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Huntsville, Alabama—perhaps most well-known for its US Space and Rocket Museum—is a hot bed for the military and the aerospace industry. Home to companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon, it's also awash in other smaller advanced tech companies and startups, and its population boasts quite a high average level of education.
When we look at the drug issues affecting Huntsville, it becomes clear that its struggles are largely white-collar. Overwhelmingly the city suffers from the same opioid epidemic that has affected most of the rest of the United States, and it has blown through Huntsville like a ruthless hurricane, laying waste to families and ruining otherwise promising lives. In the United States, between 2006 and 2012, over 76 billion pills were distributed, and authorities say that over 1.7 billion of those pills made their way to Alabama. One report shows that a now-closed pharmacy in rural south Alabama received more than 1.3 million prescription opioid pills between 2006 and 2012! That's nearly 1,500 pills per person per year-an absolutely shocking number.
The problem stems from prescription painkillers being prescribed—far too often--by medical providers for pain that could potentially be managed with less harmful drugs like simple Tylenol or Aspirin. Drugs like Oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone are legally prescribed and purchased, but these highly addictive painkillers, which target the body's pain receptors, (blocking them and creating feelings of happiness, euphoria, and well-being,) can get even the most vigilant person hooked, and start them down a long spiral down into the throes of full-on addiction. Abuse of prescription opioids often leads to using heroine (which is far cheaper and easier to obtain on the street) as well as the synthetic drug fentanyl, which is far more potent and deadly in just the smallest of doses.
So, what's the solution? More regulation and greater oversight of prescription opioids is happening every day, but these highly addictive drugs are still being used. So, police and other first responders are being issued Naloxone (also known as Narcan) which can help save the lives of people in the throes of overdosing. Efforts at regulation and emergency treatment help a great deal, but they don't provide a long-term solution. If you or someone you love is struggling with an opioid addiction, help is available. Reach out today and save a life.
That is one of the reasons the Huntsville area has 36 drug and alcohol rehabs accessible to local residents who struggle with alcohol and/or drug addiction. These centers aid the region's population of 173,855 no matter age or circumstances in order to make effective rehab accessible to anyone who needs it.
Alcohol and Drug Rehab Service Settings and Methods
Huntsville area residents who face addiction issues can select from a variety of treatment settings based upon factors such as their location and specialized needs.
Recovery settings include the following: short term addiction treatment facilities, inpatient drug rehab centers, inpatient detoxification programs, outpatient day treatment, long term rehab centers.
Patients can also pick from a number of treatment approaches meant to offer effective services for their needs: individual psychotherapy, activity therapy, rational emotive behavioral therapy, brief intervention approach, matrix model, dual diagnosis drug rehab.
Special Programs for Addiction Treatment
Addiction is not necessarily one-size-fits-all, so treatment must be varied. That is why alcohol and drug rehab facilities in the Huntsville area offer various special services intended to provide a tailored method to recovery for patients. These special programs can include the following: programs for the hearing impaired, child care for clients children, aftercare/continuing care, social skills development, persons who have experienced sexual abuse, clients with HIV/AIDS.
Rehab Payment Options
Patients often postpone treatment because of concerns about payment. However, drug and alcohol treatment programs make a range of payment options available to patients in order to help with their economic considerations and improve access to treatment. Some of these alternatives are included here: private pay, private medical insurance, military insurance, payment assistance, other state funds, state education funds.
Alcohol and drug treatment is available for Huntsville residents through many different programs, approaches, and financing options that put lasting recovery within reach.
Commonly Asked Questions about Addiction and Treatment
When a person is a substance abuser, don't they realize their life is being destroyed?
Substance Use Disorder, commonly known as addiction, is a complex condition that can significantly impact a person's judgment, perceptions, and decision-making abilities. Here are a few reasons why someone struggling with substance abuse might not fully realize the extent of the damage it's causing to their life:
Denial: It's common for individuals suffering from addiction to be in denial about the extent of their problem. They might underestimate how much or how often they use, or they may not acknowledge the negative consequences that their substance use is causing.
