It’s no secret that Austin, TX is battling a drug abuse problem. The latest drug abuse statistics are very bleak. Most disturbing is the dramatic rise in drug overdose deaths. Austin overdose death rates have risen from just 10.1 per 100,000 in 2011 to 33 per 100,000 in 2023.
A lot of factors have played into the drug abuse problem, including a very low rate of addiction treatment. There are a number of reasons why just 22% of people in Texas seek treatment for an addiction:
- Social stigma surrounding substance abuse.
- Adults must enroll themselves in an alcohol use disorder or drug use disorder treatment program, which can be difficult to accomplish if someone is altered.
- Inability to pay for treatment and get health insurance coverage.
- Shortage of treatment providers.
The city of Austin is working on all fronts to tackle the growing addiction problem, and drug rehab programs are playing a very important role. City officials understand that lack of treatment is a huge contributing factor.
In recent years there has been a push to make addiction treatment more accessible by supporting existing programs, like Any Length Retreat, and making resources available through the city. Austin officials are also tapping into national organizations, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), that are providing millions of dollars in aid to help cities fund programs in their local area.
Here is a look at how drug abuse programs are making a difference in Austin to help curb the drug epidemic.
Helping Increase Awareness and Providing Education
A component of drug rehab programs is education, but not just education for patients that are in treatment. Many drug rehab centers work to inform the community through outreach programs, special events and information that’s published online. In doing so, they are having a significant impact on increasing awareness about the issues and the solutions.
There has been an amazing amount of education and information provided on the risk of prescription drugs. Opioids, including prescription medications, are the leading cause of drug overdose deaths and the rise in substance abuse disorders in Austin. Misused prescription opioids can quickly lead to dependency and escalate to use of an illicit drug like heroin or fentanyl. Simply making people aware of the risks involved when a people abuse opioids by misusing prescription drugs is helping to prevent addiction before it starts.
Filling the Gap in the Mental Health Care Providers Shortage
Mental health disorders are strongly correlated with substance abuse. Those who are struggling with issues like depression and PTSD often abuse alcohol and drugs as a way to self-medicate, especially when they aren’t receiving professional treatment.
The latest stats show that 32.3% of residents in Travis County have 5+ days of poor mental health in a month. At the same time there has been a mental health care provider shortage in Travis County. Many people can’t get the help they need through traditional routes simply because there aren’t enough providers available.
One of the biggest benefits in the increase in drug rehab program options is more people are getting help addressing their mental health. Many programs, including our own addiction treatment programs at Any Length Retreat, involve meeting with counselors and participating in group therapy. This gives participants the ability to get help that might otherwise be unavailable through a private mental health provider.
Providing a Safe Community For People Struggling With Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Drug rehab programs for both outpatient and inpatient treatment aren’t just about tackling the physical effects of an addiction. They also serve as a caring community for people who are in the grips of a substance abuse disorder.
Today, drug addiction programs in Austin are more holistic than they used to be. They encourage connection with others and personal growth as much as the clinical aspect of treating addiction. Belonging to a community of people that understands and empathizes can have a profound impact on helping a person recover and avoid a relapse.
One example of this is a new jail-based substance use intake program initiated in Travis County. The county received federal funds for the program that provides support for those transitioning out of jail back into society. County data has shown that people transitioning out of incarceration are 8 times more likely to overdose and die within the first six months of getting out of jail. The program hopes to dramatically reduce that number by providing a place for people to turn for support and medically assisted treatment.
Reducing Deaths Caused By Opioid Use Disorder
One unique program doesn’t directly involve substance abuse treatment, however it is having a huge impact on reducing drug overdose deaths. The Community Health Paramedic (CHP) Program from the Austin-Travis County EMS is providing a variety of resources, including free naloxone kits.
Naloxone is a mediation that can immediately reverse the effects of drug overdoses caused by opioids. An added benefit of the program is that the outreach provides an opportunity to provide people with information about drug treatment options that are available.
The increase in drug rehab programs appears to be paying off. In December 2024, the county medical examiner noted that for the first time in two years drug overdose deaths were declining. The city recently announced the continuation and expansion of these programs and have expressed their commitment to continue the effort to combat drug addiction in Austin.
Whether you are struggling with marijuana use disorder, alcohol addiction or any other drug disorder it’s important to seek out professional help. Any Length Retreat offers men in any age group comprehensive programs that build a foundation for long-term recovery through treatment, community and personal growth.
If you or someone you know is in need of addiction treatment, give us a call at (512) 960-1440 to learn more.
