Expert Insights
As a fairly new mom, one of the things that keeps me up at night is worrying about my children. Like every mom, I want to make sure my kids are safe. And one of the places where we simply expect them to be safe is within their schools. But we’re sadly discovering that the implied safety of a school is more of a facade. I recently read about a Fort Worth school within the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District that has seen a rash of opioid overdoses – including three fatal overdoses – meaning the kids were getting and taking illicit opioid pills while in school. One mother said she even reported the problem to school officials after her daughter admitted she was addicted after months of taking opioid pills between classes. No action was taken by the officials. This only strengthens my resolve to have an open dialogue with my children (when they’re old enough) about the dangers of drugs and the potential consequences of addiction. It’s up to us as parents to take the lead in this battle against drug abuse and ultimately keep our kids safe.
~ Natalie Baker
How Expensive is Drug Rehab in Fort Worth?
The cost of drug and alcohol rehab in Fort Worth varies depending on the program and the type of facility in which you enroll. Several factors play a role in the total cost of care, including:
- Treatment setting: Inpatient or outpatient
- Features and amenities: Luxury or standard
- Program duration: 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, etc.
- Insurance: If you have it and if you choose a facility in your provider’s network
- Funding: If the treatment center gets government subsidies toward the cost of care
- Location: Urban or rural
Generally, inpatient programs cost more than outpatient programs because they provide room and board. Luxury and executive programs that offer upscale amenities, such as spa treatments, will cost more than standard ones.
Private health insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid can help cover some of the costs of care and addiction treatments. To ensure your health plan covers substance abuse care, call the number on the back of your insurance card to learn what your plan covers. You also can ask for a list of Fort Worth drug rehabs and the nearby area that are in-network with your plan.
Are There Low-Cost and Free Drug Rehab Centers in Fort Worth?
If you do not have private health insurance, you can still access life-saving addiction help. State-funded and free clinics for drug and alcohol rehab in Fort Worth offer low-cost or free addiction treatments. Some of these facilities receive state funding to provide care to low-income individuals or those without health insurance.
Low-cost and free drug rehabs in Fort Worth often require certain information before you are admitted, including:
- Proof that you are a Texas resident
- Your legal status in the United States
- Information about your addiction status
- Proof of income and lack of insurance
How Do You Pay for Addiction Treatment in Fort Worth?
Sometimes free or low-cost treatment centers have a waitlist due to demand being higher than the number of spots available. If you prefer to enter care right away, there are other ways to pay for addiction care:
Choose a Program with Payment Plans: Many drug rehabs and detox centers in Fort Worth offer payment plans to clients who cannot afford to pay for the full cost of addiction treatment in one lump sum. Payment plans enable you to pay for your care in monthly installments, like a mortgage or car payment. Some programs give a grace period of a certain amount of time (e.g., 3 months) once you have completed rehab before payments begin. This gives you time to establish yourself in your community, find employment, and settle into your recovery. Payment plans are accessible, easy options for those who need help covering the costs of care outside of insurance. Call the addiction treatment center directly to ask if they offer payment plans.
Apply for a Scholarship: Some Fort Worth alcohol rehabs offer scholarships to people who cannot pay for the costs on their own. These scholarships bridge the gap between the high cost and what people can afford. Because inpatient generally is more expensive than outpatient, there tend to be more scholarships available for inpatient care. The specifics of what a scholarship will cover, how much it covers, and how many scholarships are available vary from program to program. Depending on the center, some scholarships cover the entire cost; others may cover a portion of the cost. Scholarships typically are for standard programs, not luxury or executive centers. Call the facility directly to ask about scholarship options and how to apply.
Find a Sliding-Scale Program: A sliding scale is a flexible fee system that bases the cost of addiction treatment on your financial situation. Many programs offer sliding-scale fees to increase accessibility and affordability for people who otherwise would be unable to access addiction care. Most sliding-scale programs consider certain factors, such as your household income and insurance coverage, to determine how much you are expected to pay. Treatment centers may follow different sliding scale formulas. Some may assign a specific fee to a set range of incomes. Most places that offer sliding-scale fees are willing to work with you, no matter your financial situation. Call the facility directly to inquire about sliding-scale fees. Even if it is not listed on their website, it may be an option.
How Does Fort Worth Compare in Alcohol and Drug Use?
