Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers in Alabama

Alabama is located in the southeastern region of the United States with a population of approximately 5 million people.¹ There are various cities and towns throughout the state, each with their own unique culture and attractions. Alabama is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including beautiful beaches along the Gulf Coast, rolling hills, and lush forests.

The state is also home to wide range of attractions, from the vibrant music scene in Birmingham and Muscle Shoals, to the history and charm of cities like Montgomery and Mobile. For those interested in history, Alabama boasts numerous museums and historic sites, including the Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile.

Alabama has seen a rise in drug and alcohol addiction in recent years, with opioids being a particular concern. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 1 in 10 Alabamians struggle with a substance use disorder.²

In 2018, Alabama had a drug overdose death rate of 16.2 per 100,000 people. Opioids were involved in over 70% of these deaths. Three years later, in 2021, Alabama’s drug overdose death rate increased to 30.1 per 100,000 people, with 1,408 overdose fatalities reported that year.³

The significant increase in overdose fatalities has largely been linked to fentanyl. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is many times more powerful than morphine and can cause life-threatening overdoses. Despite its dangers, the drug remains readily available and has led to a surge in addiction cases across the state.

The Alabama Department of Mental Health has released data indicating a significant rise in the number of individuals seeking treatment for fentanyl abuse. In 2020, 150 people were admitted into treatment centers across the state for fentanyl addiction. However, the numbers for 2021 reveal a staggering increase, with 417 people seeking help for fentanyl abuse, indicating a 64% rise in admissions.⁶ This rise in admissions reflects the growing concern over fentanyl abuse in Alabama, as it continues to take its toll on individuals, families, and communities.

Illicit substance misuse is not the only threat within the state of Alabama. Despite the prevalence of binge drinking in Alabama (13.7%) ⁴ being slightly lower than the national average (17%) ⁴, alcohol misuse still claims lives within the state each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, excessive alcohol consumption is a significant contributor to traffic fatalities in Alabama, as 2,608 people were killed in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver in Alabama from 2009-2018.⁵

There are different levels of addiction treatment available in Alabama to those seeking help. These include the following:

• Detox: The initial stage of addiction treatment where the body is weaned off drugs or alcohol.
• Inpatient Treatment: A residential treatment program where individuals stay at a treatment facility for an extended period of time and receive intensive therapy and support.
• Outpatient Treatment: A less intensive form of treatment where individuals attend therapy sessions and receive support while still being able to live at home or in a sober living environment.

Each level of addiction care, whether it be detox, inpatient or outpatient treatment, offers a range of therapeutic interventions and specialized treatment programs to help individuals struggling with addiction.

For example, detox programs may utilize medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help manage a patient’s symptoms and increase the chances of successful detoxification.

Inpatient treatment programs also use a variety of evidence-based therapies, such as behavioral and group therapies, whereas outpatient treatment programs provide addiction education and relapse prevention planning.

In addition to different levels of care and types of therapies, there are also options for luxury rehabs or privately funded rehabs. These programs often offer high-end amenities and personalized treatment plans in a luxurious setting. Private funded rehabs may offer similar amenities and specialized care, but they are typically funded through private insurance or out-of-pocket payments.

Ultimately, it’s important to find a treatment program that is right for you and supports your long-term recovery. To find local rehab options, you can use an online tool to locate rehab centers near you. It’s important to explore different treatment options to find the best fit for your individual needs and circumstances.

Insurance coverage for addiction treatment varies depending on your insurance plan and the type of treatment that is needed. However, in general, most insurance plans do offer some level of coverage for addiction treatment. You can begin by contacting your insurance provider to see which facilities or programs are covered under your plan.

If you are without insurance, help is still available to you. State-funded treatment centers are typically run by state governments and offer free or low-cost treatment for those who are eligible. However, there may be waiting lists or limited availability for these programs.

Aetna

Ambetter

AmeriHealth

Anthem

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Cigna

Highmark

Humana

Kaiser Permanente

There are options available for how long you stay in rehab. These options vary depending on the your individual needs and the type of treatment you are seeking. The most common options include 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day stays.

Long-term substance abuse treatment programs can have varying durations, typically lasting from 6 months to 2 years or longer. The duration of the treatment can depend on multiple factors, including your care requirements, the type of facility, and the specific program.

Finding addiction treatment that suits your needs is key to a successful recovery. Addiction is a treatable condition, and with the right support, you can make positive changes in your life and live a fulfilling, healthy, and sober life. So don’t hesitate to reach out for help and take the first step towards a brighter future today.

Sources:

1. United States Census Bureau. 2022. QuickFacts-Alabama.
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). National Survey on Drug Use and Health. 2020.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. March 1, 2022. Drug Overdose Mortality by State.
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. November 28,2022. Data on Excessive Drinking.
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. July 2020. Sobering Facts: Alcohol-Impaired Driving: Alabama.
6. Alabama Operations Center/Gulf Coast HIDTA, 2023. 2023 Alabama Drug Threat Assessment.