Laredo Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics
Drug-related deaths decreased from 43 in 2017 to 27 in 2018. Of the 219 overdose deaths between 2012 and 2018, 156 were related to opioids. Heroin, cocaine, and prescription medicines were the most common culprits. Also in 2018, the Laredo police made 1,073 arrests for possession of controlled substances and received 122 calls for drug overdoses.1
In 2018 alone, the Laredo police made 1,073 arrests for possession of controlled substances and received 122 calls for drug overdoses.1
Webb County is in region 11 in South Texas. The 2020 Regional Needs Assessment discovered specific areas of concern for our county and the surrounding counties in region 11. For example,2
- 437 alcohol permits exist in Webb County and 4,616 in region 11
- 98 violations occurred regarding the sale of alcohol to minors
In the 2018 Texas School Survey, middle and high school students claim it is easy to access intoxicating substances, including:2
- 23% believed they could access alcohol, with 4.6% reporting they engaged in binge drinking in the month before the survey
- 19% said marijuana
- 6% said synthetic marijuana
- 19% said inhalants
Regarding region 11 arrests of minors and adults due to substance misuse in 2019,2
- 10 DUIs for minors and 5,320 DUIs for adults
- 44 for underage drunkenness and 8,420 for adults
- 1,946 alcohol-related car accidents.2
Cost of Drug Rehab in Laredo
Drug rehabs in Laredo vary in cost. Some facilities are expensive and may cost hundreds of dollars a week, while others can offer free services to residents who meet their eligibility requirements. Amenities can increase costs as well. For example, if you want a private room, special meals, and access to electronics and television, the total cost increases.
The more it costs your Laredo drug and alcohol rehab of choice to accommodate you, the more it will cost you. Fortunately, many types of Laredo treatment centers can create a custom treatment plan to meet your financial and recovery needs.
Where Can I Find Low-Cost and Free Rehab in Laredo?
State-funded drug and alcohol rehabs in Laredo are for everyone, including those with financial barriers who cannot afford substance misuse treatment. Designated drug rehabs in Laredo are awarded funding from federal resources to provide screening, assessments, and inpatient and outpatient services at low or no cost to eligible recipients. They often require serving priority populations, including:3
- Drug users who use needles for injecting
- Pregnant people
- Pregnant people who inject drugs
- Women with dependent children
Your search for free or low-cost drug rehab in Laredo can begin by contacting your local Webb County mental health and substance misuse program. The people there can refer you for outreach, screening, assessment, and referral (OSAR) services in region 11. An example of a provider is the Tropical Texas Behavioral Health LMHA.4
Does Insurance Cover Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Laredo?
Two significant acts allow insurance companies to cover Laredo drug rehabs and Laredo alcohol rehabs. One is the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and the other is the Affordable Care Act. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurances must now expand coverage for substance misuse treatment, which must be equal to coverage provided for medical and surgical care.
Because plans vary by state and by individual choices of what to include in a plan, the best way to determine your coverage is to call your insurance company directly. On the back of your insurance card is a customer service number. Typically, someone is available to answer questions around the clock. You may also search the company’s website for more information.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a state and federal program that provides insurance coverage to residents of Laredo that meet eligibility requirements, such as having low or no income based on the size of your household. Other requirements include:5
- Texas residency
- S. citizenship or permanent residency
- Child or children you are responsible for under 18
- Medical conditions such as pregnancy
- Disability or someone in your household with a disability
To apply for Medicaid, contact the Texas Health and Human Services Department. You can also take an eligibility quiz on the department’s website before starting.5
Medicare
If you are over 65 or under 65 with a disability, you may qualify for Medicare insurance. You cannot receive Medicaid and Medicare at the same time. Most people are automatically switched to Medicare upon their 65th birthday. Income also plays a role in determining eligibility. For a single person, $1,529 is the monthly income eligibility, and for a couple, $2,060.6
Individuals with a disability may continue to work, but there are income limits to receive full Medicare advantages.
Medicare Part A covers inpatient Laredo drug rehab expenses, Part B covers outpatient expenses, and Part D covers prescription medicines.
Private Insurance
Laredo’s popular private insurance plans include Aetna, Ameri Plus, Magellan, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and United Healthcare.7 Each insurer offers unique plans that differ from the others. However, they all include substance abuse treatment services. To access these services, you may need to pay a copay, deductible, or both, on top of your monthly premium.
