Drug and Alcohol Abuse Statistics in Port Arthur, Texas
We can get a good view of the impact of substance use on the community of Port Arthur by looking at some recent statistics provided by federal agencies responsible for tracking population data:1,3
The rate of people that died from a drug overdose in Jefferson County rose 109% between 2018 and 2020
Alcohol overdose-related deaths declined in that time by a total of five fatalities.
The number of people prescribed opiate medications was 71 per 100 residents in 2018, which fell by .9% by 2020
In 2020, the rate of men and women that perished from a drug overdose was about the same, at 24.6 per 100,000 women and 26.5 per 100,000 men.
Levels of Care for Rehabs in Texas
The following types of substance abuse treatment offer various levels of care. Some Texans enter treatment at the most restrictive levels and move through the continuum of care, while others only require the least intensive interventions.
Alcohol and Drug Detoxification
Detox is the process of safely and comfortably removing drugs or alcohol from your system. This occurs under medical supervision in a hospital, residential, or outpatient setting, to manage withdrawal symptoms and allow Texans to transition into formal treatment services.
Residential or Inpatient
Residential or inpatient treatment involves living at the rehab facility and receiving 24/7 supervised care. A combination of treatment interventions is offered, including individual and group therapy, nutritional counseling, experiential therapies, and medication.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
PHPs allow Texans to live at home while attending treatment at a hospital. You may participate in many of the same treatment methods as inpatient care, but you can return home during non-treatment hours.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
A step down from a PHP, IOPs allow you to attend a few hours of counseling over several days each week. This allows you to spend the rest of your time at home, school, working, or fulfilling other obligations.
Standard Outpatient
The least intensive treatment option, standard outpatient care involves one to two hours of treatment per week. Highly motivated people with a strong support system tend to find this level beneficial.
Relapse Prevention
Relapse prevention, also known as aftercare, begins when you complete a rehab program. It involves ongoing encouragement through therapy, 12-step groups, non-12-step groups, sober living homes, and other types of support.
How to Pay for Addiction Treatment in Port Arthur, Texas
Private Insurance
All insurance providers are required by law to provide coverage for substance abuse and mental health treatment services in some capacity. Coverage varies by plan, so Texas residents must contact their providers to learn about their specific coverage.
Texas Medicaid
The Texas Medicaid program offers health insurance for low-income residents. This includes various treatment services like inpatient drug rehab and outpatient substance abuse treatment. Most Medicaid services in Texas are delivered through managed care health plans under contract with the state. Before enrolling in a rehab program, individuals should confirm that the facility accepts Medicaid as a form of payment.
Texas Medicare
Texas Medicare is a federal program that provides healthcare coverage to residents with end-stage renal disease, those with certain disabilities, and those over the age of 65. Texas residents can use Medicare to cover the cost of drug addiction treatment services, including rehab. However, not all rehabs accept Medicare insurance. Texas offers a free helpline to guide residents through the complexities of Medicare coverage: 800-252-9240.
TRICARE in Texas
Texas TRICARE (West region) is a government program providing health insurance coverage to the U.S. Armed Forces military personnel, veterans, and their families. TRICARE coverage includes addiction treatment services, such as rehab and medication-assisted treatment.
Sliding Scale Rehabs
Sliding scale rehabs are income-based, charging only what Texans can reasonably afford based on how much they earn. To qualify for these programs, individuals must provide proof of income.
IHS-Funded Drug Rehabs
Drug rehabs funded by the Indian Health Service (IHS) provide free addiction treatment to Indigenous people in the U.S. and Alaskan Natives.
Traveling to and Within Port Arthur, Texas
Being 100 miles east of the Houston Metro, Port Arthur is a bit out of the way, though still accessible. There are also plenty of cool things to do and all the comforts you would expect from an American town:
- The nearest airport is the Jack Brooks Regional Airport, which hosts American Airlines and has daily trips to DFW Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport through American Eagle Airlines. This airport has free parking as well as affordable $20-per-day park and flight rates in its secure parking lot.
- Port Arthur has your typical southern grocery stores, including H-E-B and Market Basket. In addition, you can dine at one of thirteen restaurants in the city, including Texas Roadhouse and multiple seafood spots.
- Lamar State College is in Port Arthur and has over 31 degree programs if you’re interested in higher learning while seeking addiction treatment or supporting your loved one in rehab.
- This coastal city has four post offices as well as the Port of Port Arthur Shipping Terminal, and two public libraries, for any business needs that you may have while visiting.
- If you enjoy history, a tour of the Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site is a good place to explore, as is the Gulf Coast Museum. For more active adventures, check out the Max Bowl bowling center or the Sea Rim State Park for a day of bird-watching.
Texas Alcohol and Drug Laws
Texas lawmakers have enacted the following laws regarding substance use:1,2,3,4
Texas Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Statute: This law is designed to encourage Texas residents to seek emergency medical attention during an overdose situation. It protects individuals who call 911 for assistance with a suspected overdose from prosecution for possession of certain controlled substances (if they have not called 911 for an overdose in the preceding 18 months).
Sandra Bland Act: This law provides for rehab for individuals arrested or convicted of non-violent crimes. Per this statute, Texas criminal justice officials must work to identify people with suspected substance use concerns and divert these individuals to an appropriate treatment facility rather than incarcerate them.
Texas Protections for Employees Seeking Addiction Treatment: Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Texas employees who voluntarily seek alcohol and drug treatment may be eligible for time off work for this treatment. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also provides some protections for employees who seek addiction treatment
Marijuana Laws: Texas law is among the strictest in the country regarding marijuana. Recreational use and growth are illegal, and medical use is legal but heavily regulated. Penalties for use, growth, possession, or sale of marijuana range from 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine to life imprisonment and a $50,000 fine.
Resources
- Center for Disease Control. (2022). CDC Wonder Tool.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Treatment Locator Map.
- Center for Disease Control. (2022). U.S. County Opioid Dispensing Rates, 2020.