Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics in Topeka, KS
Excessive drinking and non-medical drug use are common in Kansas, including in the state capital. Topeka is located in Shawnee County, the third largest county in the state. Some facts about substance use in Kansas as a whole and Shawnee County include:1,4,5
In 2021, there were 17 drug deaths per 100K residents in Shawnee County.
Benzodiazepines cause the greatest number of overdoses in Shawnee County.
22% of the traffic deaths in Shawnee County in 2021 were related to alcohol consumption.
9% of Shawnee County residents are uninsured, which makes finding treatment for their addiction more difficult.
47% of overdose deaths in Shawnee County between 2014 and 2018 were due to opioids.
26% of overdose deaths in Shawnee County between 2014 and 2018 were due to methamphetamine
Paying for Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Topeka, KS
Many people worry about the cost of rehab. If you need drug or alcohol rehab in Topeka, KS, there are free or low-cost options, including:
Government-funded rehabs:: The state and federal governments provide funding to certain rehab facilities. This funding allows the treatment programs to provide care to people who cannot otherwise afford rehab.
Rehab scholarships: Some treatment facilities have funding for scholarships to help individuals pay for care. You can also apply to third-party organizations like 10,000 Beds for rehab scholarships.
Grant-funded rehabs: Private funders or public health agencies such as SAMHSA provide grant funding to rehabs that apply for assistance. The funds are used to offer rehab at a reduced cost or no cost. This may include inpatient or outpatient programs.
Under the terms of the Affordable Care Act and the Mental Health Parity Act, all private insurance plans must pay for addiction treatment. The laws apply to any insurance plan you get through work or a plan you pay for on your own. Military insurance will also cover the cost of addiction treatment. Your insurance company may have a preferred network of providers for rehab services. Ask your insurance company which facilities are part of its network, what your out-of-pocket fees will be, and if your costs will be higher if you go to an out-of-network program.
Medicare
Medicare is a federal insurance program for people over 65 and people with certain health conditions or disabilities. Medicare covers inpatient6 and outpatient7 rehab, though you will be responsible for a co-pay for your care. Medicare covers a wide range of substance misuse treatments, including:
- Opioid addiction treatment, including medication-assisted therapy such as methadone or Suboxone
- Inpatient programs
- Alcohol misuse screenings
- Outpatient programs, including partial hospitalization
- Treatment via telehealth
- Group and individual therapy
Medicaid: KanCare
Medicaid is a state and federal partnership that provides insurance to people who meet certain age, income, or health qualifications. Kansas’s Medicaid program is called KanCare, and anyone making 133% or less of the federal poverty level is eligible to apply for coverage.8 Topeka drug rehabs, such as Mirror Inc, Topeka Treatment Center, and New Dawn Wellness and Recovery, accept Medicaid.
The state of Kansas has eight Designated Women’s Substance Abuse Treatment Programs.9 These facilities provide addiction treatment for pregnant women and women with children. Contact the Kansas Behavioral Health Office to see if you are eligible for these programs. The closest program to Topeka is First Step at Lake View in Lawrence, KS.
Kansas has partnerships with private providers to offer addiction assessments and referrals to residents.10 This includes referrals for methadone treatment for opioid addiction. You can also access Topeka alcohol rehab or drug rehab services through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.
How Easy is it to Travel to and Within Topeka, KS?
Friends and family will find it easy to visit Topeka to see loved ones in treatment. The Topeka Regional Airport is just south of the city. The area is accessible from Interstate 70 and Kansas State Highway 75. There is an Amtrak station in the city as well.
The downtown area is home to the Kansas State Capitol, as well as cultural and historical sites. There are several hotels in the area, as well as plentiful options for dining and parking. There are car rental options at the airport and in the city itself. A public bus system serves the Topeka area.
Local attractions include the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center, the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, and Brown v. The Board of Education National Historic Site.
Resources
- Kansas Department of Health and Education. (No date). County Level Drug Overdose Deaths, 2005 to 2009, 2012 to 2016.
- Kansas Judicial Branch. (2021). Drug Court.
- Kansas Board of Pharmacy: (2022). NALOXONE DISPENSING IN KANSAS.
- County Health Rankings. (No date). Kansas Shawnee County.
- Shawnee County Health Department. (2020). EPI-SURVeillance.
- Medicare.gov. (2022). Inpatient hospital care.
- Medicare.gov. (2022). Mental health care (outpatient).
- KanCare. (2022). KanCare Medicaid for Kansas.
- Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. (2022). Kansas Designated Women’s Substance Use Disorder Treatment.
- Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. (2022). Substance Use Treatment Services