Fort Worth is a vibrant, beautiful city in Tarrant County, located in the north-central region of Texas. However, the Lone Star State is facing a public health crisis due to drug and alcohol addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD). Fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid, has been particularly ravaging, playing a part in 1,672 overdose deaths in the state in 2021.1 Addiction can have significant consequences on individuals, families, and communities, but professional help is within reach. There are nearly 60 accredited alcohol and drug rehab centers in Fort Worth.2
Statistics provide some insight into how significant substance abuse is in Fort Worth:2, 3
175,463 hospital visits in Tarrant County were due to substance abuse in 2017
Alcohol, opioids, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines are the most misused substances in the county
93% of Texans aged 18 or older had an SUD in 2020
18% of Texans aged 18 or older had alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2020
In 2020, 27,078 individuals sought help for substance use disorders in Texas. Research suggests that only 10% of people who struggle with addiction get the care they need.4, 5
Alcohol and Drug Laws in Fort Worth
Several laws enforced in Fort Worth benefit those who wish to recover from substance use disorders or address drug use generally. It would benefit you to know the laws governing drug and alcohol use in Fort Worth before traveling there.
Direct Court Program: The Tarrant County Direct Court Program was designed to reduce drug use among those who are convicted of nonviolent crimes. Direct Court is available for non-violent, repeat drug offenders to help reduce the costs of drug use and possible future crimes. Participants will enter a highly structured addiction treatment program tailored to meet their needs. They will be required to attend all rehab activities and undergo regular drug testing to ensure they are following program guidelines.16
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Under Federal law, employers with 50 or more employees are required to make accommodations for employees who need medical care, including rehab for substance use disorder.16 This must include time off or permission to take vacation time and sick leave without the risk of losing their job. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) mandates that all employees are entitled to 12 weeks off during any 12-month period for any health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the functions of their job. This includes substance use and treatment.17
Jessica Sosa Act: Texas did not have a Good Samaritan law until 2021. This allows people to call emergency services in the case of an overdose without fear of repercussions with law enforcement. Now, due to the Jessica Sosa Act (Texas HB 1694), anyone who calls 911 to help a person who has overdosed will not be prosecuted, even if they have a certain number of drugs on them. This law was passed to prevent overdose deaths.18
Choosing the Right Level of Care
When choosing a rehab center that meets your needs, you should consider whether an inpatient facility or outpatient facility is best for you to help you recover.
Medical detox: You may need a medical detox depending on the severity of your addiction. Detox is the process of clearing all drugs and alcohol from your system. While going through withdrawal, professional detox can help manage your symptoms and keep you safe and comfortable.
Inpatient rehab: These drug rehab centers in Fort Worth are treatment centers where you will live for the duration of your program. Sometimes called residential care, these programs last anywhere from 30 to 90 days. Some may last longer, depending on the program and your care needs. Research shows that individuals who stay in programs longer have increased chances of long-term recovery and decreased risk of relapse.6
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs): Time-intensive PHPs generally involve attending care several hours a day, 5 to 7 days per week. These often function as a step-down program for those moving from inpatient to outpatient care.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs): IOPs generally involve attending the program 3 to 5 days a week for several hours at a time.
Standard outpatient treatment: Standard outpatient programs involve a few hours of therapy each week, 1 to 2 times weekly. These programs typically take place in the evening hours and may last anywhere from 3 months to a year.
Aftercare: Twelve-step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other recovery programs, such as SMART Recovery, can help support you in your recovery while in an outpatient program.
Finding Specialized Drug Rehabs in Fort Worth
Every center for alcohol or drug rehab in Fort Worth provides a safe, judgment-free zone to help you on your path to recovery. Some cater to certain populations, such as veterans, and others offer unique approaches to treatment.
Holistic programs offer addiction treatment services that focus on all aspects of a person’s health: emotional, physical, and social well-being. These programs often combine standard treatments with holistic techniques, such as meditation, yoga, massage therapy, or acupuncture. This helps clients see improvements not only in their substance use disorder but in all aspects of their wellness.
Faith-based centers address a person’s medical and spiritual needs. Religious elements are woven into many aspects of the treatments offered, in combination with traditional techniques. These rehabs often have spiritual advisors, such as Christian pastors, on staff to provide guidance and counseling. Many individuals seek this kind of care because they find peace and strength through their faith.
Luxury centers treat addiction in comfortable, luxurious surroundings. Staff-to-patient ratios are often lower, ensuring you get more individualized attention. Alternative approaches and therapies often are the norm, including meditation, acupuncture, and letting clients play a role in developing their care plan. Luxury centers often are in private, beautiful settings such as the beach or tucked away in the mountains. Most offer high-value amenities, including gourmet meals, gyms, horseback riding, and aromatherapy.
Executive centers are designed with high-level professionals in mind, such as Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officers of companies. Unlike standard ones, executive centers often let patients access phones, computers, and even conference rooms so they can continue their professional duties in some capacity while in care. Travel for work may be allowed, as well as private rooms. These facilities often commit to a high level of privacy and discretion.
