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Whether you live in Pennsylvania or are considering traveling for treatment, Pennsylvania is a great location to do so.
Traveling for treatment can provide you freedom from triggers or bad influences. From Texas to California and across the country, people have chosen Pennsylvania alcohol and drug rehab centers for their rehab journeys. It is a great opportunity to leave behind certain triggers that can lead you to use and move on to a sober and clean lifestyle.
According to the CDC, heroin usage in Pennsylvania is double the national rate, and heroin and prescription opiates account for more than half of all state-funded treatment admissions. During the last decade, illegal drug and alcohol use has been related to 11.6 percent of all deaths in Pennsylvania. More than 2,500 adolescents and teens aged 12 to 17 were among those killed.
Pennsylvania has a higher rate of substance usage than the majority of states in the United States. What starts as innocent experimentation, rebellious behavior, or recreational use quickly turns into a life-altering substance misuse addiction. In 2015, roughly 3,383 people died as a result of drug-related overdoses in the state. In the same year, the death rate in Pennsylvania was 26 per 100,000 people. This figure is significantly higher than the country’s average drug-related death rate of 14.7 deaths per 100,000 people. This percentage has been steadily rising in recent years, which is concerning.
Addiction to both prescription and illicit drugs is on the rise in the United States. Pennsylvania (PA) has one of the country’s highest rates of growth and overdose deaths. Opioids were responsible for 46,802 overdose deaths in the state in 2018, accounting for around 70% of all overdose deaths. Overdose deaths from synthetic opioids such as fentanyl continued to grow in 2018, with over 28,400 people dying as a result of an overdose. Many Pennsylvania residents require drug rehabilitation. The increased number of teenagers and young adults battling substance abuse poses a threat to the state’s young population.
During the recent decade, the 12- to 20-year-old age group reported a greater rate of binge drinking than the national norm. Alcohol usage in this age range has been connected to unresolved emotional issues. According to government statistics, the majority of these children and adolescents suffer from chronic depressive episodes, forcing them to seek self-medication in the form of alcohol and other substances rather than seeking counseling.
According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) data from 2014, around 717,000 individuals aged 12 showed indicators of alcohol dependence. In addition, around 297,000 youngsters under the age of 12 were determined to be drug users. Only 6.4 percent of people suffering from alcoholism sought treatment in Pennsylvania drug rehab facilities, compared to 17.5 percent of those abusing other types of illicit drugs. That is, about 80% of drug-related cases go untreated.
In Pennsylvania, cocaine and marijuana are the most commonly abused narcotics, ranking first and second, respectively. Despite a decrease in the use of other illicit substances, cocaine and marijuana have continuously been the leading causes of initial drug treatment admission.
In Pennsylvania, the following drugs are the most commonly abused:
A variety of medications harm several communities and regions in Pennsylvania. For example, Philadelphia is the epicenter of drug-related activities in both the state and the Mid-Atlantic area. Philadelphia transports and distributes more drugs than the rest of Pennsylvania. In terms of overall import cargo volume, the Port of Philadelphia is the second busiest port on the Atlantic Coast.
This allows Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTOs) to import huge amounts of drugs, primarily cocaine, marijuana, and heroin. Another route utilized by narcotics smugglers to enter Pennsylvania is Interstate 95. Because of its proximity to Florida, Maine, and Philadelphia, the road is a popular destination for drug smugglers.
Other cities, such as Pittsburgh, Reading, and Eerie, have seen a rise in drug misuse cases as well. According to local law enforcement, drugs moved around Pittsburgh are kept within the state and sold to surrounding retail distributors. The city’s greatest threats are posed by enormous volumes of marijuana, as well as smaller amounts of cocaine and heroin, which pass through on their way to eastern Pennsylvania. International traffickers, on the other hand, use Erie to transport drugs from Canada to the United States. Airdrops and cigarette boats are frequently used to carry drugs across Lake Erie, most notably marijuana.
Because narcotics are being smuggled into communities across Pennsylvania daily, statewide organizations are launching efforts to educate the public about the risks of drug abuse.
In Pennsylvania, there are several drug rehab alternatives. During the rehabilitation process, many clients will want to use more than one. This is because many treatment regimens are transitional and work in tandem.