Some insurers develop a coinsurance plan where they pay a percentage of the costs, and you pay the remaining portion. For example, a private insurer may pay 80% of inpatient detoxification services, and your cost responsibility is 20%.
For many, drug and alcohol rehabs in Laredo have other ways to help you pay for the 20%. Private insurers pay portions of all services, including medication, inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare.
Popular Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers in Laredo
WestCare Foundation
WestCare Foundation has locations in many states across the country. In Laredo, it offers substance misuse services ranging from intervention, detoxification, residential services, transitional housing, outpatient, and aftercare. Its full continuum of care allows you to begin recovery at any stage.
WestCare Foundation is free for anyone in need.
SCAN Esperanza Youth Recovery Home
Serving Children and Adults in Need (SCAN) Esperanza Youth Recovery Home is a short and long-term residential program for adolescents with substance use disorders. The private, residential setting helps residents academically throughout the day via the school located on campus and supports recovery through the dual diagnosis treatments.
Payment options include private insurance, Medicaid, self-pay, financing, financial aid, self-pay, sliding scale, and free.
Texas Valley Health Care System
The Texas Valley Health Care System serves veterans and their families or caregivers. The Laredo VA clinic is located on North Bartlett Avenue and offers inpatient and outpatient substance misuse treatments.
Payment options include military insurance, private insurance, self-pay, and financial aid.
AAMA Concilio Hispano Libre and Outpatient
The Laredo clinic of AAMA Concilio Hispano Libre and Outpatient provides opioid detoxification, medication-assisted treatment, and individual and group counseling services. It is accredited by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Payment options include Medicaid and Medicare, self-pay, financing, and sliding-scale fees.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Drug Rehab in Laredo
Inpatient drug rehabs in Laredo operate differently than outpatient programs. However, many of the services are the same. Inpatient means you will stay in a facility 24/7 so doctors and nurses can observe you and provide medical care if needed. Laredo outpatient drug and alcohol rehabs, on the other hand, can be attended part-time and are for patients who are more stable mentally and physically, meaning you don’t need medical supervision all the time.
Inpatient Laredo drug rehabs can include detoxification, rehab, and residential programs. Outpatient Laredo alcohol rehabs and drug rehabs have partial-hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and standard individual outpatient counseling.
Advantages of Inpatient Addiction Treatment
Entering an inpatient drug rehab in Laredo means staying in a hospital-like environment where your withdrawal symptoms can be monitored and treated with medication. This can be a massive advantage because it allows you to focus more on recovery and less on withdrawal. Other benefits of inpatient drug and alcohol rehabs in Laredo include:
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Time away from triggers
- Time to focus on yourself and your emotional and physical needs
- Peer support
- Recovery skill education
- Aftercare plans
Disadvantages of Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient drug rehab in Laredo advantages can sometimes feel like disadvantages, like being away from family and friends, even when they may be triggers for relapse. You may get homesick but must remember inpatient care is temporary. A few other disadvantages may include:
- You must leave your job, which can mean a loss of income temporarily
- You lose access to the outside world during your stay
- You may feel uncomfortable at first participating in individual and group counseling sessions
Pros of Outpatient Addiction Treatment
If you have a healthy support system at home, such as people who do not misuse alcohol or drugs, you can stay home at night and attend outpatient drug and alcohol rehabs in Laredo during the day. Other advantages of outpatient programs include the following:
- PHP offers twenty or more hours each week of individual and group counseling
- IOP offers ten or more hours each week of individual and group counseling
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Schedules can be more flexible, and some work around your work, school, or personal obligations
- Peer support
- Recovery skill education
- New skills are implemented in real-time
Cons of Outpatient Rehab
Of course, there are some disadvantages of outpatient drug and alcohol rehab in Laredo. For example,
- You are living near the people, places, and things that can trigger a relapse
- You do not get time away from the stressors of your life
- You do not have access to round-the-clock care if there is a crisis during early recovery
Types of Drug and Alcohol Rehabs in Laredo
When searching for drug and alcohol rehabs in Laredo, many people google “drug rehab near me” or “alcohol rehab near me” and call the first one that pops up. Instead, take extra time to assess your needs. Ask yourself questions about the kind of drug rehab in Laredo that will work best for you.
There are different Laredo drug rehabs and Laredo alcohol rehabs that offer special services to help support you while in recovery.
