Omaha, Nebraska Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics
Drug use in Nebraska varies among the residents based on the type of substance. Data from 2018 showed that among the individuals in Nebraska who are 12 years or older: 1

About .2% used heroin in the past year.

Just under 13% used marijuana in the past year.

Nearly 8% used marijuana in the past month.

About 10% used illegal drugs in the past month.
Alcohol consumption is common in the Omaha, Nebraska metropolitan area, where 2
Describe Themselves as Heavy Drinkers
Have at Least One Alcoholic Drink a Month
Describe Themselves as Binge Drinkers
What is the Cost of Rehab in Omaha, Nebraska?
The cost of drug rehab in Omaha, Nebraska varies depending on the type and setting of the services. Outpatient drug and alcohol rehab cost an average of $1,855 in Nebraska.3 You are likely to spend significantly more on residential services. The average cost of rehab for a residential program in Nebraska is about $58,777.3
Fortunately, there are free rehabs and insurance options that reduce financial barriers to drug and alcohol rehab in Omaha, Nebraska.
How To Find Free Rehabs in Omaha
You can find many free drug and alcohol rehabs in Omaha, Nebraska.4 Many faith-based centers and non-profit programs offer drug and alcohol rehab services at no cost.4 Even if you do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, you may be eligible for funding from the Nebraska Behavioral Health System to cover your drug and alcohol rehab.5
Does Insurance Cover Rehab in Omaha, Nebraska?
Yes, typically insurance policies cover at least a portion of drug rehab in Omaha, Nebraska.6
Private Insurance
Private insurance companies are required to provide coverage for mental health services such as drug and alcohol rehab. However, a private insurance company may not cover the entire cost in Omaha, Nebraska. Employment-based insurance companies cover as much as 80% of drug and alcohol rehab costs.7
Popular private insurance include health maintenance organizations (HMOs) as well as insurance from employers, professional associations, and unions.7
Medicaid
Medicaid is a state and federal health insurance coverage for people with low income that varies from state to state.8 Full coverage for drug and alcohol rehab is covered in Omaha, Nebraska, through Medicaid.8 Available services include:5
- Crisis response
- Residential care
- Outpatient care
- Inpatient care
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 and older or younger than 65 with a disability. 8 Medicare covers all drug and alcohol rehab services that are considered necessary and reasonable.9 You may receive a full range of services for rehab with Medicare.
How to Finance Drug Rehab in Omaha
Lack of insurance, ineligibility for free rehab, or full free options should not be a barrier to rehab in Omaha, Nebraska. Several alternatives are available to finance addiction treatment at no cost or low cost. You can reduce the cost of drug and alcohol rehab by selecting programs with a sliding scale payment assistance, rehab scholarships, a state program, or a program that accepts Medicare or Medicaid.4
Apply for a Rehab Scholarship: If you need financial assistance for drug and alcohol rehab in Omaha, Nebraska, you may qualify for a rehab scholarship.4 SAMHSA and the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) jointly administer the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG) to all 50 states.10 This grant targets different categories of drug and alcohol rehab, including:10
- Pregnant women and women with dependent children.
- Intravenous drug users.
- Primary prevention services.
- Tuberculosis services.
- HIV/AIDS early interventions.
You can contact the Nebraska Division of Behavioral Health directly for this scholarship if you meet the eligibility criteria based on dependents and health status.10
Find a Sliding Scale Rehab Program: A sliding scale rehab program will charge a fee based on your income. Many of the drug and alcohol rehab programs in Omaha, Nebraska, offer a sliding scale for payment. 4 You can discuss your income and the sliding scale terms with them to reduce your cost. You may pay a much lower fee than expected if you’re eligible based on income.
Choose a Program that Offers Payment Plans: Programs that offer payment plans will work with you to make payments over time if you do not have insurance. You can discuss offers of payment plans with the drug and alcohol abuse rehab program in Omaha, Nebraska to identify the most suitable plan.
Levels of Care for Addiction Treatment Settings
There are various addiction treatment settings available in Omaha, Nebraska, for drug and alcohol rehab. You can select a treatment setting based on the severity of your condition, your personal schedule, and your preference to spend the night at the facility.
Medical Detox
Medical detox, which involves 24/7 medical supervision and monitoring, is often necessary for withdrawal from alcohol, sedatives, and opioids. Medical detox involves the administration of withdrawal medications, as well as supportive medical care to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the withdrawal process. Detox is generally the first step in your recovery journey.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehab is an intensive program for people who need withdrawal management, nursing care, and primary medical and nursing care.11 A benefit of receiving inpatient services is that the level of treatment is appropriate for severe illness. You have access to rehab services around the clock, which is crucial in relapse prevention.11 It’s beneficial to have timely access to healthcare professionals who can address severe withdrawal symptoms.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
PHPs are for people who have completed residential treatment.11 The services are provided during the week for 6 to 8 hours, and you leave the facility after the service ends.11 These programs are a great option if your environment supports recovery, but you need structure to prevent relapse. A benefit of a PHP setting is that you can maintain some of your daily routines during rehab.
Intensive Outpatient Programs
