Missouri Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics
According to statistics from 2021, 13.2% of adults in Missouri say they used drugs (excluding cannabis) for non-medical reasons.1 In addition, 18.5% of adults in Missouri reported excessive drinking in 2020, including past-month binge drinking or heavy drinking.2
For men, 14.2% reported drug use, and 22% said they drink to excess.
Rates for women are slightly lower: 12.2% used drugs, and 15.3% reported excessive drinking.
People who identified their races as “other” reported the highest rate of substance abuse at 41%.
Hispanic residents reported the highest rates of excessive drinking at 36%
Missouri residents with an annual income of $25,000 reported the highest use of drugs.
Residents earning $75,000 or more reported the highest rate of excessive drinking.
People who completed some college reported the highest rates of drug use at 19%.
College graduates reported the highest rates of excessive drinking, at 19% respectively.
Cost of Drug Rehab in Missouri
The cost of drug rehab in Missouri can range from very expensive care at a luxury treatment center to low-cost care at facilities that aim to serve people of all income levels. Your out-of-pocket expenses will depend on factors including:
- Inpatient vs. outpatient rehab
- Where the rehab is located
- Insurance plans accepted
- Amenities and features (luxury vs. standard)
- Length of treatment stay
If you choose inpatient care, expect to pay a higher price. Residential treatment includes living expenses for the duration of your stay as well as the cost of therapy and medical care. Some residential programs offer luxury amenities such as fitness facilities, holistic care, and private rooms, These amenities will drive the cost of rehab higher.
If cost is a barrier, you can find free, low-cost, or sliding-scale facilities in Missouri. Some treatment centers offer payment plans, with or without interest.
Under the Affordable Care Act, all insurance policies must cover some rehab. Private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and military insurance will all include addiction treatment. Your insurance company will likely have a network of treatment providers that they work with; choosing those facilities will keep your out-of-pocket costs lower. Call your insurance company to find a list of covered treatment centers.
Low-Cost and Free Rehabs in Missouri
Missouri has a program to provide substance misuse treatment for certain priority groups. The Comprehensive Substance Treatment and Rehabilitation (CSTAR) program treat women with children, adolescents, and others with opioid addiction.3 Programs may be inpatient or outpatient. The state contracts with facilities around Missouri to provide treatment. It also offers live help finding a program.
How Do I Pay for Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Missouri?
If you are uninsured, private or non-profit treatment facilities may allow self-payment. Some will work with you to adjust the cost to what you can reasonably afford. Check facility websites or call to ask if they provide:
- No-cost services
- Sliding-scale payments based on income level
- Payment assistance
Most facilities will need you to demonstrate financial need before they offer reduced fees or payment plans. The staff at the center can tell you what information is required. You may need to show income statements, tax returns, insurance coverage, and other financial records.
If your workplace has an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), it may include some financial assistance for addiction treatment. The EAP administrator can tell you what is included in your plan.
Find a Program That Offers Payment Plans: Some facilities may offer a payment plan to those who do not have enough money to cover the cost of rehab all at once. This will help you pay off the costs that fall to you after insurance pays its share. The facility will create a payment schedule so you can spread payments out over time. You may have to make a deposit or a large partial payment before beginning treatment. Some facilities charge interest on delayed payment plans.
Apply for a Rehab Scholarship: Limited opportunities exist for scholarships or grants that cover the costs of treatment. You typically need to apply for these funds, and there is no guarantee that you will receive assistance. You can learn more about these options by speaking to staff at your facilities.
Sliding Scale Rehab Program: Sliding scale fees are adjusted based on the patient’s ability to pay. Many facilities use this type of formula to provide access to as many people as possible. The staff at the facility will go over your financial situation with you and discuss any insurance coverage you have. After that, the site will determine what you will be charged.
Popular Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers in Missouri
Finding the best Missouri drug rehabs or alcohol rehabs for your needs is key. Here are some popular drug and alcohol rehab centers in Missouri to help you think about what services, amenities, and payment options will be most important in your recovery.