Faith-Based and Christian Rehab
If you believe in a higher power or want faith or religion to be a part of your recovery, choose a faith-based or Christian drug rehab in Laredo. Most programs incorporate Bible studies, prayer time, 12 Step facilitation, and volunteer work into recovery treatment plans.
Luxury Rehab
You don’t necessarily have to be wealthy to attend a luxury drug rehab in Laredo. Luxury typically refers to the amenities provided at the facility. Examples may include spa treatments, fitness activities, chef-cooked meals, private rooms, access to electronics, etc.
If you feel these luxuries will benefit your recovery, consider entering a luxury drug and alcohol rehab in Laredo. There are many ways to reduce costs, which the rehab itself will explain.
Executive Rehab
Executive drug and alcohol rehabs in Laredo are perfect for business professionals who cannot spend time away from their organizations. These people are usually important decision-makers for their companies. Executive drug rehabs in Laredo provide substance misuse treatment and offer business amenities during the day.
You will be able to access a business suite, computers, conference technology, phones, faxes, copiers, and anything else you need to fulfill your duties. Some executive Laredo drug rehabs allow you to travel for important meetings and events and return once it is over.
Holistic Rehab
Holistic drug rehabs in Laredo offer alternative treatments to heal the whole person. A disconnection occurs in your mind, body, and spirit when misusing substances. Holistic programs assist in reconnecting these three so you can experience complete healing.
Examples of holistic treatments include yoga, meditation, tai chi, art, music therapy, equine therapy, acupuncture, massage, nutritional health, fitness, etc. Certified professionals in their specific fields lead each holistic activity.
Dual Diagnosis Rehab
Much research has proven addiction and mental health go hand in hand. If your mental health is unstable, you also experience physical health problems. Similarly, if your physical health is impaired, your mental health may suffer.
Treating both at the same time promotes overall healing and better prevents relapse. For example, if you have an alcohol use disorder (AUD) and back pain but only treat the AUD, your remaining back pain may tempt you to relapse. Recovery from both problems can happen simultaneously.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a big part of inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs in Laredo. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved MAT for alcohol and opioid use disorders.
Too often, without MAT, people relapse to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. MAT is beneficial in easing withdrawal symptoms and cravings in early recovery so you can focus on learning the necessary skills for recovery. Each MAT-approved medicine has advantages.
How to Get Methadone at a Methadone Clinic
Methadone is a synthetic opioid to treat opioid use disorder. An opioid treating an opioid use disorder may sound odd. However, methadone is an extended-release opioid that can take more than 24 hours to process through the body in its entirety. This prevents a person from getting high or experiencing euphoria while still averting the physical withdrawal symptoms.
Also, methadone can only be prescribed and administered at a licensed and certified methadone clinic. Each day, you must visit the clinic to receive a new dose of methadone, which is given on the spot. You do not take home prescriptions of methadone, preventing the drug from being misused.
Finding Suboxone Doctors
Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone that treats opioid use disorders. Buprenorphine is a slow-release synthetic opioid. Naloxone does not become active unless someone tries to misuse Suboxone, like trying to inject it. Then, naloxone binds to opioid receptors in the brain and reverses the opioid effects, sending you into withdrawal.
Only certified doctors can prescribe Suboxone for opioid recovery. They have acquired the proper training hours and are limited to a specific number of program participants. Suboxone is typically given in prescriptions of one month, but some people receive weekly medications to avoid misuse. Suboxone comes in tablets and films that dissolve under the tongue.
Naltrexone for Alcohol or Opioid Addiction
Naltrexone is the only MAT medicine approved by the FDA for opioid and alcohol use disorders. Naltrexone is not an opioid or sedative. It works by blocking the euphoric or sedative effects you feel when misusing opiates or alcohol. Naltrexone also reduces cravings for both substances.
Naltrexone is often prescribed in pill form or as a monthly injection. An approved, licensed physician can only prescribe both forms. To begin Naltrexone, your system must be free of alcohol and opioids. Otherwise, the medicine will not work.
Antabuse (Disulfiram) for Alcohol Addiction
Antabuse is also called disulfiram and treats alcohol use disorders. As a MAT, Antabuse is prescribed by a licensed physician or psychiatrist. It comes in pill form. Suppose you choose to drink alcohol while taking Antabuse. In that case, you will experience an adverse reaction that may include nausea, vomiting, flu-like symptoms, flushing, blurred vision, breathing and heart rate problems, and chest pain, to name a few.
