Austin is a city that has been struggling with many issues related to alcohol and drug abuse. It has caused an enormous amount of damage in the community and still does to this day. There are lots of types of substance abuse treatment programs in Austin, TX that one can attend for their drug or alcohol problem, and one of them is a wilderness and adventure drug rehab program. This consists of them participating in activities that involve nature and wilderness, including camping, rock climbing, backpacking, etc. This type of treatment can be very beneficial for addicts as it allows them to have time to discover more about themselves and then be able to deal with their addiction. Bringing them out in nature and having them do lots of productive activities puts their attention away from the environment that caused or contributed to their addiction.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Austin, TX
The problems that come with drug and alcohol abuse are definitely present in Austin. One of the main drug problems in the city is brought on by the opioid epidemic. According to the City of Austin’s website, just between October 2017 and September 2018, there were 340 confirmed cases of overdoses caused by opioids, and EMS pronounced 15 deaths from opioid overdoses. The most common opioids involved in overdoses in Austin were heroin or street drugs. When someone addicted to opioids wishes to quit, the most common reason why they fail is because of the side effects caused by withdrawal. This is why the first step of opioid treatment in Austin should be a medical detox, so the addict can go through these symptoms while being supervised. After this, the best option for them would be a residential program, as it will allow them to address all the underlying issues related to their addiction and be able to focus solely on their recovery.
Austin’s Substance Abuse Prevention Efforts
Substance abuse prevention in Austin is extremely important because it stops addiction before it begins. Currently, children can be offered drugs at a very young age, and this can lead them down a very dangerous and dark path. This is why prevention and education are key, as they spread the truth about drugs and can provide youth with enough information to steer clear of these substances. Speaking of prevention, the Travis County Attorney has the Travis County Underage Drinking Prevention task force, and it comprises law enforcement and other organizations. They work very hard to develop programs to educate teens on drinking and its consequences, and make the community more aware of the Zero Tolerance Law and deter the fact that alcohol is so available to youth in certain circumstances. Then, there is the Travis County Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, and it wishes to increase the collaboration of the community toward drug and alcohol abuse prevention, so as to reduce its occurrence in youth. This, along with the various alcohol & drug treatment services in Austin really do a lot to create an environment that is safe and drug-free for the city's residents.
