Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics in Harlingen, TX
Like many parts of the United States, Cameron County has been affected by drug and alcohol misuse. Here are some statistics about drug and alcohol misuse in Harlingen, TX, and Cameron County:
16% of adults reported binge or excessive drinking in Cameron County in 2021.3
16% of motor vehicle deaths in Cameron County involved alcohol.3
In 2020, 12 drivers who were killed in motor vehicle crashes had a blood alcohol level of higher than .08 in Cameron County.4
Levels of Care for Rehabs in Texas
The following types of substance abuse treatment offer various levels of care. Some Texans enter treatment at the most restrictive levels and move through the continuum of care, while others only require the least intensive interventions.
Alcohol and Drug Detoxification
Detox is the process of safely and comfortably removing drugs or alcohol from your system. This occurs under medical supervision in a hospital, residential, or outpatient setting, to manage withdrawal symptoms and allow Texans to transition into formal treatment services.
Residential or Inpatient
Residential or inpatient treatment involves living at the rehab facility and receiving 24/7 supervised care. A combination of treatment interventions is offered, including individual and group therapy, nutritional counseling, experiential therapies, and medication.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
PHPs allow Texans to live at home while attending treatment at a hospital. You may participate in many of the same treatment methods as inpatient care, but you can return home during non-treatment hours.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
A step down from a PHP, IOPs allow you to attend a few hours of counseling over several days each week. This allows you to spend the rest of your time at home, school, working, or fulfilling other obligations.
Standard Outpatient
The least intensive treatment option, standard outpatient care, involves one to two hours of treatment per week. Highly motivated people with a strong support system tend to find this level beneficial.
Relapse Prevention
Relapse prevention, also known as aftercare, begins when you complete a rehab program. It involves ongoing encouragement through therapy, 12-step groups, non-12-step groups, sober living homes, and other types of support.
How to Pay for Addiction Treatment in Harlingen, Texas
Private Insurance
All insurance providers are required by law to provide coverage for substance abuse and mental health treatment services in some capacity. Coverage varies by plan, so Texas residents must contact their providers to learn about their specific coverage.
Texas Medicaid
The Texas Medicaid program offers health insurance for low-income residents. This includes various treatment services like inpatient drug rehab and outpatient substance abuse treatment. Most Medicaid services in Texas are delivered through managed care health plans under contract with the state. Before enrolling in a rehab program, individuals should confirm that the facility accepts Medicaid as a form of payment.
Texas Medicare
Texas Medicare is a federal program that provides healthcare coverage to residents with end-stage renal disease, those with certain disabilities, and those over the age of 65. Texas residents can use Medicare to cover the cost of drug addiction treatment services, including rehab. However, not all rehabs accept Medicare insurance. Texas offers a free helpline to guide residents through the complexities of Medicare coverage: 800-252-9240.
TRICARE in Texas
Texas TRICARE (West region) is a government program providing health insurance coverage to the U.S. Armed Forces military personnel, veterans, and their families. TRICARE coverage includes addiction treatment services, such as rehab and medication-assisted treatment.
Sliding Scale Rehabs
Sliding scale rehabs are income-based, charging only what Texans can reasonably afford based on how much they earn. To qualify for these programs, individuals must provide proof of income.
IHS-Funded Drug Rehabs
Drug rehabs funded by the Indian Health Service (IHS) provide free addiction treatment to Indigenous people in the U.S. and Alaskan Natives.
Traveling to and Within Harlingen, TX
If you need alcohol or drug rehab, you will want to search for an accredited addiction treatment center to help you focus on your recovery and improve your health. You may wish to attend inpatient or outpatient rehab in Harlingen. You may even want more information about detox. Depending on your income, you may be interested in attending a free alcohol or drug rehab in Harlingen. If you choose to visit Harlingen for rehab, here is some information and relevant tips about this bustling city:
- The closest airport to Harlingen is Valley International Airport, which is approximately four miles away from the city.
- There are at least a dozen hotel and motel accommodations in Harlingen, with many more in nearby cities like San Benito and Mercedes. This means that you can find accommodations easily to fit your budget.
- Harlingen is a car-dependent city. You may find it easier to arrange for your own transportation before arriving.
- Harlingen has a number of unique shopping experiences, like the Jackson Street Market Days, which feature fun street markets and Jackson Street Antiques.
- The closest big city to Harlingen in the United States is Corpus Christi, while in Mexico, it is Matamoros.
- South Padre Island is less than an hour away from Harlingen and features warm coastal waters and gorgeous beaches.
- You can enjoy nature and birdwatching at the Hugh Ramsey Nature Park and the World Birding Center.
Texas Alcohol and Drug Laws
Texas lawmakers have enacted the following laws regarding substance use:1,2,3,4
Texas Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Statute: This law is designed to encourage Texas residents to seek emergency medical attention during an overdose situation. It protects individuals who call 911 for assistance with a suspected overdose from prosecution for possession of certain controlled substances (if they have not called 911 for an overdose in the preceding 18 months).
Sandra Bland Act: This law provides for rehab for individuals arrested or convicted of non-violent crimes. Per this statute, Texas criminal justice officials must work to identify people with suspected substance use concerns and divert these individuals to an appropriate treatment facility rather than incarcerate them.
Texas Protections for Employees Seeking Addiction Treatment: Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Texas employees who voluntarily seek alcohol and drug treatment may be eligible for time off work for this treatment. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also provides some protections for employees who seek addiction treatment
Marijuana Laws: Texas law is among the strictest in the country regarding marijuana. Recreational use and growth are illegal, and medical use is legal but heavily regulated. Penalties for use, growth, possession, or sale of marijuana range from 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine to life imprisonment and a $50,000 fine.
Resources
- Texas Department of State Health Services. (2022). Drug Overdose Deaths: Cameron County.
- Behavioral Health Solutions of South Texas. (2020). Regional Needs Assessment Region 11.
- University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. (2022). County Health Rankings and Roadmaps:Texas-Cameron County.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2020). Persons Killed By State-Texas.