without it, resulting in withdrawal if the substance is withheld.
Addiction to some substances can be so severe that withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening. Prolonged use of opioids, alcohol or benzodiazepines, in particular, can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms. During a medically supported drug and alcohol detox, patients receive 24-hour care and medical support, ensuring their safety and comfort as their body begins to heal.
Medical detox addresses the physical aspects of addiction but is not considered a comprehensive treatment for substance abuse on its own. To acquire relapse-prevention skills that will reinforce lifelong sobriety, patients transition to a residential addiction treatment program following the successful completion of drug and alcohol detox.
Residential addiction treatment programs in South Dakota have been particularly effective for those who seek to build a life in sobriety. High-quality inpatient addiction treatment programs are well-rounded and offer treatment approaches for both the physical and mental effects of substance abuse and addiction.
Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs immerse patients in a supportive and healing environment that is entirely focused on recovery, protecting them from familiar places and people that can trigger cravings. A patient may even select an inpatient addiction treatment facility that is out of state to ensure that they are able to focus completely on their recovery.
Outpatient drug rehab programs are a good option for individuals who are not able to live away from home for an extended period of time due to family or work constraints. Outpatient programs are also a good step-down level of care for patients who have completed an inpatient program but who may need continued support as they get back to their normal routine.
While outpatient programs are usually not as comprehensive or structured as inpatient programs, they can still offer a similar network of support and counseling. Some outpatient addiction treatment programs meet as frequently as several times per week. Other outpatient programs may only meet once or twice a month, which is considered to be more of an aftercare or alumni support program.
Sober living homes offer a substance-free residential community for those in early recovery. Sober living offers support and guidance to those who are transitioning from a treatment program back to independent living. Individuals are able to return to work and live a normal life while in a sober living home.
Sober living homes might be run by an organization affiliated with drug and alcohol treatment, or they can be a more structured environment such as a clinical facility or faith-based home.
A comprehensive addiction treatment program in South Dakota will include therapies that treat both emotional and environmental triggers. Each patient may be different in which therapies will work for them, so it is not unusual for therapists to attempt multiple therapies before determining which will be the most successful for that patient.
Behavioral therapies can be complemented by more holistic therapies that focus on whole-body wellness. This combination has proven to be very successful for many patients.
Some common therapies include:
Addiction treatment therapies are sometimes paired with pharmacological approaches to prevent withdrawal symptoms, discourage future substance use and reduce the patient's risk of relapse. This type of approach is referred to as medication-assisted treatment.
Some of the medications that are used in medication-assisted treatment include Suboxone (buprenorphine) and methadone. These medications are used for patients who are recovering from an addiction to opioid painkillers or heroin. Antabuse (disulfiram) and Campral (acamprosate) are used in medication-assisted treatment for individuals suffering from an alcohol use disorder.
It is surprising to some individuals that their health insurance will cover drug or alcohol rehab. Many health insurance companies that service South Dakota also offer full or partial coverage for addiction treatment.
Health insurance companies that may offer coverage for addiction treatment in South Dakota include:
Coverage for addiction treatment may vary by insurance plan, facility type and location or length of care.
If health insurance is not available to pay for drug or alcohol addiction treatment, many facilities offer other options. Some programs may offer scholarships or grants to certain individuals in need of drug or alcohol rehabilitation. Other facilities may utilize payment plans or sliding-scale fees to assist those who may struggle with the cost of rehab.
Regarding the cost of rehabilitation in south-dakota, look at the expense as an investment in your life and the lives of your family. Most rehabilitation programs are able to take partial payment through any insurance plan you have. If you wish to review your eligibility and the cost of treatment in SD, call our no-charge help line to get frank and honest answers to your questions.
Whether your SD inpatient-residential prescription and street drug addiction recovery with take 28 days or 90 days, making the call now improves your odds of getting and keeping healthy. Deciding on a rehab center that can meet your expectations before you ever start the program can also help a lot. When you're ready to book treatment, our helpline advisors can help you find the right spot so you get a good start.
Don't let financial concerns stop you from seeking addiction treatment; there are plenty of payment options available to help you pay for care in South Dakota.
Check your health insurance plan to see if it offers coverage for rehab services. There are many centers that accept insurance, including SD Medicaid and Medicare. Some facilities may let you work out a sliding scale fee or payment plan to help make the cost more manageable.
Check with the rehab centers you're interested in to see what benefits they offer.
Even if you don’t have insurance, there are still plenty of options available for you. South Dakota Medicaid provides coverage for substance abuse treatment services to those who meet certain income requirements.
And, though many people may not realize it, most treatment centers are very willing to work with you on payment options so you can receive the help you need. They often have sliding scale payments based on income or will allow you to make payments over an agreed-upon period of time. Also, some treatment centers offer partial or full scholarships to people who meet certain criteria.
Local churches, nonprofits, and charitable organizations frequently have benevolence funds or grants for those in need as well, and many partner with addiction treatment centers.
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