The first step in treatment that most families and addicts take is the addiction assessment. An assessment determines that there is an addiction, what the extent of the addiction is, and what treatment will work. There are numerous professionals in Idaho working within the addiction field, providing assessments to families and addicts. Assessment will help determine what detox is suitable for the addiction, whether the drug-user requires inpatient or outpatient drug treatment, and aftercare support.
Can these same assessments help families find counseling?
Yes, the equivalent assessments and evaluations done to determine substance abuse disorders can assist families with locating suitable counseling and relationship-building processes as part of their loved one's treatment. Family counseling is an important step within the treatment process and will help a recovering addict build stronger relationships with friends and family.
Idaho Drug Abuse Statistics
According to a Drug Threat Summary for the State of Idaho, methamphetamine continues to be the most significant drug threat in the state. Along with meth, some of the other commonly used drugs include heroin, prescription drugs, marijuana, designer drugs, and cocaine. Local law enforcement report that methamphetamine is widely available, cheap, and connected to most violent crime and property crime. At the time of this report, the use and trafficking of opiates in the state have grown. Heroin and illegal pain medication and fentanyl have increased in availability. Most drug users in the state are polydrug users, which means they are abusing more than one drug at one time. Polydrug use is dangerous because it increases the risk of overdose.
In 2016, the methamphetamine samples submitted for forensic analysis in Idaho represented one-half of all illegal drugs submitted in the state. The percentage of heroin samples analyzed increased from four percent in 2014 to nine percent in 2016. At the time of this report, the arrests made in Idaho related to marijuana represented 63% of all drug-related arrests in 2016. When compared to 2008, this was a rise of over 50%. The arrests connected to methamphetamine increased by nearly 200% between 2008 and 2016. Between 2011 and 2016, the number of heroin-related arrests rose 35%. Unfortunately, countless addicts are caught up in the criminal justice system because of their addiction.