Harris House
Harris House, a non-profit facility in St. Louis, offers inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient treatment. It also provides follow-up care for people who have completed treatment. Harris House provides counseling to family members of patients as well. It accepts many major insurance plans.
BHG Kansas City Treatment Center
BHG Treatment Center in Kansas City, Missouri, offers outpatient treatment for opioid addiction. In addition to counseling and support services, patients may qualify for medication-assisted treatment with methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone. BHG accepts many private insurance plans as well as Medicaid and Medicare. Some grants may be available to help cover the cost of care. The clinic staff can tell you more about financial assistance.
Alternatives
Alternatives, an outpatient counseling program, has multiple services including programs for people convicted of driving under the influence. Located in Springfield, the state capital, it provides counseling and classes for substance issues and other personal matters.
Heartland Center for Behavioral Change Branson Outreach
Heartland Center for Behavioral Change is a comprehensive treatment facility in Branson, Missouri. It features in- and outpatient programs as well as programs for individuals seeking court-ordered care. It accepts many insurance plans and offers sliding-scale fees or no-cost services to those who need assistance.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Drug Rehab in Missouri
Inpatient care is a good option for those seeking full-time treatment in a controlled environment. You will live in a treatment facility for the duration of your program, which may last 30, 60, or 90 days. Staff will supervise all activities and you will participate in extensive therapy sessions. Therapy may include:
- Individual therapy, which may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Family therapy
- Group counseling
- Drug education and relapse prevention classes
- Peer support group meetings
- Aftercare planning
- Medication maintenance
If you prefer to keep working or attending school during treatment, you can select an outpatient program. You will participate in many of the same types of therapy as with inpatient programs, but you will be responsible for yourself otherwise.
Depending on how the program is structured, you may get only a few hours of care per week. If you enter a partial hospitalization program (PHP), you will spend several hours each day at the facility working with counselors and return home for only a portion of the day.
Outpatient program staff may encourage you to use your outside time to seek supplemental support from programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Missouri has an extensive network of AA chapters.
Benefits of Inpatient Addiction Treatment
Taking time to focus only on your recovery can be the best way to prepare you to stay sober. Inpatient treatment is widely regarded as the best option for long-term recovery. It may be a good choice if you need to undergo detox. Inpatient rehab often offers detox care with medical staff to help you during withdrawal.
Inpatient programs are helpful if you need care during detox. These programs often have the capacity to manage the detox process. You may be in a hospital during this portion of treatment; otherwise, the facility may have medical staff and equipment to manage your care.
After detox, you will join the residential program and begin the next phases of recovery. Inpatient treatment centers are controlled environments where you can focus entirely on building your recovery plans. Staff will be present to assist you through the process and help limit your opportunities for relapse. They can also provide wraparound care to support you once you go home.
Benefits of Outpatient Addiction Treatment
Outpatient treatment may be a good option if inpatient treatment will be too disruptive to work, family, or school. Staff will guide you and your family regarding the best ways to establish an environment that fosters recovery while you are at home. You will get the same type of therapy as in inpatient programs, but you will have more responsibility for managing your daily life.
Types of Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Missouri
There are hundreds of Missouri alcohol rehabs and drug rehabs, each with unique qualities. You can narrow down your search based on what amenities are important to you in a facility. Be thorough when asking about treatment methods; make sure any program you consider is properly credentialed and uses evidence-based therapy methods. It may also be helpful to center your selection on treatment centers that are in-network with your insurance plan.
Holistic Rehab
Holistic rehab has a core program of evidence-based therapy and offers additional services that complement standard care. The programs often focus on the whole person, not simply managing addiction. Services may include a focus on emotional and spiritual wellness as well as on developing recovery tools. You may have access to acupuncture, hypnotherapy, special diets, or other mind-body practices.
Christian and Faith-Based Rehab
ou might benefit from a program with a religious focus if you are committed to religious observance. Many denominations run rehab programs that center around the values of the faith and offer opportunities for worship.