Many clients, for example, begin with detoxification, then progress to an inpatient or outpatient program, and finally to an aftercare program. The path is tailored to your specific needs and is usually put together with the assistance of a therapist.
A detoxification program is intended to be the initial step in addiction treatment. You will be medically monitored throughout detox, and your withdrawal symptoms will be managed. This method is done until no withdrawal symptoms are felt. The following are some of the care alternatives available during detox:
Remember that the length of detoxification in Pennsylvania drug recovery programs varies greatly. The length of treatment is determined by the amount of substance abstained from. Many detox programs in the state go for five to seven days, with others lasting up to two weeks.
Inpatient rehabilitation programs are intended to keep you safe and comfortable while you focus on your recovery. Furthermore, this treatment strategy reduces the stress and distractions of daily living.
This technique is appropriate for people who are extremely sensitive during detox and want to avoid triggers. Many of these programs include a range of treatment techniques, such as medication, addiction education, and behavioral therapy.
Some folks, on the other hand, prefer outpatient drug rehab in Pennsylvania. It is more feasible for some. Outpatient treatment, for example, can be quite beneficial in motivating an early-stage addict to stay on track.
Outpatient addiction treatment in Pennsylvania may also help you maintain your everyday routine. There is no reason for you to remain absent from school, work, or family obligations for an extended period. Furthermore, several provide classes on weekends or evenings, which allows you to avoid upsetting your routine.
Outpatient treatments may also assist you in restoring your privacy. It also allows customers to connect with friends and family about their therapy progress. Contact with family and friends might help to heal and mend broken relationships caused by addiction.
Many people are afraid to leave the security of an inpatient treatment facility. Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) allow patients to continue therapy after being discharged from a higher level of care.
PHPs are sometimes referred to as “day treatments.” These programs are comparable to inpatient programs, however, participants do not stay overnight. Individual and group treatment sessions, as well as addiction education courses, are available on a half-or full-day basis up to five days per week.
Unless a person is at high risk of relapse, this type of outpatient treatment can be just as effective as an inpatient program. Individuals who relapse during the first phase of therapy may benefit from the highly regimented setting offered in inpatient programs.
Struggling with addiction and a mental health issue at the same time requires dual diagnosis treatment. Oftentimes your mental disorder can become worse due to your substance use disorder. Then you may notice the opposite as well, and it becomes a cycle.
It is essential that you go into a program that can address both of your disorders. This is the only way that you will be able to achieve lasting sobriety. Regardless of the substance you are addicted to, addressing your dual diagnosis with therapy and medication can help.
You must participate in a program that will treat both of your ailments. This is the only way to achieve long-term abstinence. Regardless of the substance to which you are addicted, resolving your dual diagnosis through therapy and medications will prove helpful for ongoing stability and the overall success of recovery efforts.
Medication-assisted therapy may be beneficial whether you are an outpatient or an inpatient. Medication is often utilized in the early stages of opiate or alcohol addiction therapy to pave the way for long-term care.
As a result of medication-assisted treatment, many patients report fewer cravings and greater stability. It can also help you avoid relapse and return to normal life more quickly.
The following medications can be used in conjunction with medication-assisted treatment programs:
This sort of treatment is most effective when paired with behavioral treatments such as the 12 Steps or cognitive behavioral therapy. It is also a component of your post-operative strategy.
Individuals who have completed intensive drug rehab but are not yet ready to live alone can benefit from sober living. It combines discipline and independence for people who want to improve their skills without having to worry about money, maintaining a social life, or working.
These programs are often given in sober homes or full-time communities, where residents must be active in working their recovery and sober at all times. However, if you follow the regulations and pay the costs, you can frequently stay in sober living for as long as you choose.
Aftercare is essential for drug treatment programs, and your Pennsylvania drug rehab should help you set one up. It could be a set of rules or a structured program that you adhere to continue your recovery.
Following-up care may include the following services:
Your aftercare plan should include an account for the likelihood of relapse. If something has already been documented, there is no reason to be concerned if it occurs again. You may never need to use that plan, but it should be available in case things do not go as planned.
For criminals who are drug or alcohol dependent, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections provides a range of treatment options. There are programs and self-help courses available for offenders who are at a medium to high risk of reoffending.
