Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics in Shawnee, Kansas
Residents of Johnson County and Shawnee aren’t just affected by illicit substances but excessive alcohol use as well. Look at the recent statistics for substance use in Johnson County as a whole:2
In 2019, the adults who consistently binge drink accounted for 18.7% of the Johnson County population.
Between 2016 and 2019, 16.9% of motor vehicle-related deaths were attributed to alcohol consumption.
Between 2018 and 2020, the rate of overdose-related deaths in Johnson County averaged 11.2 deaths per 100,000 people.
Between 2018 and 2020, the hospital admission rate for substance abuse averaged 2.4 admissions per 100,000 people.
Levels of Care for Addiction Treatment Settings
When comparing various drug and alcohol rehabs, you’ll want to make sure you understand the different treatment settings and options.
Professional Detox
When you suddenly quit drugs or alcohol, you’ll experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes these can even be dangerous. Professional detox involves monitoring and supervision to mitigate these withdrawal symptoms and intervene if any complications arise.
Inpatient Care
You live at the treatment center for the length of your program, which usually ranges from 30 to 90 days, although sometimes longer if needed. It is a highly structured and intensive environment, free from the drug-using triggers and stressors in your everyday environment.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
The most intensive option besides inpatient, you attend treatment for between 20 and 30 hours each week then return home during non-treatment hours.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
A step down from PHPs, you attend counseling for between nine and 20 hours per week and return home in the evening.
Standard Outpatient
The least intensive and structured treatment setting, you receive a few hours of therapy per week.
Aftercare
When you near the end of your treatment program, you’ll collaborate with your treatment team on an aftercare plan, which may involve transitional housing, group counseling, individual therapy, family therapy, and/or support group meetings.
Paying for Substance Abuse Treatment in Shawnee
If you are worried about the price of addiction treatment, don’t worry—there are plenty of financing options that can help you pay and get the treatment you need.
Private Health Insurance
Your private health insurance provider, such as Aetna or Cigna, is required to cover substance abuse treatment services, such as inpatient and outpatient rehab. Call the number on the back of your insurance card to learn the extent of your coverage.
KanCare: Kansas Medicaid
KanCare, a federal health program, provides health insurance coverage to low-income Kansas residents and families. KanCare covers the cost of drug and alcohol rehab, although you’ll want to check your plan details to learn more. Not every rehab accepts KanCare, so you’ll want to do your research.
Kansas Medicare
Kansas Medicare, a federal health program, provides coverage for people aged 65 and older and those with certain disabilities. Like KanCare, Medicare covers the cost of addiction treatment services, such as substance misuse assessments, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and inpatient and outpatient rehab.
TRICARE in Kansas
TRICARE in Kansas, which is located in the West Region, provides much-needed health insurance coverage for military personnel and veterans, as well as their families. Many rehabs accept TRICARE, which can help you more readily access treatment.
Sliding Scale Rehabs
Another option for reducing the cost of rehab is to find a sliding scale treatment center that only charges you what you can pay based on your income and other relevant financial information.
IHS-Funded Drug Rehabs
These rehabs receive funding from the Indian Health Service in order to provide no-cost addiction treatment to Native peoples in the U.S., even if they have other forms of health insurance.
Local Information for Shawnee, Kansas
If you plan to attend an alcohol rehab, drug rehab, or detox center in Shawnee or visit a loved one receiving addiction treatment there, it’s essential to know how to get around.
Here are some travel tips to keep in mind for when you’re coming, staying a while, or going:
- The closest major airport to Shawnee is the Kansas City International Airport (17.7 miles). Your other options include the Manhattan Regional Airport (104.9 miles), the Joplin Regional Airport (131.3 miles), and the Columbia Regional Airport (135.4 miles).
- Shawnee is conveniently located within the greater Kansas City Metropolitan area and is therefore served by the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), including park-and-ride transit and several public bus routes.
- Several rideshare options can also be found in Shawnee, including Lyft, Uber, Ola, Didi, CityRide (for seniors 65 and older), and traditional taxis. You can also easily rent a car through Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and others. You can also book a private car service if necessary.
- Being in a metropolitan area, Shawnee is full of hotels to suit all budgets and needs. This includes luxury hotels, budget motels, bed and breakfasts, AirBNB, and even camping areas.
- Overall, Shawnee isn’t a very walkable city, which means you’ll need transportation to get around. However, certain areas, such as Emporia, Prairie Village, and Liberal, are walkable and enjoyable neighborhoods.
- There is plenty to do and see in Shawnee, including attractions like the Shawnee Town 1929 Museum, the 1950s All-Electric House, the Bramble Rose Farm, the Sauer Castle, and more.
Kansas Substance Abuse and Overdose Laws
Below are some relevant Kansas state laws related to substance abuse and overdose:1
Kansas Drug Courts: People with fewer than two prior convictions who are arrested for drug possession are eligible to receive substance abuse treatment instead of serving jail time.
Kansas Naloxone Access Law: Kansas residents can buy naloxone (Narcan), the life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication, from pharmacies without a prescription.
It’s important to note that Kansas is one of the few states that doesn’t have an overdose Good Samaritan law that encourages people to call 911 if someone is overdosing. Still, you should always call for help—it could save your or someone else’s life.
Resources
- Kansas Division of Public Health. (n.d.). Kansas Overdose Data Dashboard: Deaths By County, 2012-2021.
- Kansas Health Matters. (n.d.). Indicators: Health/Alcohol Drug Use.
