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Mobile, AL: Center Of The Opioid Epidemic And Meth On The Rise
In addition to its famously beautiful southern live oaks and legendary place in baseball history (having produced more players in Major League Baseball's Hall of Fame than any city except New York and Los Angeles,) Mobile, Alabama is sadly becoming famous for something else- an out of control opioid epidemic.
Studies show that doctors in Alabama prescribe more opioids per person than in anywhere else in the country, and Mobile currently has the 5th highest rate of painkiller prescriptions in the state. Drugs like Oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone can be legally prescribed purchased, but these prescription painkillers are highly addictive because they target the body's pain receptors, blocking them and creating feelings of happiness, euphoria, and well-being. Just one or two of these pills can get even the most vigilant person hooked and start them down a long spiral down into the throes of full-on addiction.
It is estimated that at least 30,000 people in Alabama have an opioid or heroin dependence, and in 2016, Alabama recorded 343 deaths due to opioid overdose alone. In recent years, Mobile authorities have encountered large supplies of heroin (often the next step after prescription pain pills, as heroin is cheaper and much easier to obtain on the street) laced with fentanyl, a cheap, powerful and extremely deadly synthetic opioid.
Meth Abuse & Trafficking On the Rise
As if the opioid epidemic wasn't enough for Mobile to deal with, Methamphetamine use is growing in the city at an alarming rate. In fact, almost half of all drug cases handled by law enforcement in Alabama in 2017 were related to meth, and in recent years, Mobile County has sadly become a center for large-scale methamphetamine production. In 2016, authorities discovered sixteen meth labs in the area and at least nine were found in 2017. In that same year, drug enforcement agents arrested a Mobile drug trafficker carrying at least $50,000 worth of methamphetamine, with an obvious intent to sell.
An Uphill Battle
Police in cities like Mobile face an uphill battle, because every time they take a drug or drug dealer off the street, another substance and the people who peddle it rise up to fill the void. As the police continue to close meth labs throughout the city, drug dealers continue to adapt, introducing slightly different—and often more harmful—drugs into the market like "Ice," an even more potent version of methamphetamine. For the sake of countless valuable American lives, we can only hope that authorities gain the upper hand.
With substance abuse treatment easily available, those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction can find help within their local area.
Substance Abuse Treatment Service Settings and Treatment Techniques In Mobile
The settings of rehab programs in Mobile may include the following: inpatient addiction treatment facilities, long term drug and alcohol rehabs, outpatient detox facilities, outpatient individual counseling, short term rehabs.
Individuals looking for treatment can find conveniently located centers close by with an array of recovery approaches designed for effective rehabilitation. These approaches, which include both long-established and recently developed approaches, can consist of the following: group therapy, 12-step facilitation approach, vocational rehabilitation services, matrix model, rational emotive behavioral therapy, couple/family therapy.
Programs Addressing Special Requirements for Drug and Alcohol Recovery
Addiction can vary based upon factors, like the kind of drug driving the addiction. Many treatment facilities in the Mobile area offer programs designed to customize rehabilitation to a client's specific needs. These rehabs contain the following: clients referred from the court/judicial system, self-help groups, persons with eating disorders, veterans, co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, treatment for spanish-speaking clients.
Patients who are unsure what their requirements are can reach out to these facilities for access to client services that can direct them toward the correct program.
Paying For Treatment - Payment Options & Alternatives
People struggling with alcohol and drug addiction come from varied financial conditions, but a range of financing options makes recovery economically accessible for anybody. Funding opportunities include the following: private insurance, private pay, sliding fee scale, payment assistance, county or local government funds, state corrections or juvenile justice funds.
Those looking for treatment can get in touch with a rehabilitation center to learn more about what payment options are available to them.
Mobile, AL.'s substance abuse facilities, programs, and payment alternatives offer those struggling with alcohol and drug abuse an opportunity to begin a sustainable recovery plan.
Commonly Asked Questions about Addiction and Treatment
How can I help a loved one with their addiction to drugs?
Helping a loved one who's struggling with drug addiction can be a complex task that requires compassion, patience, and understanding. Here are several steps you can take:
- Educate Yourself: Learn about addiction and the specific substance(s) your loved one is using. Understanding the nature of addiction, its effects on the brain and behavior, and the process of recovery can make you a more effective source of support.
- Communicate: Open a dialogue with your loved one about their addiction. Make sure to approach them with empathy, expressing your concerns without judgment or blame. Use "I" statements to convey how their behavior is affecting you and others.
- Encourage Treatment: Encourage your loved one to seek professional help. This could involve a variety of treatments, such as detoxification, therapy (individual or group), medications, or residential treatment programs. Each person's pathway to recovery will be unique, so it's important to explore different options to find what may work best for them.
- Support, Don't Enable: There's a fine line between supporting a loved one and enabling their drug use. It's important to assist them in their recovery process, but refrain from protecting them from the negative consequences of their addiction. This might involve setting boundaries for their behavior.
- Take Care of Yourself: Supporting a loved one through addiction can be emotionally challenging. Be sure to take care of your own physical and mental health as well. Seek support from others, such as friends, family, or support groups like Al-Anon or Nar-Anon, which are specifically designed for those affected by a loved one's substance use.
- Stay Patient: Recovery is a long-term process that often involves setbacks. Patience, perseverance, and hope are key during this journey. Celebrate small victories and remember that progress may be slow, but it is still progress.
- Involve Professionals: If your loved one is resistant to seeking help, consider a professionally facilitated intervention. An interventionist can guide you and your family through the process of conveying your concerns and the need for treatment in a structured setting.
Does Medicaid pay for a person to go to a drug rehab?
Yes, Medicaid, the U.S. government's health insurance program for individuals with low income, does cover substance use disorder services, including drug rehabilitation. However, the specific services covered and the extent of coverage can vary from state to state, as Medicaid is a joint federal and state program.
Commonly, Medicaid coverage can include services such as:
Screening and assessment: This helps to determine the level of addiction and the most suitable treatment plan.
Outpatient counseling: This can include individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy.
Inpatient care: This includes residential treatment programs where individuals receive intensive care, usually for severe addictions.
Medication-assisted treatment: Medications can be used to help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and treat any co-occurring mental health conditions.
Follow-up care and long-term maintenance: This could include case management services, peer supports, and other recovery services.
It's important to note that while Medicaid does cover drug rehabilitation services, there might be certain eligibility criteria to meet or pre-authorization requirements. Furthermore, not all treatment centers accept Medicaid, so it's crucial to check with the specific facility about their payment options.
For the most accurate information, individuals should contact their state's Medicaid office or visit the official Medicaid website.
What are signs that my loved one is a drug abuser?
Identifying a loved one's drug abuse can be challenging as symptoms can vary depending on the substance being used, the duration of use, and the individual's personal circumstances. However, there are several signs that could potentially indicate drug abuse. These signs can be physical, behavioral, and psychological.
Physical Signs:
- Noticeable changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Bloodshot eyes, pupils that are larger or smaller than usual
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain
- Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing
- Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination
- Neglect of physical appearance and personal hygiene
Behavioral Signs:
- Unexplained need for money, or frequent financial problems
- Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
- Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies
- Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities)
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Unexplained absences or a drop in performance in work or school
Psychological Signs:
- Unexplained change in personality or attitude
- Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts
- Periods of unusual hyperactivity or agitation
- Lack of motivation, appears lethargic or "spaced out"
- Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid without reason
