Similar to other states, Texas has a significant and worrying substance abuse problem on its hands. And this is not merely conjecture but rather a fact well-substantiated by several studies. In one study, in particular, published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), researchers revealed that over 1.3 million people who call the lone star state home admitted to having a problem with alcohol. And it does not end there as some 500,000 said they had a problem with illicit drugs. To further put this into context, a little over 6 percent of the 29 million people who live in Texas have a substance abuse problem of some kind.
Commonly Abused Drugs in Texas
While alcohol is at the top of the list when it comes to commonly abused substances, many Texans admit to also turning to the following drugs to derive a euphoric high:
- Methamphetamines
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Street-level and prescription-based opioids
What You Should Know About Substance Abuse Treatments in Texas
Many people with a substance abuse problem are turning to the more than 450 rehab facilities throughout Texas to get the help they need to overcome addiction. And while all of these facilities do a good job relative to helping those who are serious about breaking the cycle of addiction and getting their lives back on track, some might be better than others when it comes down to treating very severe forms of addiction. Some examples include addiction to alcohol, cocaine, or opioids, all of which can trigger a wide range of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when individuals stop using.
That said, many of the people in Texas who are addicted to these substances and want to achieve long-term sobriety often seek treatment in an inpatient or residential program. According to a 2013 study, the most current and relevant data available, researchers found that 28 percent of Texans with an alcohol addiction turned to one of these two programs for help. In the same year, 24 percent sought treatment for opioid addiction. Lastly, 13 and 11 percent of people with an addiction to methamphetamines and cocaine, respectively, did the same.
Inpatient Vs. Residential Addiction Treatment
Unlike outpatient rehab programs, which can benefit those with a mild addiction, such as marijuana addiction, inpatient or residential programs are a better choice for those with a severe addiction. A few examples include opiate, cocaine, and alcohol addiction. Bearing that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the key differences between inpatient and residential addiction treatment programs available at many of the rehab facilities throughout Texas.
Starting with inpatient treatment programs, these are programs that individuals will be admitted into once they have completed detox. And they can last anywhere from 1 to 3 months. Those who have undergone addiction recovery treatments in an inpatient program tend to compare it to being in a hospital. Of course, this is not too surprising given that most are well-staffed with doctors and nurses. The primary objective of these facilities is to ensure individuals are medically stable following detox, which, in turn, lowers their chances of relapsing. They also include addiction education courses that teach individuals how to cope with cravings and temptation and ultimately regain complete control over their lives. Further, nearly all of these facilities offer psychotherapy with a licensed therapist as a means of addressing the underlying cause of addiction, which can come by way of one-on-one or group counseling sessions.
As far as residential treatment programs, they have a lot in common with their inpatient counterparts in that they can also help individuals achieve long-term sobriety. However, addiction recovery treatment in these facilities is much longer, typically 6 to 12 months. The primary objective of residential treatment programs is to help individuals integrate back into society while still providing them with access to physicians, therapists, and addiction education in a home-like environment.
Should You Choose an Inpatient or Residential Treatment Program to Overcome Addiction?
Generally speaking, an inpatient program would be a good fit for someone struggling with a severe standalone addiction or a co-occurring disorder. Meanwhile, individuals with a less severe form of addiction would be a good candidate for a residential treatment program. The same is usually the case for those that have completed an inpatient program but are not quite ready to return home. Of course, this is all generalities. Even when struggling with the same kind of addiction, what might be ideal for some might be less than ideal for others. That being said, if you live in Texas and struggling with substance abuse and would like to learn more about inpatient or residential treatments and which approach might be right for you, consider scheduling a consultation with one of our addiction experts today at 833-364-0736.