Nevada is of course well known for its casinos (hello, Las Vegas!) but there is another, darker side to Nevada.  The state’s drug and alcohol treatment centers tell us that both alcohol and methamphetamine are huge problems for the state’s people.  The DEA says that meth is the primary drug of concern in the state, and admissions to Nevada’s drug and alcohol treatment centers for meth use make up almost thirty five percent of the total.

Unlike drugs such as heroin and cocaine, meth is especially prevalent in more rural and isolated areas.  This makes it a lot easier to conceal a homemade meth lab.  Methamphetamine is cheap and extremely addictive, which is the reason why its use has grown exponentially since 1999.  Nevada’s drug and alcohol facilities report that admissions for meth are rapidly overreaching those for marijuana and alcohol, as shown here.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues At-A-Glance, Nevada

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA),  December 2008

There are 77 drug and alcohol treatment centers in Nevada, and in 2006 (the last year for which we have data) they admitted over ten thousand people.  Of those who did not get treatment, many simply refused the help, some thought that the treatment would be far too expensive, and still others did not know where to begin their search for help.  However, getting help for a drug or alcohol problem in Nevada is easier due to the fact that almost sixty five percent of all facilities get some amount of public funding.  Five of Nevada’s drug and alcohol treatment facilities are owned by tribal governments, and nine are state owned.  Many of Nevada’s centers work closely with hospitals and other agencies, so the people of Nevada have plenty of options when they finally decide it’s time to get help.

Those who are looking for drug or alcohol treatment in Nevada should be aware of all their options.  Not all programs are the same, and all services aren’t offered in all areas.  Most of Nevada’s rehab centers provide outpatient services, but there are fifteen facilities in the state that provide residential treatment, useful for severe or long-term addictions.  If a person can’t find a treatment center in Nevada, they have the option of going out of the state.

Those that are dealing with opiate addictions (drugs like Oxycontin, Percocet, or heroin) face more limited treatment options.  Only nine Nevada drug treatment centers offer opiate programs, and fifty six doctors statewide were licensed to dispense methadone or buprenorphine in 2006.  Those that need this highly specialized treatment may need to look further away from home to find a program that suits their needs.

Of course, you should discuss your addiction and your treatment options with your doctor before you make any decisions.  Get evaluated by your physician, who will be able to determine the level of your addiction and refer you to one of Nevada’s drug and alcohol treatment centers.

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