The Most Frequently Abused Substances in Pennsylvania:
Alcohol and Drug Laws in Pennsylvania
There are strict zero DUI laws in Pennsylvania. In fact, their legal blood alcohol content level was moved from .10% to .08%. While the decriminalization of marijuana is becoming more popular, its use, possession and transportation is still illegal. The same can be said for any controlled substance, including medical marijuana and prescriptions without authorization. Offenses range from $500 fines and 30 days behind bars to $500,000 and 25 years in prison.
Pennsylvania Drugs and Alcohol Stats
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse statistics, excessive drinking is responsible for an average of 300 fatalities every year in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, drug overdoses are responsible for approximately 5,200 deaths every year in the state. An alarming 65% of the fatal overdoses were caused by opioids. In fact, the state possesses the third highest amount of opioid-related deaths in the nation.
Pennsylvania Levels of Care & Options for Treatment
- Inpatient treatment allows a person to attend group meetings, as well as work one-on-one with a professional counselor. Living in a rehab center gives people the 24/7 care they may need. Visits generally last between 30 and 90 days.
- Outpatient treatment in Pennsylvania is optimal for folks that don’t require constant supervision. There are two popular outpatient programs at treatment centers, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization.
- IOPs are the most common forms of treatment for drug and alcohol disorders. They can be just as intense as partial hospitalization rehab, but visitors enjoy going home in the evenings.
- PHPs involve intensive therapy for four to five hours a day, four to five days a week. People can benefit from treatment without sacrificing many of their outside responsibilities, such as work or school.
- Sober living houses ease the transition back to one’s environment without drugs or alcohol. A sober living home is ideal for people who have finished full-time treatment, but want to stay active in therapy in affordable housing.
- Support groups are meetings that allow individuals to show support and bond with others going through similar situations. It’s a wonderful setting for sharing personal tales about family, friends and coworkers.
- What a Rehab Clinic Should Offer Visitors
- Medications are often essential to recovery, as they comfort the body, easing painful withdrawal symptoms. The right medicines can actually minimize cravings, increasing people’s chances of getting and staying sober.
- Therapeutic rehabilitation supplies education concerning drugs and alcohol. Understanding how addiction and relapses work helps people overcome their problems. Therapy includes everything from identifying triggers to successfully creating a recovery network.
- Spiritual treatment involves connecting to a higher power for personal fulfillment, whether it’s with religion, meditation or simple yoga. It’s all about forming a meaningful connection with something besides yourself.
Pennsylvania’s Biggest Cities:
To Sum Things Up
Possessing the self-discipline to control any type of drug or alcohol addiction in Pennsylvania can be a grueling process. Knowledgeable counselors, effective medications, a comfortable environment and proven procedures can all assist with addictions. As long as you have the right resources, such as Better Addiction Care, a happy, healthy and sober life isn’t far away.
