Omaha has a rich pioneer history, and the city is located on the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. The city has many cultural offerings, including museums, theaters, a symphony, and a zoo. Residents and visitors enjoy beautiful outdoor attractions, including Lauritzen Gardens, a botanical garden and arboretum, and numerous parks.
Substance use and addiction can impair a person’s ability to find enjoyment and fulfillment in these and other activities. Regaining excitement for life is possible after treatment for drug or alcohol addiction.
Addiction Treatment In Omaha, NE
When choosing treatment, it can be beneficial to seek professional assistance. Not every treatment level is right for every person. The characteristics of addiction, a person’s health, and a person’s social support system can all influence the course of treatment.
In Omaha, there are various services that make up the addiction treatment continuum of care:
- Professional intervention services
- Medical detox programs
- Inpatient addiction treatment
- Outpatient addiction treatment
- Aftercare and alumni support services
Intervention Services
If a person is blinded by denial, an Omaha intervention service may help them to see the need for treatment. Getting a person help is of the utmost importance at this time. Choosing a professional intervention better ensures that the person in need of treatment gets appropriate care as soon as possible.
Drug And Alcohol Detox Programs
Quitting drugs or alcohol suddenly can cause a harsh reaction and sickness. This is called withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal frequently become so severe that they lead to relapse as the person seeks relief. Choosing an Omaha medical detox program will reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings and the risk of relapse.
To achieve these goals, medications will likely be used. Different medications are used for different classes of drugs. The substances that most commonly require detoxification services are alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids.
Inpatient Addiction Treatment
The negative thought and behavioral patterns that feed addiction take time to develop. They can be deeply embedded in a person’s life, emotional states, and self-image. Removing these harmful influences from a person’s life is a key component of effective addiction treatment.
Behavioral therapies are frequently used to help a person overcome dysfunctional patterns. As a person works through these challenges, a therapist will direct them toward positive and affirming thoughts and behaviors that nurture sober living. Much of this progress will take place during individual therapy sessions, however, group and family sessions can also be elemental to a person’s growth.
The residential setting of inpatient drug rehab is an excellent place to focus on these goals. Daily interactions with treatment staff affirm recovery principles and keep clients accountable.
In Omaha, a variety of specialized addiction treatment programs may be available, such as:
- Art or music therapy
- Dual diagnosis
- LGBTQIA+ friendly
- Gender-specific programs
- Medication-assisted treatment using Suboxone or methadone
- Pet or equine therapy
- Religious or faith-based
- 12-step
- 12-step alternatives
- Wilderness or adventure
Not all of these options may be available in a person’s hometown. If a person can’t find specialized addiction treatment nearby, an out-of-town or out-of-state drug rehab center may have the program they’re looking for.
Outpatient Addiction Treatment
Outpatient treatment is often less intensive than inpatient treatment. Because of this, it isn’t the best treatment option for every person facing addiction.
Omaha outpatient treatment may work better for a person who has a mild addiction, who is trying to regain sobriety after a minor relapse or who needs to acclimate to sober living after graduating from inpatient treatment.
Aftercare And Alumni Services
Staying sober takes determination, hard work, and a solid support network. Many cities have local recovery communities that make this journey less stressful and more fulfilling.
In Omaha, a person may find this support through:
- Community recovery events
- Self-help groups
- Sober living homes
In addition to these resources, many rehab centers work with each program graduate to build a personalized aftercare plan. These services may include:
- Alumni mentorship programs
- Online recovery groups
- Online recovery resources
Individual, group and family therapy sessions may also be beneficial at various points throughout a person’s recovery.
Addiction Treatment Program Length
Numerous factors can influence what length of treatment is best for a person. When a person is being evaluated for treatment, a specialist should be able to make a recommendation.
A clinical assessment will take into consideration:
- The drug a person is addicted to
- How severe the addiction is
- How long a person has been addicted for
- If a person has a co-occurring disorder
- If a person has relapsed before
If a person has been addicted for a long period of time or has experienced chronic relapse, they may be a good candidate for a long-term rehab program. These programs offer residential treatment that lasts three months to a year or more.
Shorter treatment options are available. In Omaha, these could include programs lasting:
- 14 days
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 90 days
- 120 days
Questions About Treatment?
Call now to be connected with one of our compassionate treatment specialists.
How To Pay For Addiction Treatment
Patients may be able to use other financial resources to increase the impact of their out-of-pocket contribution. Many health insurance companies offer sizable benefits for the treatment of drug or alcohol addiction. In Omaha, a person may obtain this coverage through:
- Aetna Better Health of Nebraska
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska
- Medica
- UnitedHealthcare
A number of treatment facilities work with outside forms of financial assistance or provide their own to help make treatment more affordable. This may include:
- Medical credit cards
- Monthly payment plans
- Scholarships or grants
- Sliding-scale fees
If a person still can’t cover the cost of treatment, they may find additional flexibility through donations from family and friends, crowdfunding or through a personal loan.
