The official Kansas state motto is “ad astra per aspera,” which translates to, “to the stars through difficulties”. Like many states across the Midwest, one of the biggest difficulties facing Kansas is drug and alcohol abuse. While the overdose rate in the state is below the national average, it’s been growing at a fast pace.
Aside from overdose, Kansas has also seen a spike in violent crimes related to drug and alcohol abuse. While the state is known for its scenic prairies, it also has an inherent duality between metro and rural areas. That difference has made it more challenging for Kansas to combat substance abuse.
Do you or your loved one currently live in Kansas and struggle with a substance abuse disorder? If yes, keep reading to learn more about addiction in your home state and where you can go to find effective and life-saving treatment.
Meth, Opioids and Drug Trafficking in Kansas
Methamphetamine Addiction
Methamphetamine (or meth) is one of the most widely available drugs in Kansas. In fact, meth lab seizures in Kansas has seen a drastic increase over the years. The meth problem in Kansas is being fueled on two fronts:
1. Local Meth Manufacturing
Due to the combination of rural areas and the popularity of the drug, meth labs are a problem in Kansas. There has been an increase in the number of large purchases of pseudoephedrine (PSE). PSE is an indigent found in many common cold and allergy medications. It’s also the main ingredient individuals use to manufacture their own meth.
2. Drug Trafficking in Kansas
Did you know that Southwest Kansas has become a gateway for Mexican Cartel drug smuggling? These criminal organizations use Kansas highways as a distribution network for illegal drugs like meth to other parts of the country. The problem has become more of a concern for the state and federal government, and a DEA office in Garden City was forced to reopen after being closed for two years.
Opioid Abuse in Kansas
Many states across the country have felt the weight of the opioid epidemic over the years. And Kansas has not been immune. While meth is still the biggest problem the state faces, opioids are not far behind. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there’s an average of 69.8 opioid prescriptions for every 100 people. That’s around 10 percent higher than the national average.
For many people struggling with opioid abuse, they never meant to get addicted. This is why the prescription rate is alarming. Kansas has recently passed several laws to try and help decrease the number of opioid prescriptions by adding more supervision over pharmacies and doctors.
Trouble Finding Substance Abuse Treatment in Kansas
It’s not easy finding addiction treatment in Kansas’ rural communities, especially if you’re struggling with meth or opioid addiction. In fact, it’s not uncommon for people in rural counties to wait a couple months to get into residential treatment.
Some experts believe that not having limited access to substance abuse treatment in Kansas is only adding to the addiction problems. But the issue doesn’t stop there. People suffering from dual diagnosis disorders can have a more difficult time. In rural areas, it’s hard to get an accurate diagnosis on psychiatric disorders that can contribute to addiction.
This speaks to the inequality of treatment between urban and rural areas. For example, many urban areas in Kansas have methadone clinics, counseling and support groups. But for those living in rural areas, being put on a waiting list for treatment is more common. If you’ve struggled with finding an addiction treatment center in Kansas, you may be looking for quality out of state options for rehab.
Why You Should Consider Out of State Addiction Treatment
1. Break free from your environment
By going out of state for substance abuse treatment, you won’t have to worry about your old, toxic environment. Think of it as a way to remove yourself from the triggers of your substance abuse.
2. More privacy and confidentiality
Substance abuse treatment is a very personal matter. By going out of state, you’ll have a higher degree of privacy. Instead of worrying about running into people you know, you can spend more energy focusing on your recovery.
3. There are less distractions
It’s normal to want to stay close to your friends and family during recovery. But at an out-of-state treatment center like The Raleigh House, your primary focus will be healing from your addiction, so you can return home free from substance abuse and ready to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
The Raleigh House Is Your Premier Out-of-State Substance Abuse Treatment Option
Imagine breathing in the crisp and refreshing air of Denver while looking out across a scenic mountain landscape. At The Raleigh House, we provide a safe and healing experience. Our all-inclusive wellness lodge has detox services provided by a licensed and professional staff. We even have medication-assisted therapy if your unique situation calls for it. With an evidence-based approach, we strive to replace judgement and guilt with hope and healing.
At The Raleigh House, we are here to provide Kansas residents with a holistic approach to treatment supported by a continuum of care. If you’re ready to learn more about our effective approach to treatment, contact us today.