Substance Abuse Stats in Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh has a drug problem. Even recovery houses in the area are surrounded by trap houses and drug deals, making it hard to avoid temptation.
Other substance abuse facts in Pittsburgh include:
- Cannabis, opioids, and cocaine were the most used drugs in Pittsburgh between 2005 and 2015
- Downtown, South Side Hilltop, South Side Flats, and the North Side make up almost all of the substance abuse in Pittsburgh as of 2015
- Drug sales make up a larger part of violations than possession does in Pittsburgh
- Cocaine and meth use both increased in Pittsburgh in 2019
Choosing Between an Outpatient and Inpatient Rehab
Your care team will help you choose whether inpatient or outpatient rehab is right for you. Different patients make their own recovery choices.
However, outpatient rehab may be right for you if you:
- Are in stable condition
- Can manage daily check-ins and regular drug tests
- Have responsibilities such as family or work
- Have a good support system at home
On the other hand, inpatient rehab is the right choice for you if you:
- Are recovering from alcohol or opioids
- Have a complex drug use history
- Have the time to dedicate to a 90-day stay
- Lack a support system at home
How Long Can Treatment at a Rehab Last?
Every rehab stay is different and that includes treatment length. Your care team will help you choose the right treatment length during your intake appointment or call.
However, it’s important to stay in treatment long enough. Leaving rehab too early is associated with worse outcomes, such as relapses.
The ideal rehab stay is at least 90 days, but it’s best to stay in treatment for longer if you can. It’s common for people in recovery to stay in outpatient treatment indefinitely. This helps renew your commitment on a regular basis so you don’t slip.
What to Expect at Rehab
You should expect rehab to be filled with activities that help you:
- Discover ways to control your substance abuse
- Focus on recovery
- Manage your mental and physical health
This can include a combination of:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: CBT is a first-line treatment that helps you recognize why you use drugs so that you can adjust your behavior.
- Dialectical behavior therapy: This type of talk therapy teaches you to use mindfulness to change your behavior around substance abuse.
- Daily check-ins: Regular check-ins with a professional help keep you focused and accountable.
In addition, rehab can include symptom control and medication-assisted treatment (drugs that help stop cravings).
When Would You Need to Go to Detox?
If you’re physically addicted to a drug, then you should go to a detox in Pittsburgh before rehab. Most rehab centers don’t have the facilities needed to help you detox safely.
You should also go to detox if you’re stopping a drug that’s dangerous to withdraw from (such as alcohol)—or a drug that’s painful to stop such as opioids.
Detox usually includes:
- IV (intravenous) fluids
- Pain control
- Seizure control
- Symptom control
You may have the option to start medication-assisted treatment while in detox. This can help your recovery by stopping withdrawal and cravings.
How Long is Detox?
An average detox stay can last a week or two depending on your needs. The length of the detox process itself depends on your drug use habits and other factors.
The factors that affect detox length include:
- The drugs that you use
- The dosage that you use
- Whether you use multiple drugs at once
- Your health and metabolism
Some drugs leave your body rapidly—fast-acting opioids are an example. Others, such as long-acting pharmaceuticals or stimulants, take weeks to finish leaving your system. Your care provider will let you know what to expect from detox.
Sources
- City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police: Drug violations in the city of Pittsburgh
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: How a Pittsburgh neighborhood became the region’s overdose capital
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Cocaine and meth use rise in Pittsburgh
- Psych Central: Differences between outpatient and inpatient treatment programs