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Just west of St. Louis, perched upon a mighty river, lies a little city with some big issues to face. Once a thriving riverfront trading stop during the 1800s, it was the exact spot where Lewis And Clark began their westward trek in 1804, and shortly thereafter, it was given the name "St. Charles." It's a beautiful and storied place that has certainly carved out its rightful place in history. But today, St. Charles is a little city with a giant heroin problem.
In 2017, 248 residents of St. Charles entered treatment in publicly funded programs for heroin addiction, and according to the St. Charles County Prosecutor's Office, there were 195 heroin-related possession and distribution charges in the overall county in 2016, which was up significantly from just 160 the year prior. Deaths have also increased significantly.
Since we know that heroin addiction often starts with addiction to prescription painkillers, the prescription opioid situation in St. Charles deserves its due scrutiny. In 2008, 22 people in St. Charles County died from opiate overdose, whereas in 2017, that number had shot up to 80. In 2018, Missouri providers statewide wrote 63.4 opioid prescriptions for every 100 people! This is far higher than the national average rate of 51.4. With these staggering over-prescription numbers, it's no wonder the heroin statistics are so high.
So, what's the solution? St. Charles is trying its best. In 2016, the St. Charles County Council voted unanimously to participate in the St. Louis County Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), which monitors the prescription of prescription opioids to help prevent drug abuse and misuse. It's also, like many other police departments in the country, started to make sure that its first responders carry Narcan (also known as Naloxone) which, when administered correctly, can reverse the effects of a drug overdose. At the same time, this mighty little city is also wrestling with other issues, including heavy alcohol abuse and juvenile drug abuse. We can only hope that this mighty little city will prevail.
Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service Settings and Therapy Approaches in St. Charles, MO.
Individuals in St. Charles who have a substance abuse issue have many local treatment programs from which they can choose like: outpatient substance abuse counseling, inpatient detoxification centers, long term drug abuse treatment, inpatient treatment centers, short term drug and alcohol rehab facilities
Also, individuals can choose from a range of approaches to their treatment in order to obtain the most beneficial care, such as: contingency management/motivational incentive, matrix model, behavior modification, dialectical behavior therapy, relapse prevention, brief intervention approach
Special Programs for Substance Abuse Treatment
Alcohol and drug rehab facilities in St. Charles can also handle a patient's individual substance abuse rehab needs through a range of special services. These services can consist of the following: legal advocacy, clients referred from the court/judicial system, self-help groups, veterans, domestic violence, programs for the hearing impaired
Treatment Payment Options
The cost of drug and alcohol treatment can be a worry for many patients and their loved ones. That is why local alcohol and drug rehab centers provide several payment options that cater to the varying financial realities of clients. Here are some of the forms of payment accepted by these rehabs: private pay, private insurance, sliding fee scale, military insurance, state education funds, county or local government funds
Often, these programs will work with clients to identify the best payment method for their needs.
Individuals who struggle with substance abuse can get effective care in St. Charles, Missouri through a wide range of rehabilitation centers, treatment methods, specialized programs, and payment options. The level of choice makes alcohol and drug rehab attainable for a great deal of local people in need.
Commonly Asked Questions about Addiction and Treatment
What are the causes of drug addiction?
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Genetic predisposition: Research has shown that genetic factors can contribute to an individual's vulnerability to drug addiction. Certain genes may influence how a person's brain processes and reacts to drugs, making them more prone to addiction.
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Brain chemistry: Drugs affect the brain's reward system by increasing the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. This leads to feelings of pleasure and euphoria, which can reinforce drug-seeking behaviors and contribute to the development of addiction.
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Environmental factors: Exposure to drug use in one's surroundings, such as through family members or friends, can increase the likelihood of experimentation and eventual addiction. Additionally, factors like high levels of stress, poverty, and a lack of social support can increase vulnerability to addiction.
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Psychological factors: Emotional and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and trauma can make individuals more susceptible to drug addiction. These issues can lead people to self-medicate with drugs in an attempt to cope, ultimately increasing the risk of addiction.
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Early exposure: Experimenting with drugs at a young age can increase the likelihood of developing addiction later in life. The adolescent brain is still developing, making it more susceptible to the effects of drugs and the development of addiction.
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Availability and accessibility: Easy access to drugs can increase the likelihood of drug use and addiction. When drugs are readily available in a person's environment, the chances of experimentation and continued use increase.
Why do drug abusers live in denial?
"Denial is a common characteristic of many people struggling with substance abuse. It involves refusing to accept the reality of their addiction and its damaging consequences. There are several reasons why this denial occurs:
Fear: Admitting a problem means confronting the reality of addiction, including the perceived pain of withdrawal, the work of recovery, and potential stigma. Fear of these challenges can drive a person to deny their problem.
Guilt and Shame: Addiction often brings feelings of guilt and shame. Denial serves as a defense mechanism to avoid these difficult emotions.
Cognitive Impairment: Substance abuse can physically alter brain function, impairing judgment, memory, and self-awareness, making it harder for individuals to recognize or admit they have a problem.
Perception of Normality: If substance use is a daily occurrence, it can seem normal to the person doing it. They may think everyone else is doing the same or that their usage is acceptable or controlled.
Rationalization and Minimization: Individuals with substance use disorders often rationalize their behavior ("I only use on weekends") or minimize the consequences ("I still have my job, so it's not a problem").
Avoidance of Responsibility: Acknowledging the addiction implies a responsibility to change. Denial helps avoid this responsibility.
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.
