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Rapid City - Methamphetamine And The Indigenous Population
Rapid City, South Dakota is known as "The City of Presidents" because of its proximity to Mount Rushmore and the many striking life-size bronze presidential statues on street corners throughout its vibrant downtown. But sadly, Rapid City (the second most populous city in the state) is plagued by a significant drug problem, and its one that seems to disproportionately affect the native population living on the multiple reservations nearby.
In 2018, arrests for methamphetamine possession (or use) rose to 1,546 out of 75,000 citizens, and the President of the Oglala Sioux on the nearby Pine Ridge Reservation declared an official state of emergency (which unlocks aid from the federal government to treat people suffering within their community) over meth abuse and the resulting violence. Indigenous people living on reservations often become addicted to methamphetamine and other drugs after turning to them as a desperate means of coping with extreme poverty, and systemic disenfranchisement. The good news though, is that the increased monetary support from the government should increase the accessibility of addiction treatment in Rapid City and South Dakota in general.
The methamphetamine problem in Rapid City is not relegated just to the native population. In fact, the use of methamphetamine has grown state-wide in South Dakota, and it may have gotten worse in part due to the incredible focus authorities have put on opioids in the last ten years. With such a big distraction, and with official resources tied up therein, it may have allowed methamphetamine use to quietly grow unchecked in rural communities like Rapid City. In the past year, South Dakota recorded two times the national average of children over the age of 12 using meth—a shocking statistic.
So, what's the solution? Thankfully, Rapid City has a plethora of treatment centers, in every configuration an individual could possibly need. If someone is seeking inpatient treatment, they have multiple options only a short drive away.
Treatment Service Settings and Recovery Modalities
Rapid City's numerous rehab programs, a number of which are listed below, address an issue that is widespread in cities throughout the United States: substance abuse. These centers counter this problem locally by offering sites and programs that are convenient for patients within the area. These settings include: short term drug treatment, inpatient drug treatment, outpatient counseling, long term drug abuse treatment, outpatient detoxification programs.
Addiction treatment centers adopt several approaches, from traditional approaches to newer methods such as: individual psychotherapy, matrix model, trauma-related counseling, couple/family therapy, vocational rehabilitation services, anger management. The outcome is a variety of services that clear the path to achievable lasting recovery for numerous patients.
Special Programs for Substance Abuse Offered by Rehab Facilities
People struggling with alcohol or drug abuse generally need personalized assistance to recover. That is why treatment centers in Rapid City deliver special programs that help clients within their specific situations. Some of these services are included here: housing services, seniors or older adults, residential beds for client's children, clients referred from the court/judicial system, veterans, suicide prevention services.
Treatment Payment Alternatives in Rapid City
Clients are faced with differing economic situations, which is why substance abuse rehab programs offer multiple payment options, such as: private insurance, private pay, medicare, medicaid, sliding fee scale, access to recovery (atr) voucher, county or local government funds.
Payment should never be a hurdle to addiction rehabilitation. Treatment programs guide patients toward the financing options that serve their specific economic concerns.
With a variety of facilities, programs, services, methods and payment alternatives, Rapid City provides patients several choices when it comes to seeking recovery from addiction.
Commonly Asked Questions about Addiction and Treatment
What happens when a person overdosed on fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is used medically to treat severe pain, but its potent nature also makes it dangerous when misused or taken in excessive amounts. When a person overdoses on fentanyl, several life-threatening symptoms and complications can occur:
- Respiratory depression: One of the most critical effects of a fentanyl overdose is severe respiratory depression, which occurs when the drug suppresses the brain's ability to control breathing. This can lead to slow, shallow, or irregular breathing, or even cause the person to stop breathing altogether, which can be fatal.
- Unconsciousness: A fentanyl overdose can cause the person to lose consciousness or become unresponsive. In this state, the individual is at a higher risk of choking or suffering from positional asphyxia if they are in an awkward position that restricts their breathing.
- Constricted pupils: An overdose may result in pinpoint pupils, also known as miosis, which is a common sign of opioid intoxication.
- Cyanosis: Due to the lack of oxygen resulting from respiratory depression, the person's skin, lips, and nails may develop a bluish tint, which is called cyanosis.
- Low blood pressure: A fentanyl overdose can lead to a significant drop in blood pressure (hypotension), which may result in dizziness, fainting, or shock.
- Slow or weak pulse: The person's heart rate may become slow or weak, further contributing to the risk of life-threatening complications.
- Muscle rigidity: In some cases, a fentanyl overdose can cause muscle stiffness or rigidity, particularly in the chest and abdominal muscles, which can make it even more difficult to breathe.
- Seizures: Although less common, a fentanyl overdose may also cause seizures in some individuals.
- Coma or death: In severe cases, a fentanyl overdose can lead to coma or death due to respiratory failure, lack of oxygen, or other complications.
If you suspect someone is experiencing a fentanyl overdose, it is crucial to call emergency medical services immediately. Administering naloxone, an opioid antagonist, can temporarily reverse the effects of the overdose, but multiple doses may be needed due to fentanyl's potency. It is essential to note that naloxone is not a substitute for professional medical care, and the person must still receive prompt medical attention to address any underlying complications and ensure proper treatment.
How can I get help for opioid addiction?
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, seeking help is a crucial first step towards recovery. There are several resources and options available to assist you in overcoming opioid addiction:
- Consult a healthcare professional: Speak with a doctor, therapist, or counselor who is experienced in addiction treatment. They can assess your situation, provide guidance, and recommend appropriate treatment options based on your individual needs.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT combines medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat opioid addiction. These medications can help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and decrease the likelihood of relapse.
- Inpatient treatment programs: Inpatient or residential treatment programs provide intensive, structured care in a controlled environment. These programs typically offer medical detoxification, therapy, counseling, and support group meetings to address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
- Outpatient treatment programs: Outpatient programs provide therapy, counseling, and support while allowing individuals to continue living at home and attending work or school. These programs vary in intensity and duration, offering a flexible option for those who cannot commit to inpatient treatment.
- Support groups: Attending support group meetings, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery, can provide valuable peer support and a sense of community during the recovery process. These meetings allow individuals to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive encouragement from others who have faced similar challenges.
- Therapy and counseling: Individual, group, or family therapy can help address the underlying psychological and emotional issues contributing to opioid addiction. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) are among the evidence-based therapies that can be beneficial in the recovery process.
- Helplines and crisis lines: If you need immediate assistance or information about opioid addiction and treatment resources, consider calling a helpline, such as our own (877-882-9275), or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or your local crisis hotline.
- Online resources: Websites like the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provide a wealth of information about opioid addiction and treatment options. Online forums and communities can also provide peer support and shared experiences.
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.
