Substance Abuse Stats for the City of Birmingham, Alabama
Drug addiction in Birmingham, Alabama, can be worrisome for anyone living here. Here are some statistics about drug abuse here:
- 14 percent of people reported excessive drinking in 2017.
- That same year, 435 people died in Birmingham and Jefferson County from drug overdose.
- Opioids, such as heroin and fentanyl, are the most commonly used drugs in overdose cases, though meth and cocaine (including crack cocaine) are also found. Prescription drugs also play a role in overdose deaths here.
Choosing Between an Outpatient and Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient Treatment: This type of treatment provides a drug-free place to live while you receive care. It is best for those who need more support. Most people with addiction start in this type of treatment center.
Outpatient Treatment: Designed to allow you to live at home while getting care, outpatient treatment is best for those who have a stable home environment and support.
Many people will use outpatient care after they’ve completed inpatient treatment and are back home.
How Long Can Treatment at a Rehab Last?
You can count on being in treatment for at least six weeks. Most people need at least 90 days of constant therapy through inpatient or intensive outpatient treatment. However, some people need even more. Treatment at the best Birmingham treatment centers can last as long as six months.
Don’t rush your treatment. It could mean you are more likely to relapse later. It can also put you at risk for overdosing if you start using again.
What to Expect at Rehab
You’ll find a welcoming, supportive environment available to you during rehab. The best treatment centers offer a range of programs to support you. This may include treatment such as:
- Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavior care, can teach you about addiction and managing it.
- Medications can be used as a way to stop cravings and manage underlying mental health needs you have.
- Holistic drug treatment is also provided to many.
When Would You Need to Go to Detox?
Your therapist may tell you that you’ll benefit from detoxification as a first step. That means your body is likely craving the drugs. This makes it harder for you to stop using. However, detox can stop that. It is best for those who:
- Cannot stop taking drugs even if you’ve tried
- Have a high-risk of overdose or complications if they stop taking
- A doctor or therapist recommends it
- Relapsed before
- Overdosed before
- Those with other medical needs
How Long is Detox?
The length of detox depends on how well your body can metabolize and remove the drugs from it. This may take as long as 21 days. For most people, it takes about a week to 10 days for this to happen. You may need more time if:
- You used drugs that create long-term addiction
- You used drugs that remain in the body’s tissues long-term
- You have a slow metabolism, such as from organ damage and failures