Substance Abuse Stats in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has been one of the states that has been hit hardest by the opioid crisis. In 2017, the rate of overdose deaths in Pennsylvania was 44.3 per 100,000 people. Compared to the national average of 21.7 overdose deaths per 100,000 people, we can see that Pennsylvania has a rate that is nearly twice that of the country as a whole.
When it comes to adolescent substance abuse, Pennsylvania shows numbers that are similar to the national averages. For example, 13% of high school students in the state reported binge drinking recently when surveyed. This is right on par with the national average of 13%.
Choosing Between an Outpatient and Inpatient Rehab
There are many options available in Pennsylvania when it comes to treating substance use disorders. Two primary choices are inpatient and outpatient rehab. It is critical to choose the type of care that will give you the best chance of staying sober.
Of the two, inpatient care is much more involved. It involves living full-time in a treatment facility, where you will be immersed in the recovery lifestyle. Outpatient treatment, on the other hand, takes place mainly on weekends and in the evenings – allowing participants to continue with their daily lives while receiving care.
How Long Can Treatment at a Rehab Last?
If you choose to receive inpatient treatment in Pennsylvania, you will be required to pick a length for your stay. The most common rehab program lengths are 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days. However, each treatment center operates differently, and most offer many programs of different lengths – including ones that are far longer.
Your budget and recovery needs will dictate how long of a program you choose for treatment. In general, it is a good idea to pick a program length that is on the longer side of what you think you need. This will set you up for the best chance of making a full recovery.
What to Expect at Rehab
At rehab in Pennsylvania, you will be immersed in an environment that is the complete opposite of the one which contributed to your substance abuse. Rehab is a place to get away from triggers and stresses, and focus entirely on recovery.
You will be supported by addiction specialists who work with you throughout the process. During the waking hours, you will receive treatment such as therapy and medication. You will also support your recovery by eating well, exercising, and engaging in relaxing activities such as art classes and meditation. Everyone’s treatment plan is different, but the goal is always the same: to learn how to live a sober life.
When Would You Need to Go to Detox?
Detox is a place where people who still have drugs and/or alcohol in their system can begin their treatment. This is a necessary step for anyone who has been using recently before beginning formal treatment. Detox specialists will monitor you 24/7 during this time to ensure that you don’t experience any complications from your withdrawal process, and to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Detox is not a form of substance abuse treatment. Rather, it is a stepping stone to your recovery. Once you have stabilized and your body has removed all the toxins from its system, you can begin treatment.
How Long is Detox?
Detox usually lasts between 3 and 10 days. Time spent in detox depends on the specifics of your condition and withdrawal process. Everyone enters detox with slightly different needs, so it simply depends on how long it will take you to stabilize.
Detox staff are generally responsible for deciding when you are ready to move on to treatment. They will make this decision based on medical information, as well as your mental state and how you seem to be doing. Once they decide it is safe to transfer you out of detox, you can begin the formal path to recovery.