Home of the Baltimore Ravens and located just a short distance from the nation’s capital, Baltimore has been home to famous musicians, writers and sports stars, such as Babe Ruth, Edgar Allan Poe and Billie Holiday.
Baltimore residents have also had some issues with addiction and substance use. Among the 600,000 people who call Baltimore home, many people struggle with addiction to drugs and alcohol. However, the city also offers many excellent treatment programs to help individuals recover from addiction.
Addiction Treatment In Baltimore, MD
Individuals experiencing a substance use disorder often need professional treatment to help them get on the road to recovery. Baltimore offers a number of different drug and alcohol treatment options:
- Professional interventions
- Medical detox
- Inpatient drug rehab
- Outpatient drug rehab
- Aftercare services
Addiction Interventions
One of the most challenging parts of recovery for some individuals is to admit they need help. It’s often loved ones who first see the damage addiction is doing to their family member.
Bringing up the need for addiction treatment is often difficult, which is where professional intervention services can be helpful. A professional intervention specialist can help get the conversation started, making it possible for families to speak openly with a loved one about addiction and their need for treatment.
Medical Detoxification
Continually taking certain substances may result in chemical dependency. Chemical dependency is common in individuals who have used alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines. Suddenly stopping these drugs may result in uncomfortable and dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Medical detoxification can help patients safely navigate the withdrawal process. Not only will patients be kept under medical supervision, but medications may be prescribed to prevent or reduce severe symptoms of withdrawal.
Inpatient Drug Rehab
For many patients suffering from addiction, inpatient treatment in Baltimore is the best option. Residential programs offer a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment.
Inpatient programs remove individuals from their normal surroundings, immersing them in a new environment that provides support, healing, and education. In many cases, removing individuals from their normal environment can help stop the cycle of addiction. Residential programs offer various treatment modalities and therapies to help patients achieve recovery.
Outpatient Drug Rehab
Inpatient programs don’t work for everyone. Outpatient programs offer flexibility for patients who need to continue their lives while still getting the treatment they need. An outpatient treatment program also allows patients to stay with their family, which can offer additional support. Baltimore outpatient drug rehab also provides an excellent way for patients to transition from a residential drug rehab program back into their regular life.
Aftercare Services
Even after patients complete an inpatient or outpatient drug rehab program, the work to maintain sobriety doesn’t come to an end. This is why aftercare services in Baltimore are so beneficial to patients. Alumni services and aftercare programs allow patients to continue to have a good support system around them that can help them stay on track for life.
Average Length Of Treatment
Since patients will move through the addiction treatment process at different rates, there’s no predetermined length of treatment that works for everyone. However, adequate treatment length is crucial for the best outcomes.
In most cases, residential and outpatient treatment participation should be 90 days or more for maximum effectiveness, and longer treatment is recommended to maintain positive results.
When considering a treatment program, patients should inquire into the options for the length of the program and the available resources for support and maintenance once the program is over.
Programs can be tailored to each individual’s unique needs, taking into account their current state, their health and their history of addiction. When physical or health problems occur in unison with a drug or alcohol addiction, longer periods of treatment may be necessary.
The longer a patient who is struggling with addiction spends in treatment, the more likely they are to recover and maintain their sobriety. Every patient should take their time and work through recovery at their own pace.
How To Pay For Drug Rehab
One of the most common barriers to getting addiction treatment in Baltimore is difficulty paying for services. However, patients can pay for drug rehab in a variety of ways. For patients with health insurance, rehab services are often covered, or at least partially covered, by their healthcare plan. Keep in mind, insurance companies may only offer coverage for some types of services, such as medically necessary detox or outpatient drug rehab.
Even when insurance won’t cover all of the cost of treatment, other payment options are available. Many Baltimore treatment facilities offer financing to make it easier for patients to afford the treatment they need. Personal loans, healthcare credit cards and even local assistance programs are other options that may help patients pay for rehab.
Baltimore, MD Substance Use Statistics
According to the Baltimore City Health Department, there were 761 alcohol- and drug-related deaths in the city, and a considerable portion of those deaths were opioid-related. Opioid overdose has become a public health crisis and continues to be a problem in the city of Baltimore.
Recent reports have also shown that the city of Baltimore is dealing with a growing heroin problem. The city is now reported to have one of the highest rates of heroin addiction in the United States.
Common Addictive Substances
Opioids are one of the most commonly used substances in the Baltimore area, and opioids include painkillers like Norco (acetaminophen and hydrocodone), OxyContin (oxycodone) and Vicodin (acetaminophen and hydrocodone). Heroin is another common addictive substance, and Baltimore has one of the highest rates of heroin addiction in the country. Other common addictive substances in the city of Baltimore include:
- Alcohol
- Anti-anxiety medications, hypnotics, and sedatives, such as Ambien (zolpidem), Valium (diazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam)
- Stimulants, such as Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine), Concerta (methylphenidate), Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine)
- Marijuana
Signs And Symptoms Of Addiction
Some of the most common symptoms of addiction include:
- Using substances despite health problems
- The inability to quit
- Obsession with a substance
- Using a substance to help deal with problems
- Taking risks to obtain a substance
- Using in solitude
- Denial
- Having a stash of a substance
- Excess consumption of a substance
- Financial sacrifices to obtain substances that may result in financial difficulties
- Appetite changes
- Symptoms of withdrawal, such as trembling, sweating, diarrhea, constipation and seizures
- Insomnia
- Increasing tolerance to a substance
- Changes in appearance
- Neglecting responsibilities at home, work or school
- Experiencing legal problems
- Problems in relationships
- No longer engaging in activities previously enjoyed
- Sudden weight gain or weight loss
- Changes in hobbies, hangouts and friends
- Sudden angry outbursts, mood swings or irritability
Contact Vertava Health today for more information on addiction treatment in Baltimore or anywhere else in the country.