Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics in Leander, TX
Drug- and alcohol-use data compiled by the CDC, Williamson County, Travis County, and the Texas Department of State Health Services show that:1,2,4,5,6
In 2019, roughly 19% of Williamson County residents reported engaging in excessive alcohol consumption regularly.
Since 2015, chronic alcohol misuse has been the cause of death for roughly 10% of examined natural deaths at the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office.
In 2020, Williamson County recorded 136 arrests for possession of illicit drugs, while Travis County recorded 215 such arrests.
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 Leander, 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 Leander, TX
Are you interested in traveling to a drug or alcohol rehab in Leander? Would like to visit a loved one who’s working through recovery at a Leander addiction treatment center? Either way, these tips can help you plan your trip:7
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is a 30-minute drive south of Leander.
- Leander is well-connected to several major transit routes. U.S. Route 183 leads southward to Austin, State Route 29 is just a couple of miles north of the city, and State Route 45 is just a few miles south of the city. Interstate 35 is also a quick 15-minute drive east.
- Leander has a few affordable, national-chain hotels, but you’ll find far more lodging options just south of the city near Cedar Park.
- Capital Metro Service provides rail and bus service to and from Leander six days a week. On-demand pickup service is also available within the city.
- Taxi, Uber, and Lyft services are available in Leander, all with short wait times.
- The nearby Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado River (not the famed Grand Canyon river), and Lake Georgetown offer many opportunities for outdoor fun.
- Popular local attractions include the Inner Space Cavern and Leander Dinosaur Tracks. Leander’s new Northline District (aka downtown) is also worth a stroll.
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
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. CDC Wonder Online Database. (2021). Underlying Cause of Death, 1999-2020 Results, Deaths occurring through 2020.
- Texas Department of State Health Services. (n.d.). Texas Health Data, Drug-Related Deaths.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). FindTreatment.gov.
- Texas Department of State Health Services. (n.d.). Texas Health Data, Opioid-Related Emergency Department Visits.
- Travis County. (n.d.). Chronic Alcohol Abuse.
- Prevention Resource Center 7. (2021). Regional Needs Assessment, Region VII: Brazen Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse (BVCASA).
- City of Leander. (n.d.). Capital Metro in Leander.