Altered Brain Function: Addiction affects the brain's reward system and impairs cognitive function. This can distort a person's ability to clearly see the harm that their substance use is causing. They may focus intensely on the immediate rewards of drug use while minimizing or ignoring the long-term negative consequences.
Co-occurring Disorders: Many people with Substance Use Disorder also have other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate feelings of denial or self-deception about the extent of the substance abuse problem.
Fear and Shame: Fear of withdrawal, fear of change, and shame about their substance use can also prevent individuals from admitting to themselves or others the full extent of their problem.
Lack of Awareness: Some individuals may not understand the signs and symptoms of addiction, or they may not recognize that they can seek help and that recovery is possible.
How can I tell if I am an enabler?
"Enabling is a behavior often seen in the relationships of individuals struggling with addiction. An enabler, often without realizing it, may protect the individual with addiction from the consequences of their behavior, thus indirectly encouraging continued substance use. If you're unsure whether you might be enabling someone's addiction, consider the following signs:
- Rescuing: If you frequently find yourself covering up or making excuses for the individual's substance use or its consequences - like calling in sick to their job for them, paying their bills, or lying to others to conceal their addiction - this could be enabling.
- Denying: If you downplay the severity of their addiction, dismiss the negative impact it has, or avoid discussing it entirely, you may be enabling.
- Avoiding Conflict: If you consistently avoid confrontations or difficult conversations about their substance use out of fear it may cause tension or lead them to use more, this can be a form of enabling.
- Taking on Their Responsibilities: If you've taken on their duties - like household chores, parenting responsibilities, or work commitments - to compensate for their inability or unwillingness to fulfill them due to their addiction, you could be enabling.
- Providing Financial Support: If you're frequently giving them money, which they could be using to support their addiction, or bailing them out of financial problems caused by their substance use, this is often a clear sign of enabling.
- Ignoring Damaging Behaviors: If you tend to overlook or dismiss destructive or harmful behaviors associated with their addiction, you may be enabling.
What are things I should look for when choosing a rehab?
When choosing a rehab facility for yourself or a loved one, it's important to consider several factors to ensure the best fit and the highest likelihood of a successful recovery. Here are some key aspects to look for when evaluating potential rehab centers:
- Accreditation and Licensing: Ensure the facility is accredited by a reputable organization and licensed by the appropriate state or national authorities. This helps guarantee that the center meets established standards for quality care and safety.
- Treatment Approaches: Evaluate the treatment methods and therapies offered by the rehab center. Look for evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and medication-assisted treatment, which have been proven effective for treating addiction.
- Specialized Programs: Depending on your needs or the needs of your loved one, you may want to choose a rehab facility that offers specialized programs, such as those tailored for specific substances, co-occurring mental health disorders, or unique populations (e.g., veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, or adolescents).
- Customized Treatment Plans: A high-quality rehab facility should develop an individualized treatment plan for each client, taking into account their unique needs, goals, and circumstances. This ensures that the treatment approach is tailored to provide the best possible support for lasting recovery.
- Duration of Treatment: Consider the length of treatment options offered by the facility. While shorter programs (e.g., 28-30 days) may be sufficient for some, others may benefit from longer stays (e.g., 60-90 days or more) to fully address their addiction and underlying issues.
- Aftercare and Continuing Support: Look for a rehab facility that offers aftercare services, such as ongoing counseling, support groups, or transitional living arrangements. These services can provide essential support during the transition back to everyday life and help maintain long-term recovery.
- Qualified Staff: Ensure the rehab center employs experienced, licensed, and compassionate professionals, such as therapists, counselors, doctors, and nurses, who are trained in addiction treatment and recovery.
- Family Involvement: Some rehab centers offer family programs or therapy sessions to involve family members in the recovery process. This can provide valuable support and help address any family dynamics that may contribute to addiction.
- Cost and Insurance: Consider the cost of treatment and whether the rehab center accepts your insurance plan or offers payment assistance options, such as sliding-scale fees or financing.
- Facility Amenities and Environment: Take into account the physical environment and amenities of the rehab center. A comfortable, clean, and safe environment can contribute to a more positive and focused recovery experience.
