Expert Insights
The Breaking Barriers event was recently held in Huntsville, Alabama, at the Max Luther Recreation Center. This free event was meant to increase awareness about mental health and addiction recovery. Organizers had a simple goal: to help people struggling with addiction stay alive. They wanted them to meet with people who understood their struggle, were eager to meet them where they were in the moment and show them love and understanding. Often people in active addiction feel isolated, shunned, and as if they are “throw-away” humans. By showing these people love and support, the Breaking Barriers event was able to help forge relationships with local treatment groups and caregivers, with the hope of eventually moving many of the attendees into addiction treatment. It’s amazing what a little kindness can do for someone who may not have felt love in months or years.
~ Rita Milios
How Expensive is Drug Rehab in Huntsville?
Drug and alcohol rehabs in Huntsville exist at every price level. Costs vary for each program participant and are based on location, amenities, staff credentials, length of stay, and services you receive while admitted. Huntsville drug rehabs are available if you have insurance, can pay something out of pocket, or can self-pay for services. If you can’t afford treatment, there are free and low-cost drug rehabs in Huntsville.
How Does Huntsville Compare in Alcohol and Drug Use?
Huntsville is located in Madison County, Alabama, and has a population of 210,081 people.8 And Huntsville is a college town, which could help to account for the city’s high rates of alcohol and drug abuse. Like many other areas of the nation, fentanyl is the most pressing issue, accounting for about 75% of Madison County’s drug overdoses in 2022.9 And in the same year, 18% of adults in Madison County reported binge or heavy drinking.9 This illustrates why the 13 accredited alcohol and drug rehab centers in Huntsville are essential.
In 2019, Madison County drug arrests included the following:1
In Huntsville, there were 652 emergency medical services overdose calls.
In Madison County, there were 989 total EMS overdose-related calls.
Overdose deaths in the county totaled 35 in 2018, up from 21 the year before.
Overdose deaths in the county totaled 35 in 2018, up from 21 the year before.
Drug and Alcohol Laws in Huntsville
Former and current leaders have made numerous legislative moves to address and reduce the substance use disorder problem affecting Huntsville, Alabama, and the nation. Examples of new efforts include the following:7
2016 Compact to Fight Opioid Addiction: minimizes the number of opioid prescriptions and helps people understand opioid use disorders and how to get help.
2015 Alabama House Bill 208: allows pharmacists, physicians, specialty doctors, and individuals to administer naloxone to someone experiencing an overdose without the fear of criminal or civil charges. This resembles the Good Samaritan Law that protects anyone who calls 911 to get help for a person who is overdosing. If you call 911 with the intent of saving someone’s life, even if you are intoxicated on the same substances that caused the overdose in the other person, you will not receive criminal or civil penalties. The law aims to eliminate resistance to seeking help for an overdose.
2018 Senate Bill 39: made trafficking fentanyl or any drug containing fentanyl a crime.
In conclusion, alcohol and drug rehabs in Huntsville have what you need to enter recovery and maintain it long-term. There is no better time to reach out for help than today. Take a few minutes to write down your needs and preferences for treatment.
Resources
- Alabama Operations Center Gulf Coast HIDTA. (2021). Alabama Drug Threat Assessment.
- Alabama Drug Use Central Data Repository. (2018). Drug Use Data.
- Alabama Public Health. (2022). Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
- The Alabama Department of Mental Health. (2022). Provider Directory by County.
- Alabama Medicaid. (2022). Qualifying for Medicaid.
- U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (2022). Your Medicare Coverage Choices.
- Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. (2019). Fact Sheet: Alabama’s Oversight of Opioid Prescribing and Monitoring of Opioid Misuse.
- Alabama Demographics. (2022). Is Huntsville the best Alabama city for your business?
- County Health Rankings. (2020). Madison, AL
