Addiction is a difficult reality to face, and many people struggle to know where to turn for help. Fortunately, Pennsylvania is home to an array of drug and alcohol rehab centers that provide treatment for substance abuse.
Pennsylvania Drug And Alcohol Rehab Centers
Pennsylvania is called the Keystone State, a nickname that highlights the state’s role in building the nation we live in today. The state slogan is “Pursue Your Happiness,” and
Pennsylvania’s historic significance and dynamic urban spaces allow people to do just that.
But amidst the state’s rich history and natural beauty, people across Pennsylvania are struggling with substance abuse and addiction. Rates of overdose continue to rise. In 2017, the Keystone State ranked third in the country for deaths caused by drug overdose.
Because alcohol and drug dependence is so prevalent in Pennsylvania, innovative treatment programs are available throughout the state. There are many different roads to recovery, and finding the right rehab program could help you or your loved one build a new life in sobriety.
Pennsylvania Substance Abuse And Addiction
An estimated 881,000 adults in Pennsylvania struggle with alcohol dependence and illicit drug abuse. While nearly a million Pennsylvania residents battle some form of addiction, the opioid epidemic has hit this state especially hard.
From 2016 to 2017, Pennsylvania saw significant increases in opioid overdose rates, especially with synthetic drugs like fentanyl. Opioid addiction is not a new problem in Pennsylvania, but rates of overdose continue to climb.
Drug Overdose Rates
In 2017, 47,600 people died of an opioid-related overdose
Pennsylvania’s drug overdose rates are more than twice the U.S. average
In just one year (from 2016 to 2017), the state’s rate of drug overdoses rose by nearly 17 percent
Alcohol Abuse Rates
715,000 Pennsylvania residents struggle with alcohol abuse
More than 320,000 people are physically dependent on alcohol
An estimated 682,000 people in Pennsylvania need but have not received alcohol addiction treatment
Pennsylvania is committed to reducing the effects of addiction, by offering ample options for treatment. However, people not only need access to treatment, but an internal belief that treatment can work for them. As staggering as these addiction statistics can seem, it’s important to remember there is always hope for recovery.
Pennsylvania Drug And Alcohol Inpatient Rehab Programs
Residential programs are probably the best-known form of addiction treatment. This immersive approach allows patients the opportunity to disconnect from life’s daily demands, and focus solely on their recovery.
The structure provided at an inpatient rehab center can be especially beneficial for people who have made prior attempts at treatment. Most inpatient programs are offered in 30-, 60-, or 90-day increments, and long-term treatment is also available.
Many inpatient programs blend traditional modalities with alternative therapies, such as yoga and Tai Chi. As patients adjust to being in a supportive recovery environment, they engage in additional therapies, such as:
- cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- family counseling
- motivational interviewing
- evidence-based trauma recovery
- medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- expressive and creative arts therapy
Some people believe that inpatient treatment is only available for the wealthy. However, inpatient programs throughout Pennsylvania accept payment plans and insurance vouchers.
This ensures that treatment is available for those who need it.
Many patients also utilize their public or private health insurance benefits to help cover the price of treatment. Using your insurance coverage can greatly reduce the out-of-pocket cost of an inpatient treatment program.
Pennsylvania Partial Hospitalization Programs
Many people find it intimidating to leave the sense of safety they find in an inpatient treatment setting. Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) provide an opportunity for continued treatment, after completing a higher level of care.
PHPs are often called “day treatment.” These programs are similar to inpatient, but patients do not stay overnight. Addiction education classes and individual and group therapy sessions take place in half- or full-day sessions, up to five days per week.
This form of outpatient treatment can be just as effective as an inpatient program, unless a person has a high chance of relapse. For this initial phase of recovery, those who struggle with relapse could benefit from the highly structured environment found in inpatient programs.
Pennsylvania Intensive Outpatient Treatment
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) provide a treatment approach for those who have demanding personal schedules. Many people have work or family commitments that cannot be put on hold. Luckily, outpatient treatment can be customized to fit a variety of schedules.
These programs are often structured on a similar schedule to PHPs. However, they may only meet twice per week, for half-day sessions. Because IOPs are a “step down” level of care, patients requiring 24/7 support should consider a higher level of treatment.
Pennsylvania Drug and Alcohol Detox
Anyone who has witnessed the struggle of addiction knows that this disease affects people physically as well as mentally. If a person becomes physically dependent on a substance, their body needs the drug in order to function normally. This physical demand then manifests as a strong mental craving.
This combination of mental preoccupation and physical demand can keep people stuck in the cycle of addiction (even if they have a strong desire to stop). In this type of situation, medical detoxification can be helpful.
Many people attempt to detox on their own, but this can be extremely risky. When people stop using a drug abruptly, their body begins to detoxify itself. This is called acute withdrawal, and can cause painful physical and psychological symptoms.
Depending on the drug a person was using, they may experience withdrawal symptoms that include fever, excessive sweating, or even seizures. While opioid withdrawal is not usually life-threatening, withdrawing from alcohol or benzodiazepines can be fatal.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
In a medically supervised detox, patients are assessed and provided with a customized regimen of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). These medications are designed to relieve withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings. MAT is an important aspect of comprehensive care, especially for those with opioid use disorders.
Medical detox staff may also introduce tapering schedules, which provide the patient with gradually decreasing doses of the drug. This helps the body to detoxify naturally, and can decrease the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
By combining MAT and emotional support, medical detox programs help people through the physical and mental shock of detox. During this initial phase of recovery, being in a highly supervised environment also helps set patients up for a more successful treatment experience.
Specialized Treatment In Pennsylvania
Every person who suffers from addiction is unique. Because of this, Pennsylvania provides customized treatment tracks for those who have specific needs and preferences. Specialized treatment tracks in Pennsylvania may include:
- men-only or women-only programs
- LGBTQ-centered treatment
- adolescent programs
- treatment for medical professionals
- faith-based treatment tracks
- recovery programs for U.S. Veterans
- treatment for co-occurring disorders
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Nationwide, nearly 8 million people suffer from dual diagnosis — and more than half of these are men. Often called a co-occurring disorder, dual diagnosis occurs when a person has a mental health condition in addition to a substance use disorder (such as alcohol addiction and anxiety).
Pennsylvania is home to thousands of people who suffer from co-occurring disorders. Because of this, quality rehab centers throughout Pennsylvania offer customized treatment tracks that cater to the unique needs of dual diagnosis.
Support Groups And Recovery Meetings In Pennsylvania
Both during and after treatment, many people benefit from finding community-based recovery support in the form of meetings. Pennsylvania offers 12-step support and other recovery meetings throughout its cities and townships.
The most common type of gatherings are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. In southeastern Pennsylvania alone, there are 1776 meetings at 562 different locations. Pennsylvania also has Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings and science-based SMART Recovery groups throughout the state.
Finding The Right Pennsylvania Treatment Center For You
It can feel overwhelming to realize all the recovery options that are available. Our treatment specialists are available to help address any questions or concerns you may have.
For many people, asking for help is the first step to a new life in sobriety. To learn more about Pennsylvania drug and alcohol rehab centers, reach out to a treatment specialist today.