The majority of Pennsylvania alcohol and drug rehab centers in the state offer alcohol and other drugs (AOD) treatment programs. Programs can include the following:
In Pennsylvania, the penalties for illegal drug possession, distribution, and manufacturing are severe. The legal repercussions differ depending on the material and quantity used. Drugs with the highest addiction potential face greater penalties than those with a lower potential for abuse. Possession of more than five grams of cocaine, for example, entails a statutory minimum sentence of five years in jail.
In April 2016, Pennsylvania became the 24th state to legalize medical marijuana. The following conditions in Pennsylvania are considered medicinal marijuana-eligible:
At any given time, medical marijuana patients will be limited to a 30-day supply. Additionally, cannabis-infused oils, topical ointments, tinctures, and beverages are prohibited. Patients will be compelled to purchase marijuana from approved dispensaries due to the prohibition on home cultivation.
Although a medical marijuana program is already in place, recreational marijuana use is still outlawed. Possessing, distributing, or cultivating marijuana for personal use is a felony punishable by jail time and penalties. While a person may be eligible for conditional release after their first violation, subsequent offenses may result in a doubling term.
In recent years, Pennsylvania’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) has seen substantial success.
The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) in Pennsylvania collects medication information from 3,000 pharmacies to aid in the reduction of drug misuse.
The PDMP database can be used by physicians and pharmacists to improve patient care, identify early warning signs of medication overuse, and uncover potential insurance fraud cases. The exchange of prescription information between states is also important in detecting drug smugglers. Data is kept secure, and it is only accessible to law enforcement officials.
Pennsylvania’s law enforcement agencies collaborate to establish strategic strategies to combat drug trafficking as part of the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.
Among the ongoing projects at HIDTA are the following:
Domestic Highway Enforcement Effort: The focus of this project is on notorious drug-smuggling routes. Several car stops resulted in arrests for drug, money, and weapon smuggling.
HEADS-UP Prevention Program: This program educates middle and high school students about drug addiction and deadly gangs.
Data Sharing Through the Southwest Border Money Laundering Alliance: A collaboration between the HIDTA programs in Philadelphia/Camden and Arizona to share real-time information regarding money transactions made through Western Union and linked companies. This will aid in tracking the transit of illegal drug proceeds from Pennsylvania to the criminal organizations of Arizona’s southern region.
Pennsylvania, like several other states, has seen an increase in drug-related mortality caused by heroin and prescription opioids. Substance abuse affects one out of every four Pennsylvania households.
Following the passage of ACT 139, first responders, friends, and family members will be permitted to carry naloxone, an opioid overdose medicine. Naloxone acts by preventing respiratory and central nervous system depression and so reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. The drug is injected into the patient and takes effect immediately.
An emergency medical team should be contacted as soon as naloxone is administered. This life-saving drug relieves the symptoms of a hazardous overdose and helps people regain their feet.
Addiction treatment in Pennsylvania does not have to be prohibitively expensive. There are numerous methods available to assist you in covering the expense of rehab therapy.
To begin, check to see if your existing health insurance policy includes rehabilitation. To get an exact estimate of your out-of-pocket payments, ask your provider which services are covered and which facilities are part of your network.
If your insurance does not cover addiction treatment, you and the rehab center may be able to agree on a payment plan and timeline. Certain organizations charge a sliding scale, and other PA-supported institutions may even give services for free.
The majority of major insurance carriers in the United States, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover the cost of alcohol and drug rehab in Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, Medicaid may be able to cover the entire cost of certain patients’ therapy. Medicaid serves around three million residents in the state. Individuals who qualify and want to use it to cover the cost of treatment must select one of the facilities that accept it. These amenities are highly sought after, and entry is usually subject to a waiting list. A person may have to wait several weeks for a bed in such a program to become available.
In Pennsylvania, private insurance may improve a person’s access to therapy. Although more institutions in the state accept Medicaid, privately managed hospitals frequently provide higher-quality care and do not have the long waitlists associated with subsidized programs.
However, not everyone can afford to get private health insurance. Unfortunately, because of this feature, kids are ineligible for Medicaid assistance right away. Pennsylvania’s expanded Medicaid program could be the solution for those who do not qualify for Medicaid but do not have the financial wherewithal to acquire commercial insurance. It may help to reduce the costs of certain private insurance plans that participate, making coverage more affordable.