Dual-diagnosis centers provide care for individuals with substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder). People with mental illness often turn to drugs and alcohol as a way of self-medicating to soothe their symptoms.7
What Are The Types of Addiction Therapy Used in Rehab?
Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects your brain and behavior. Because no two people are exactly alike, no single treatment works for everyone. There are many types of addiction therapy used in Fort Worth drug rehabs; the type you receive depends on your needs.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people recognize, avoid, and cope with the situations in which they are likeliest to turn to drugs and alcohol. It was developed to prevent relapse when treating problem drinking and was later adapted for individuals who misuse drugs.6
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy used to treat people with dual diagnoses. DBT focuses on validating and accepting uncomfortable or painful feelings rather than avoiding them.11
Motivational enhancement therapy (MET) helps individuals restore their ambivalence about stopping their drug and alcohol use and engage with their treatment program. This approach internally motivates a person to help them engage and commit to recovery.12
Contingency management (CM) programs give individuals tangible rewards for positive behaviors, such as abstaining from drugs and alcohol. Studies show that CM programs are highly effective in both increasing engagement in rehab programs and promoting abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Often, CM uses vouchers that can be exchanged for meals, movie passes, or other rewards. Cash prizes also are employed in CM programs.6
Group therapy is offered at most rehab centers to provide an opportunity for peer discussion and support. Research shows that group therapy combined with individual therapy can be very helpful in achieving long-term recovery and helping individuals make meaningful connections with others.6
Family therapy can help all members of a family come together to become aware of their interactions and improve the way they communicate by offering healthy strategies. This can help individuals stay in recovery, as the family can help provide ongoing support and be a healthy outlet rather than a stressor.6
Should You Travel for Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Fort Worth?
The city of Fort Worth, located in Tarrant County in the north-central region of Texas, is home to over 918,000 residents.1 An estimated 9.4 million people visit the city each year to enjoy its temperate climate as well as endless entertainment and dining options.1 Fort Worth boasts world-class museums, an outstanding zoo, and a vibrant, walkable downtown with green spaces and public art throughout.
If you are on the fence about traveling to Fort Worth, you may want to spend some time thinking about the benefits of the area and how that can enhance your recovery journey. Benefits to traveling to Fort Worth for rehabilitation include:
- You prefer the climate of Fort Worth
- You want a change of scenery from your current location
- You live in a state or city that does not offer the type of treatment you need
- You found a program for your specific demographic
- You have family or friends who live in Fort Worth and can provide support
- Your insurance covers treatment in Fort Worth
One of the major advantages of attending Fort Worth detox centers and drug rehabs is the warm climate. Even winter temperatures remain mild, so you will not have to face a brutal winter. If sunshine and warmth are good for you and your mental health, you may like Fort Worth.
Another advantage of traveling to Fort Worth is an opportunity to leave your current environment and relationships, which may trigger your cravings for drugs or alcohol. Going to Fort Worth gives you the chance to have space and clear your head to focus on recovery.
Resources
- Fighting Fentanyl | Texas Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Www.hhs.texas.gov.
- FindTreatment.gov. (n.d.). FindTreatment.gov.
- Visit Fort Worth. (2022). Fast facts.
- Wells, S. & Sharma, S. (2019). Substance Abuse/Misuse Community Needs Assessment Substance Abuse/Misuse Community Needs Assessment Report of North Texas – 2019. DFWHC Foundation.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. (2021). 2019-2020 NSDUH State-Specific Tables.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. (2020). National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS): 2020. U. S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- American Medical Association. (2019). National Roadmap on State-Level Efforts to End the Opioid Epidemic: Leading-edge Practices and Next Steps.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Principles of effective treatment. In Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition).
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2010). Comorbidity: Addiction and Other Mental Illnesses.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Part 1: The Connection Between Substance Use Disorders and Mental Illness. In Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report.
- National Center for PTSD. (2022). PTSD and substance abuse in veterans. U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Parmar, A. & Kaloiya, G. (2018). Comorbidity of Personality Disorder among Substance Use Disorder Patients: A Narrative Review. Indian Journal Psychological Medicine, 40(6), 517-527.
- Linehan, M. M. and Wilks, C. R. (2018). The Course and Evolution of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. The American Journal of Psychotherapy, 69(2).
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Motivational Enhancement Therapy (Alcohol, Marijuana, Nicotine). In Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition).
- Visit Fort Worth. (2022). Camp Bowie.
- Visit Fort Worth. (2022). Near Southside.
- Visit Fort Worth. (2022). Panther Island.
- Tarrant County Texas. (2022). Direct Program.
- Family and Medical Leave Act Advisor. (n.d.). Serious Health Condition – Leave for Treatment of Substance Abuse. U. S. Department of Labor.
- 87th Legislature of the State of Texas. (2021). H.B. No. 1694. (Tex.)