IOPs offer drug and alcohol rehab for serious conditions. The services are available 24 hours a day in an outpatient setting.11 Intensive outpatient programs do not require an overnight stay.11 The benefit of these programs is that you can get support from friends and family in the community during treatment.
Standard Outpatient
Standard outpatient services are typically provided as initial treatment for mild or moderate drug and alcohol use disorder.11 They offer medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings, as well as group and individual programs.11 An important benefit of standard outpatient treatment is the flexible schedule. You generally have the option of treatment during the day, in the evenings, before or after school or work, and on the weekends.11
Telehealth and Online Addiction Treatment
Telehealth is a delivery mode for drug and alcohol rehab that does not require face-to-face interaction with the healthcare provider.12 Telehealth is a delivery mode for drug and alcohol rehab that does not require face-to-face interaction with the healthcare provider. Telehealth connects you to a health professional in a different location. Technology options for telehealth include real-time interaction with video calls, telephones and web-conferencing platforms.12
Should You Travel to Omaha for Drug Rehab?
You may consider traveling to Omaha for addiction treatment if you have:
- Support from loved ones who live in the area.
- Access to drug and alcohol rehab programs that meet all of your needs.
- The desire to leave your old environment and seek treatment in a distant city.
Neighborhoods in Omaha, Nebraska to Consider for Treatment
Omaha may be the capital city of Nebraska, but you are not restricted to city life if you decide to seek treatment in this area. You have the option of a drug and alcohol rehab program in a serene environment with plenty of greenery in the following neighborhoods:15
- Northwest Omaha, with its parks and quiet residential areas
- West Omaha, a scenic suburban area with plenty of trees and restaurants
Alcohol and Drug Laws in Nebraska
Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs and alcohol is considered a crime in Omaha, Nebraska.16 However, the Nebraska legislature has provisions for you to get treatment when convicted of DUI.
Specialized Substance Abuse Supervision (SSAS): Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs and alcohol is considered a crime in Omaha, Nebraska.16 However, the Nebraska legislature has provisions for you to get treatment when convicted of DUI. Specialized Substance Abuse Supervision (SSAS) is a sentencing alternative that consists of substance abuse treatment and intensive supervision.17
The Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Laws: The Good Samaritan overdose prevention laws in Nebraska exempt you from criminal liability when you request medical assistance in response to an overdose.18 You don’t have to avoid contacting law enforcement when you witness an overdose. You can confidently call law enforcement and paramedics if your loved one is experiencing an overdose because you’ll not be held liable. 18
Advanced Mental Health Directives Act: In 2020, the Advanced Mental Health Directives Act was established to address reluctance toward treatment.5 You can document your preferred drug and alcohol rehab treatment for care in Omaha, Nebraska, using an Advance Mental Health Care Directive. This document will be useful if you develop a crisis or lose capacity during drug and alcohol rehab. Your healthcare provider can use the document to make decisions based on your preference.5
Resources
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration. (2020). 2016-2018 NSDUH Substate Region Estimates.
- Gamble, M. S., Mawokomatanda, T., Xu, F., Chowdhury, P. P., Pierannunzi, C., Flegel, D., Garvin, D., Town, M. (2017). Surveillance for certain health behaviors and conditions among states and selected local areas — behavioral risk factor surveillance system, United States, 2013 and 2014. Surveillance Summaries, 66(16), 1–144
- National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. (2022). Average cost of drug rehab.
- Free Rehab Centers. (n.d.). Omaha, Nebraska: Free alcohol, drug and other rehab resources in Omaha.
- Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. (2022). Treatment and recovery.
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2021). Mental health and substance use insurance help.
- Motbabai, R., Mauro, C., Wall. Barry. C. L., & Olfson, J. (2020). Private health insurance coverage of drug use disorder treatment: 2005-2018.
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2015). What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (2016). Medicare coverage of substance abuse services.
- Benefits.gov. (n.d.). Substance abuse and treatment grant.
- US Department of Health and Human Services. (2016). Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health [Internet]. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US).
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2021). Telehealth for the treatment of serious mental illness and substance use disorders.
- Sachdeva, A., Choudhary, M., & Chandra, M. (2015). Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: Benzodiazepines and Beyond. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR, 9(9), VE01–VE07.
- Findtreatment.gov.(n.d.). Find treatment. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration.
- RentPath Holdings, Inc. (2022). Omaha city guide: neighborhoods and things to do.
- Nebraska Legislature. (n.d.). Nebraska revised statue 60-6, 196.
- Nebraska Judicial Branch. (2018). Evaluation of probation’s specialized substance abuse supervision (SSAS) program demonstrates success.
- Nebraska Legislature. (2017). 28-472. Drug overdose; exception from criminal liability; conditions.
- Gonzales, R., Hernandez, M., Murphy, D. A., & Ang, A. (2016). Youth recovery outcomes at 6 and 9 months following participation in a mobile texting recovery support aftercare pilot study: Follow-up of a mobile texting aftercare study. The American Journal on Addictions, 25(1), 62-68.
- Shechtman, Z., & Kiezel, A. (2016). Why do people prefer individual therapy over group therapy? International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 66(4), 571-591.
- Smart Recovery. (2022). Our approach: Key areas of awareness and change.