Substance Abuse Stats for the City of Houston, Texas
Drug overdose deaths are a frightening reality around the country. According to the Houston Chronicle, overdose deaths in the largest city in Texas have almost tripled since 2000. In 2018 alone, that number reached 2,979 people. The most common drugs causing overdose deaths include: meth, synthetic opioids, and cocaine.
Choosing Between an Outpatient and Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehab provides you with access to 24-hour care. You work with medical professionals and substance abuse counselors as you recover from drug addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends attending inpatient treatment for at least 90 days for the best results.
Outpatient treatment is an option if you have work or family responsibilities that prevent you from attending a program full-time. You would most likely continue to work during the day and attend a program in the evening.
How Long Can Treatment at a Rehab Last?
Treatment programs vary in their length. Most are at least 28 days with many lasting 90 days or longer. The longer you can commit to attending, the better your chances of recovery. It’s also common for people to attend primary treatment for longer than 90 days and live in a supportive sober housing environment after that. When you go through the intake process, your counselor should recommend a specific treatment program and length of program.
What to Expect at Rehab
It’s important to choose a rehab program that offers an individualized approach. For example, you might benefit from medication to help control cravings along with therapy. Some people need a very intensive approach that covers job placement, housing, working with the criminal justice system, and much more. Whatever you need is okay. Just make sure that any program you’re enrolling in can meet your needs. This will reduce your risk of relapse after completing the program.
When Would You Need to Go to Detox?
Detox is an important part of treatment for people who have developed a dependence on drugs to manage their everyday lives. You should consider going if that describes your situation. Your intake coordinator may also require it. This part could be very difficult as your body adjusts to not having the drugs. Just keep your mind on the goal of recovery. Detoxing is necessary to help you get there. You will have support from medical staff the entire time.
How Long is Detox?
Detox programs vary considerably in length. Some people only need a few days at detox while others need a few weeks. Factors that play into it include:
- How long you used drugs
- The types of drugs you used
- Your overall health
- Whether you have a fast or slow metabolism
Since there’s no way to know at the beginning how long you need to be in detox, the best approach is to focus on getting through one day at a time.