Luxury Rehab
If you have the means to pay premium prices for treatment, you can attend a luxury program. These treatment centers offer amenities akin to high-end resorts, such as gourmet food, private rooms, fitness facilities, swimming pools, and customized personal care services. These facilities might be in very private locations with extensive grounds, or they may be located near beaches, mountains, or other desirable destinations.
Executive Rehab
Typical inpatient treatment requires that patients disconnect from work responsibilities. Communication may be limited during treatment. Executive treatment centers differ in that they are structured to accommodate people who need to continue working during treatment. Computers, phones, and travel access are part of the environment. The rules for communication and travel are different at each facility, so ask staff what will be permitted during your stay.
Dual Diagnosis Rehab
Addiction often co-occurs with other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you have an underlying condition or suspect that you do, look for a program that has experience managing co-occurring disorders. Controlling mental health symptoms can enhance addiction recovery.
- Depression and Addiction: More than 30% of adults who have substance-use disorder also have a diagnosis of depression.5 Treating depression symptoms with targeted therapy or anti-depressant medications can ease recovery and improve the chances of long-term success.
- Anxiety and Drug Addiction:Anxiety is highly prevalent among adults in the United States, and people who have anxiety disorders can be two to three times more likely to also experience substance use disorders.6 If you have clinical-level anxiety, medication may be effective at managing symptoms and reducing the urge to use substances to self-medicate.
- PTSD and Alcohol and Drug Addiction: PTSD is a complex disorder resulting from having experienced significant trauma. PTSD occurs in the aftermath of physical or sexual trauma, natural disasters, war, the death of a loved one, or significant injuries. Many military veterans report PTSD.
Treating PTSD is complex and requires therapists with experienced dealing with the effects of trauma. Anyone with PTSD co-occurring with addiction should find a program that specializes in treating the two conditions together. You may require medication to manage the depression and anxiety created by PTSD. Therapy helps you to identify triggers and learn coping skills other than using substances to dull PTSD symptoms. - Bipolar Disorder and Substance Use Disorder: Bipolar disorder is recognized as a cyclical mood disorder resulting in extreme swings. Bipolar disorder requires medication to stabilize moods, so anyone with this condition will need to address that as well as addiction. You may need ongoing therapy after rehab to keep bipolar symptoms under control and avoid relapse.
- Personality Disorders and Addiction: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious and complex mental disorder. People with BPD demonstrated atypical behavior, moods, self-image, and functioning. Up to 1.6% of the general population and almost 20% of people in inpatient psychiatric care have a diagnosis of BPD.7 BPD requires specialized care with experienced therapists, it is advisable to seek substance-use treatment with professionals who understand both the disorder and addiction medicine. Appropriate treatment for BPD may include lifelong therapy to support positive changes.
Types of Addiction Therapy Used in Alcohol and Drug Rehab
Most experts recommend using evidence-based therapy to treat addiction. Several well-documented treatment modalities can help with recovery. A rehab may use a combination of these therapy models to offer robust care.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one-on-one talk therapy between counselor and patient. The goal of CBT is for clients to learn to recognize how their thoughts and emotions impact their behavior. The facilitator helps identify patterns so the client begins to understand their own behavior. After that, the goal is to build new patterns that include healthier responses to emotional triggers.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is also talk therapy, but the main focus is on preventing self-harm. Therapists use this method to hone in on particularly negative behaviors and identify the triggers for them. The treatment prioritizes identifying harmful behaviors, such as substance use, and creating strategies to eliminate them.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy
Motivational enhancement therapy seeks to help patients develop internal motivation to change addictive behavior. Many substance users understand that they are doing themselves harm and know that quitting is a good choice. Motivational enhancement builds on that understanding to increase the personal commitment to ending substance use.
Contingency Management
Contingency management therapy is a system of rewards for positive behaviors intended to build positive associations with desired behaviors. Therapists work with clients to set up a program of actions and incentives. For example, there might be a reward after every negative drug test. As the positive associations develop, clients begin to choose those behaviors instinctively.
Group Therapy
Group therapy treatment sessions involve more than one patient and interaction between patients. The facilitator leads cooperative discussions and exercises with the group. The sessions provide peer support and perspectives while continuing the work clients are doing individually.
