Substance Abuse Stats in Lower Merion, PA
Lower Merion is one of the hardest-hit townships in Pennsylvania when it comes to opioid abuse.
Montgomery County, where Lower Merion is located, saw 240 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2016, one of the worst counties in the state for drug deaths.
Other startling substance abuse stats in Lower Merion include:
- Men overdose at a much higher rate than women in Montgomery County as of 2017
- People who are 25 to 44 years old account for almost all opioid deaths in Montgomery County
- 5.5% of middle school and high school students used opioids in Montgomery County in 2013
Choosing Between an Outpatient and Inpatient Rehab
If you’re seeking drug treatment in Montgomery County, then the first step is to decide which type of rehab setting is right for you.
There are two primary kinds: inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab.
- Inpatient rehab: Most patients begin their stay inpatient and later transition to outpatient rehab. Inpatient rehab gives you stability and support during the tricky early stages of recovery.
- Outpatient rehab: Some patients begin their rehab outpatient instead. This kind of rehab gives you the ability to go to work and live at home instead of living at a rehab facility.
How Long Can Treatment at a Rehab Last?
Instead of rushing into getting home, it’s best to take your time at rehab. Treatment is a valuable resource that you should take full advantage of while you have the opportunity.
Research says that patients who commit to 90 days of rehab have better outcomes, including fewer relapses.
28- or 30-day rehab programs are common, but they aren’t the best choice. A month isn’t enough time for your body and mind to heal from substance abuse.
It takes longer than that to build new behaviors and a new mindset—and without that extra time, you’re more likely to relapse into old patterns.
What to Expect at Rehab
You should expect rehab to be filled with experiences that help you:
- Understand your drug use disorder
- Focus on rebuilding and recovering
These can include a combination of therapies such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: CBT gives you a better understanding of why you use drugs so you can stop.
- Dialectical behavior therapy: DBT teaches you to live in the moment so you’re not worrying about your next fix.
- Group therapy: Don’t underestimate the power of social support in recovery. Whether it’s a 12 Step group or an informal talk group, group therapy can help you rebound.
- Medication-assisted treatment: MAT uses medication to help remove cravings and withdrawal.
When Would You Need to Go to Detox?
Your chosen rehab center will probably ask you to go to detox before starting treatment if you’re dependent on a drug.
Drug dependence happens when your body becomes used to a substance being in your system—and has trouble functioning without that substance.
When you stop using a drug that causes dependence (such as alcohol or opioids), your body reacts with a host of symptoms. They can include:
- Fever
- Mood changes
- Pain
- Seizures
- Stomach upset
- Sweating
It’s common for these symptoms to be too much to handle. Without the help of detox, you could relapse before getting through the withdrawal phase.
How Long is Detox?
The length of your detox program depends on:
- The drug that you’re detoxing from: Different drugs have their own detox lengths, ranging from a few days to a few weeks.
- The treatment facility: Whether you’re detoxing at a hospital or a drug detox facility, different centers are likely to have their own rules about program length.
To get an accurate idea of detox length, talk to your care team about your condition and needs.
If you’re detoxing from multiple drugs at once, or detoxing with underlying health conditions, then your detox could take longer than usual.
Sources
- Brian Fitzpatrick, House of Representatives: Combating the opioid epidemic
- LiveStories Statistics: Montgomery County Opioid Death Statistics
- Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education: NOPE of Montgomery County
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Duration of treatment
- Verywell Mind: Drug and alcohol rehab programs for beginners