If these symptoms sound like a bad hangover, that’s because they are similar and due to a buildup of acetaldehyde in your system. With a hangover, this buildup happens naturally. With Antabuse, if you drink alcohol, it triggers a release and buildup of acetaldehyde that is greater than those of a hangover.
Acamprosate for Alcohol Use Disorder
To start taking the MAT known as acamprosate or Campral, your system must be free of alcohol for at least one week. Only a licensed physician can prescribe acamprosate, an excellent drug for restoring the neurotransmitters in the brain that alcohol misuse damages.
Acamprosate does not produce harmful effects if you drink while taking it, but the positive effects will not continue to work. Restoration of the neurotransmitters and structure of your brain stops until you are no longer drinking alcohol again.
Should I Travel to Laredo for Alcohol and Drug Rehab?
Laredo is a border town with Mexico, which means it is soaked in diverse cultures. Deciding to travel to Laredo drug rehab or Laredo alcohol rehab must include factors that can aid in your recovery.
Neighborhoods in Laredo to Consider for Treatment
Successful recovery plans include full calendars with healthy activities that distract you from relapse triggers and replace substance misuse behaviors with other positive behaviors. Each Laredo neighborhood has its advantages for living a sober lifestyle.
If it’s history you want, you will not be disappointed in Laredo. For example, Old Mercado, St. Peter’s, San Augustin, El Azteca, and the Fort McIntosh Historic Districts are home to museums, galleries, expositions, and other cultural adventures.
The Rio Grande Valley is a great way to connect to the natural beauty of Laredo. Doing so helps you reconnect your mind, body, and spirit. Try the Lake Casa Blanca International State Park to receive nature’s benefits. You can fish, hike, bike, or enjoy the lake.
Downtown Laredo is one of two central business districts with streets named after American and Mexican generals. It offers a long list of recovery-positive activities, like attending classes at the Laredo Community College. It has modern aspects such as high-rise buildings and government offices and many properties on the national historic register. Plus, it has the Gateway to the Americas International Bridge for border crossing.
San Bernardo Avenue is 40 blocks of shopping. From local Mexican products to name-brand stores, you can find what you are looking for here. If you are in recovery, this may be a great place to pick up a part-time job to fill those times when you may feel bored, which can trigger a relapse. Working in the community is the best way to get involved and meet new people.
Wherever you stay in Laredo, you can access sporting events. It has minor league teams in numerous sports and collegiate sporting events. Playing and watching sports is a great distraction and stress reliever when you feel like drinking or misusing substances.
You will also find Spanish and English-speaking Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous groups in Laredo that meet every day.
Drug and Alcohol Laws in Laredo
Texas has several drug and alcohol laws protecting the people of Laredo. The prescription monitoring program, PMP Aware, requires physicians to write opioid prescriptions electronically rather than on paper to reduce the misuse of opioids.
House Bill 2174
House Bill 2174 requires physicians to write opioid prescriptions for no longer than ten days, and the prescriptions cannot have refills. The Sandra Bland Act requires jailers to assess mental health and substance use disorders and send inmates for treatment rather than keeping them in jail.
The Good Samaritan Act
The Good Samaritan Act in Texas protects you from being arrested or charged if you are in good faith trying to save another person’s life, even if you yourself are misusing alcohol or drugs at the time. For example, if you are misusing heroin with a friend and your friend overdoses, you can call 911 for help without the fear of being arrested or getting in trouble.
Seeking the help of drug rehab in Laredo is a great first step, one you do not have to do alone.
To learn more about drug rehabs in Laredo or alcohol rehabs in Laredo, give us a call. Many options can take time to investigate on your own, especially when googling “drug rehab near me” or “alcohol rehab near me.” We can shorten the process and connect you with the best Laredo drug rehab that meets your specific needs.
Our support team is available 24/7. Call (800) 662-HELP (4357) to speak with someone who can connect you with treatment options in Laredo.
Resources
- Laredo/ Webb County Drug and Alcohol Commission. (2018). Substance Use Services Directory.
- Behavioral Health Solutions of South Texas Prevention Resource Center 11. (2020). Regional Needs Assessment.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant.
- Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Outreach, Screening, Assessment, and Referral.
- Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). What is Texas Medicaid?
- Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Medicare.
- Texas Department of Insurance. (2020). Top 40 List of Insurers.