For anyone suffering from a substance abuse disease, financing rehab is a major challenge. Due to a lack of funds, almost 37% of those seeking treatment for substance misuse were unable to do so.
Fortunately, several financial institutions offer financial aid to persons seeking admission to Pennsylvania treatment facilities. The National Health Service Corps is the most well-known.
If you or a loved one can’t afford treatment and can’t get a loan, you might be able to get help from one of Pennsylvania’s 172 free drug rehab facilities. These rehabilitation centers offer their services for free to individuals who cannot pay for them.
FindTreatment.gov is a fantastic internet resource for seeking free alcohol and drug treatment clinics in Pennsylvania. There is a directory of all free treatment centers in Pennsylvania and the United States.
Inpatient or outpatient rehab, counseling, support groups, and medication-assisted therapy are all available at numerous Pennsylvania Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers. Single County Authorities (SCAs) are county-level program offices in charge of organizing community projects (SCAs). County SCAs evaluate whether a person is eligible for state-funded treatment financial assistance. Depending on the nature of the service and treatment facility, Medicaid and commercial insurance coverage may also help to lessen the cost of services and treatment facilities.
Consider traveling out of state if the therapy and recovery choices in your area are insufficient. A facility located outside of the state provides you with much-needed seclusion from dangerous people, allowing you to focus solely on overcoming your addiction. According to studies, out-of-state treatment is more effective than in-state treatment for long-term rehabilitation.
Long-distance treatment separates you from the three most powerful addiction triggers: people, places, and stuff.
Several key factors to consider while selecting a Pennsylvania Alcohol and Drug Rehab Center include the following:
Certification and licensure: A credible substance addiction treatment facility in Pennsylvania should be certified and licensed.
Employee Credibility: Is there a resident medical director on staff at the addiction treatment clinic? Is the staff professionally qualified for the positions they have been assigned? Is there any additional or specialized training for the staff for the services provided?
If at all feasible, visit the facility before seeking therapy. A quick visit will disclose a lot about the treatment facility’s overall ambiance. Inquire about the therapist-to-patient ratio and the various treatment packages available. If you are unable to visit the treatment center in person, you can visit their website and contact their support service. Finally, a Pennsylvania Alcohol and Drug Rehab Center should offer you a haven.
Reputation: Has the Pennsylvania Alcohol and Drug Rehab Center’s reputation been acknowledged or honored for providing high-quality services? Is there a list of satisfied patients who can witness the effectiveness of the center? Is the treatment facility well-known for its success? When selecting a Pennsylvania drug treatment, look for a facility with a strong reputation.
Services and Special Amenities: A good Pennsylvania Alcohol and Drug Rehab Center should use cutting-edge technology and equipment in its treatment program. To feel more at ease and home, you’ll need unique amenities like high-quality meals, Wi-Fi, private phones, a beautiful and calming ambiance, and television, among other things. Inquire about the treatment clinic’s alternative options.
It’s normal to be concerned about what to expect in a rehabilitation facility. Keep in mind, however, that to receive therapy for your drug addiction, you must overcome your concerns.
Drug rehabilitation clinics usually use a four-step method that includes the following: Intake Detox Treatment/Therapy Follow-up.
There are hundreds of Pennsylvania Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers, but you should not pick one at random. Rather, it is critical to select the best rehabilitation program for your specific circumstances.
If you or someone you care about is battling a substance use disorder, call us to discuss your choices. If you live outside of Pennsylvania, the Keystone State can be a great place to enhance your health.
Rehabs Of Armerica can help you find a treatment facility in Pennsylvania (or nationwide) that is a good fit for your specific needs. Please reach out to our dedicated recovery representatives any time of day or night for a complete breakdown of options for treatment, quickly and confidentially. The time to start (or renew) your recovery is now!
Nicole R. is an experienced and accomplished writer with special interests in the fields of Anthropology, English, and behavioral health, and has written countless articles for newspaper publications, institutional research journals, and Find Addiction Rehabs.
Her alma matter is Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. Nicole hopes to spread awareness of and combat the stigmatization surrounding addiction and substance abuse treatment through her writing and work in the field.