Substance Use Trends In Omaha, NE
The Biggest Drug Treats In Omaha
The 2018 Midwest HIDTA Threat Assessment Survey determined that the following drugs are the greatest threats in Nebraska, a trend that is mirrored in Omaha. The most frequently used substance is listed first.
- Methamphetamine
- Prescription opioid drugs
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Synthetics/club drugs
The Opioid Epidemic In Omaha
Rates of opioid-related deaths in Nebraska are significantly lower than in the rest of the country. For every 100,000 people in Nebraska, there were 2.4 deaths, while there were 13.3 deaths for every 100,000 people nationally.
In Omaha, the introduction of fentanyl could push the opioid epidemic to a new level. In 2017, numerous overdose deaths from fentanyl were reported. Though this drug is often used alone, it can also be cut or mixed into other substances. For instance, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office confiscated fentanyl-laced marijuana. This practice can be very dangerous, as people often have no knowledge that they’re using a potent opioid drug.
Drug Trafficking In Omaha
While rates of drug trafficking are often higher in border states, drug cartels are increasingly moving their focus to the Midwest. This effect is acutely experienced in Omaha:
- Rates of meth are so high in Omaha that some law enforcement officers are beginning to refer to the city as a trafficking hub for this drug.
- Street gangs from Chicago have relocated to Omaha and have begun to sell heroin in the city.
- Violent gang activity in Omaha has been linked to illicit drug trafficking.
Signs Of Substance Use And Addiction
A variety of drugs can cause dependence and addiction when used. Misusing a personal prescription or abusing an illegal drug can both result in these dangerous states. As a person begins to use a substance more frequently, the physical, mental and behavioral side effects of the drug can become more apparent.
Signs Of Alcohol Use
Alcohol is often referred to as a social lubricant. While drinking, a person may become friendlier, more outgoing and more animated. Though these states may seem appealing, many side effects associated with alcohol use can be harmful or unpleasant, including:
- Aggression
- Blackouts
- Hangovers
- Impaired judgment
- Poor coordination
- Shakes or tremors
- Shifting moods
- Slurred words
- Unfocused eyes
Signs Of Marijuana Or Cannabis Use
When marijuana is smoked, vaporized or eaten it creates a mind-altering effect that may enhance a person’s senses. It can also create:
- Anxiety
- Dry mouth
- An increased appetite
- Paranoia
- Red or glazed eyes
- Short-term memory loss
Several forms of marijuana may be used, including:
- The bud of the plant
- Concentrates
- Hashish
- Edibles
- Oils
Signs Of Opioid Use
Opioids can cause intense central nervous system depression. This can become very dangerous and lead to overdose. General signs of opioid drug use may be:
- Confusion
- Decreased sense of pain
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Euphoria
- Nausea
- Pinpoint pupils
- Poor coordination
- Sedation
Frequently used opioids include:
- Illicit opioids
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
- Prescription opioid painkillers
- Codeine
- Actiq (fentanyl)
- Duragesic (fentanyl)
- Norco (hydrocodone)
- Vicodin (hydrocodone)
- Dilaudid (hydromorphone)
- Demerol (meperidine)
- Dolophine (methadone)
- Methadose (methadone)
- Duramorph (morphine)
- MS Contin (morphine)
- OxyContin (oxycodone)
- Percocet (oxycodone)
- Opana (oxymorphone)
Signs Of Sedative-Hypnotic Use
Sedative-hypnotic medications also have a central nervous system depressant properties. Because of this, they can reduce blood pressure, breathing, heart and temperature rates.
Additionally, they may:
- Alter moods
- Cause dizziness
- Cause unsteadiness
- Impair concentration
- Impair memory
- Induce sleep
- Reduce anxiety
Commonly used sedative-hypnotics include:
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Ativan (lorazepam)
- Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Librium (chlordiazepoxide)
- Restoril (temazepam)
- Valium (diazepam)
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Z-drugs
- Ambien (zolpidem)
- Lunesta (eszopiclone)
- Sonata (zaleplon)
Signs Of Stimulant Use
Certain mental and physical functions may work faster under the influence of central nervous system stimulants. This effect may cause:
- Anxiety
- Enlarged pupils
- Fast speech
- Increased energy
- Insomnia
- Jumpiness
- Overconfidence
- Paranoia
- Weight loss
Substances that can create these symptoms include:
- Illicit stimulants
- Cocaine, including crack
- Methamphetamine
- Prescription stimulant ADHD medications
- Adderall (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine)
- Concerta (methylphenidate)
- Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
- Ritalin (methylphenidate)
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
Vertava Health is committed to helping people recover from drug and alcohol addiction.
Contact Vertava Health today for more information on drug and alcohol addiction treatment services in the Omaha area.