Family Therapy
Family members and family therapy play an important role in addiction treatment. Some centers will offer therapy for family members who need help dealing with living with a loved one who has an addiction. The center may also help families plan for the loved one’s return to the home. In addition, therapists may schedule treatment sessions with the client and their family so they work together on repairing relationships, managing plans for the future, and gaining mutual understanding.
Should I Travel to Missouri for Drug and Alcohol Rehab?
Selecting a rehab is a matter of personal choice, and a lot of factors go into the decision. Here are some reasons you may want to consider attending rehab in Missouri:
- You prefer the climate of Missouri.
- You want a change of scenery.
- You can’t get the treatment you need in your home state.
- You have family or friends who live in Missouri and can provide support.
- Your insurance covers treatment in Missouri.
Regional Considerations in Missouri
Missouri is a down-to-earth midwestern state. As the “Gateway to the West,” it is loaded with a history of westward expansion and pioneer culture. It is notable for its rolling landscape and its blend of rural and urban communities.
If you want to stay in a city, consider St. Louis, a thriving hub with easy access by plane. The city boasts several professional sports teams and a thriving music scene. Multiple universities and top hospitals in St. Louis give residents access to cutting-edge care.
The rural areas of the state are famed for their beauty. The region around Lake of the Ozarks is home to lakes and woods, perfect for fishing, hunting, and camping. Missouri prides itself on its barbecue, so foodies can enjoy rich local flavors all over the state.
Alcohol and Drug Laws in Missouri
Missouri has some of the nation’s strictest drug laws.8 The state has not decriminalized marijuana for any reason. Any possession of marijuana is illegal. Penalties start with a misdemeanor punishable by a fine for a first offense of possessing small amounts of the drug. Possessing larger amounts, cultivating, and distributing marijuana are felony offenses that can bring jail time.
Drug crimes are punished according to state sentencing guidelines.9 Possession of any other illegal substance is a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison. The distribution of drugs is a felony that brings a sentence of up to 15 years. Distribution near a school, park, or government building can result in a life sentence.10
Some people are eligible for alternative sentencing.11 First-time nonviolent offenders, people on probation, and formerly incarcerated people returning to the community from the Department of Corrections may be eligible for treatment through Missouri’s drug court. The program can be voluntary or ordered as a condition of probation and parole. Participants go to state-run individual counseling and group counseling, and they are expected to work or get job training as part of the program.
Missouri has a Good Samaritan law to provide assistance to someone during an overdose.12 This means if you call for assistance during an overdose, you will not be prosecuted for possession of drugs. The law protects only those who actively seek treatment for someone during an overdose. Merely being present at the scene does not confer automatic immunity.
There is broad access to naloxone in Missouri.13 The state allows anyone to obtain naloxone and administer it to someone who is overdosing. A statewide standing order allows pharmacies to sell naloxone to anyone who asks for it, even without a prescription. The state also works with community organizations and local health departments to distribute naloxone.
Resources
- America’s Health Rankings. (2021). Non-Medical Drug Use – Past Year In Missouri.
- America’s Health Rankings. (2020). Excessive Drinking In Missouri.
- Missouri Department of Mental Health. (2022). Services and Resources.
- Missouri Department of Mental Health. (2022). Locating Treatment & Services.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Major Depression.
- American Psychiatric Association. (2021). What are Anxiety Disorders?
- Chapman J, Jamil RT, Fleisher C. (2022). Borderline Personality Disorder. StatPearls Publishing.
- Revisor of Missouri. (2016). 579.015. Possession or control of a controlled substance — penalty.
- Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission. (2022). Missouri Sentencing Laws.
- Revisor of Missouri. (2017). 579.030. Distribution of controlled substance in a protected location — penalty.
- 13th Judicial Circuit of Missouri. (2022). Drug Court Overview.
- Missouri Department of Health. (2022). Good Samaritan Brochure.
- MO-HOPE Project. (2022). Get Naloxone.
