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Montgomery, Alabama & The Coming Opioid Wave
The city of Montgomery, Alabama—second largest in the state after Birmingham—is famous for many things, including being the capital during the Confederacy, and is where Jefferson Davis was sworn in as President. (It's also the current capital of the state and sits in Montgomery County.) But in recent years Montgomery has become known for something else-a rising tide of drug abuse.
Montgomery Country has a poverty level that is 22% higher than the state average of 18.9%. At the same time, its 79% high school graduation rate is far lower than the state rate of 89%. These are social factors that can often negatively influence mental health and rates of drug and alcohol abuse.
Currently (according to authorities) the biggest drug problem in Montgomery is marijuana and cocaine, which is of concern since these drugs are considered gateway or starter drugs that can lead to abuse of other more harmful substances, including heroin (already present in Montgomery) and synthetic opioids.
The Coming Opioid Tsunami
The country-wide opioid epidemic—currently ravaging cities in Jefferson County like Birmingham and Mobile--hasn't yet reached Montgomery in its full fury, but authorities believe that a tidal way of overdoses is surely on its way. To be prepared for it, the Alabama Department of Mental Health and the Department of Public Health has begun distributing Naloxone, a fast-acting drug that reverses the effects of opioid overdoses to police and first responders. Naloxone--also known as Narcan—can save lives, but it does nothing to address the cause of the addiction, and it is not treatment. Additionally, the city of Montgomery filed a lawsuit against the manufacturers of a popular opioid, OxyContin, in April of 2018, and attorneys for the city hope to hold Purdue Pharma responsible for their part in misrepresenting the addictiveness of their drugs, as well as for their aggressive marketing techniques targeted at both doctors and patients. We can only hope that the city's efforts can shift the tides of fate and stem the tide of opioid addiction that has decimated so many other cities. Only time will tell.
Treatment Service Settings and Recovery Modalities
Montgomery's many rehabilitation centers, some of which are laid out below, address a problem that is widespread in cities across the US: substance abuse. These centers fight this adversity locally by providing locations and programs that are suitable for clients within the area. These settings include: long term addiction treatment programs, detox programs, short term drug abuse treatment, outpatient substance abuse treatment services, inpatient drug rehab programs.
Alcohol and drug rehab programs use many approaches, from traditional methodologies to newer approaches such as: trauma therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, vocational rehabilitation services, dual diagnosis drug rehab, anger management, individual psychotherapy. The outcome is a variety of programs that clear the path to attainable sustained recovery for many patients.
Special Programs for Substance Abuse Offered by Rehab Facilities
People struggling with drug or alcohol addiction often require personalized assistance to get their lives back. That is why drug and alcohol rehab centers in Montgomery provide specialized services that help patients within their personal situations. Some of these programs are listed here: transgender or (LGBT) clients, persons with eating disorders, clients with HIV/AIDS, persons with serious mental illness, co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, clients referred from the court/judicial system.
Rehab Payment Options in Montgomery
Clients are faced with varied financial conditions, which is why addiction rehabilitation facilities offer multiple payment choices, including: private insurance, cash or self-payment, sliding fee scale, medicare, medicaid, state corrections or juvenile justice funds, state welfare or child and family services funds.
Financing should not have to be a hurdle to addiction rehabilitation. Treatment centers direct clients toward the financing options that fit their individual budgetary needs.
With a variety of facilities, rehabs, resources, approaches and payment options, Montgomery provides patients several choices when it comes to seeking recovery from addiction.
Commonly Asked Questions about Addiction and Treatment
What is the first step I must take to get sober?
The journey to sobriety begins with recognizing that there's a problem and deciding to make a change. Here are the steps you might consider:
Admitting the Problem: The first step towards getting sober is acknowledging that your substance use is causing problems in your life and that you need to make a change. This step can be challenging, as it requires honesty and self-reflection.
Seeking Help: Once you've recognized the problem, the next step is to reach out for help. This could involve talking to a trusted friend or family member, a healthcare provider, or a mental health professional. They can offer support and guidance as you navigate your next steps.
Assessment and Diagnosis: A healthcare professional, such as a doctor or a counselor specializing in addiction, can provide a comprehensive evaluation to understand the extent of your substance use and any co-occurring mental health conditions. This assessment will help guide your treatment plan.
Detoxification: If you're physically dependent on a substance, medically supervised detoxification may be necessary. This process manages the acute physical symptoms of withdrawal that occur when you stop taking the substance.
Treatment Plan: Based on your assessment, a personalized treatment plan will be created. This could involve a combination of individual counseling, group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and supportive care. Treatment might be provided in various settings, including inpatient rehab, outpatient clinics, or through telehealth services.
Support Networks: Building a strong support network is crucial for maintaining sobriety. This could include sober friends and family, support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, and ongoing therapy or counseling.
Ongoing Recovery and Maintenance: Sobriety is a lifelong journey. Once you've completed a treatment program, it's important to have a plan in place to maintain your sobriety. This might involve ongoing therapy, regular attendance at support group meetings, and self-care practices to manage stress.
Remember, it's okay to ask for help, and it's never too late to start the journey to recovery. Everyone's path to sobriety is different, and what works best will depend on your individual circumstances, including the nature of your substance use, your personal history, and your support network.
What are the symptoms of opioid withdrawal?
Opioid withdrawal can be a challenging process that presents both physical and psychological symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on factors like the type of opioid used, the duration and intensity of use, individual health status, and genetic factors. Here are common symptoms that might be experienced during opioid withdrawal:
Physical Symptoms:
- Muscle aches and pains
- Restlessness and agitation
- Sweating
- Runny nose and teary eyes
- Excessive yawning
- Insomnia
- Goosebumps (hence the term "cold turkey")
- Abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- High blood pressure
Psychological Symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Intense cravings for opioids
These symptoms can begin as early as a few hours after the last dose of the opioid and typically peak within 72 hours, though they may persist for a week or more. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms, which are primarily psychological, can continue for weeks or even months.
It's important to note that while opioid withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable, it is generally not life-threatening. However, complications like severe dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea can occur, which is why medical supervision is recommended during the withdrawal process. Furthermore, the risk of relapse is high during withdrawal, and using opioids again after a period of abstinence can lead to a potentially fatal overdose, as tolerance may have decreased.
What is a medical detox?
Medical detox, also known as medically supervised detoxification, is the process of safely managing the physical symptoms of withdrawal from substances like alcohol, opioids, or other drugs under the supervision of healthcare professionals. This process is typically the first step in a comprehensive treatment plan for substance use disorders.
The goal of medical detox is to minimize the physical harm caused by withdrawal and to alleviate discomfort. Here's what it typically involves:
Evaluation: This first step includes a thorough assessment of the individual's physical and mental health, as well as the extent and nature of their substance use. This information is used to design an appropriate and personalized detox and treatment plan.
Stabilization: During this phase, medical professionals administer treatment to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure the patient's safety. This may involve the use of medications to ease symptoms and prevent complications. Medical staff monitor the patient's vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, and may provide nutritional support and hydration as needed.
Preparation for Further Treatment: Once the acute phase of detox is complete, the focus shifts to preparing the individual for further treatment, such as inpatient or outpatient rehab. This may involve counseling or therapy to help the individual understand the importance of continuing treatment to maintain long-term recovery.
