Albany Heroin Treatment Centers
Heroin Treatment Centers Albany New York
Albany is the capital of New York state. To draw a perspective of the city’s abuse issues, vis a vis the state’s averages, let’s look at the latter first.
Based on the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, an estimated 15% of New York State residents 12 and older experience a substance abuse disorder annually. The numbers are said to be over 2 million per year. For Albany drug rehab centers that are tailored to treat Heroin or Opiates please contact our helpline now.
In 2010, the organization’s objective was to reduce by 20% the percentage of adult New York residents who have reported drinking more than five alcoholic drinks a day. The objective was targeted to be met by 2013. It was met the following year, in 2014, falling under the national average of 15.8%, with 13.4% . By the end of 2017, the figures have remained consistent with 2014 numbers.
Similarly, the goal of the organization when it came to drugs was to decrease hospitalization treatments to 26 per 10,000 state residents. Again, the goal was met in 2014, under the then-present baseline of 34.6%.
Present statewide strategies to further curb its alcohol and drug abuses include the following: a) Enhancement of enforcement laws prohibiting sales to minors; b) Consideration of a further increase of alcohol taxes; c) Maintaining limits on days on which alcohol is sold; and d) Continued cultivation of model substance abuse prevention programs.
Like so many other cities throughout the United States, Albany is experiencing a near-epidemic level of opioid abuse, which represents its greatest and fastest-growing drug issue. Signs of an opioid overdose, whether natural or synthetic (such as heroin) include:
- Slow, shallow or inconsistent breathing;
- Contracted pupils;
- Snoring or choking sounds;
- A blue or purplish appearance in lips and/or fingernails;
- Vomiting;
- Faint pulse; and
- Unconsciousness
Opioids as an umbrella term can include natural opiates (morphine, codeine), as well as synthetic variants such as Fentanyl, Oxycodone, and Heroin. Many authorities in the area carry Narcan, which is also available for free to all Albany residents. Narcan reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Trainings are offered to the public twice-monthly, which includes a free Narcan kit. Such training is also provided to county employees. Contact your local police or fire department for further information. For Opiate addiction treatment in Albany NY please contact our helpline and speak with an recovery specialist.
Opioid replacement therapy is also available and a common form of treatment in Albany, including options such as Methadone, Suboxone, and Vivitrol. Further, Albany County expends a substantive part of its budget to educate residents as to the nature of substance abuse in general.
On November 7, 2017, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a report by Albany physician Andrew Chang. The main finding went against popular thought, and stated that short-term opioid usage could be just as dangerous, in terms of addiction, as long-term usage.
Alcohol and pot use are slightly higher than the national average. Meth and cocaine are slightly under the national average. Both instances take into account a statistical consideration of “plus or minus two percent,” which potentially evens the figures as online with national trends. To find local AA Albany NY meetings please click here.
Albany is the seat of Albany County, and is approximately 150 miles north of New York City on the Hudson River. The city is noted as the first European settlement area in the state. Albany has a total area of 21.8 square miles, of which .4 miles is water.
Albany’s crime rate has remained consistent with that of New York State, which has been an ongoing statistic since at least 2000. New York State presently has a crime rate of approximately 600 per 100,000 residents, a percentage which compares with its capital. Of those numbers, however, in terms of violent crime Albany is statistically higher by approximately a third.
Albany contains more than 60 recreation areas and public parks. The Empire State Plaza, where most state agency offices are located, is a landmark that can be seen from most any area in the city.
The state capital hosts just over 100,000 residents. Racial makeup is 55% Caucasian, 27% African American, 9% Hispanic of Any Race, 8% Asian, and the remainder listed as “Other Races.” Median income for a household exceeds $80,000, above the national average.
The arts are popular in Albany. As its proximity to New York is friendly for traveling acts, many top musicians and actors perform in the area. Museums are prevalent. Technology is the city’s strongest industry, and Tech Valley – which encompasses Albany and the Hudson Valley – its hub of focus. The city has a diverse population of many religions; Orthodox Christian, Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish communities abound. Of late, the city has invested further resources into businesses that attract after-hours consumers.
Downtown Albany thrives as a hub of nightlife. Club drugs are increasingly prevalent, with many profit-minded individuals marketing their own versions of Ecstasy and other club drugs, usually said to be “healthy” and “herbal.”
Otherwise, as mentioned, Albany is yet another city whose greatest issue is the opiate scourge. Beginning with prescriptions to take care of pain, then evolving into a user mode of wanting a quicker fix and subsequent stronger drugs to meet that fix, heroin has taken hold as the street drug of choice.
Albany, New York is a beautiful town with an unfortunate problem. If you find yourself overusing any substance listed herein, understand that you will always be able to find an option that is best suited for your needs.
PRE-INTAKE RESOURCES
We have discussed this in other articles here, and it is well worth repeating: Pre-intake questions to consider, which mimic certain applications, include many that require the individual seeking help to dig deep inside and be brutally honest as to the degree and severity of their substance use.
Some common questions that will likely be asked on an application form include the following:
“Have you ever substituted one drug for another, thinking one particular drug was the problem?” “Have you ever substituted one drug for another with the intent of a greater high?” “Does the thought of running out of drugs terrify you?” “Why do you use?” And, “Have you ever been in a jail, a hospital, or a drug rehabilitation center because of your using?” If you or someone you know is suffering from Heroin addiction please contact our 24hr helpline from Albany counseling services and speak with a recovery specialist now.
As with any other self-diagnostic tool, consider the preceding questions as exploratory only. You must speak to a trained and licensed professional for any true diagnosis. Still, such introspection can be extremely useful. Pointed questions such as these deserve honest, well-thought answers. You may be validated in your responses, or you may dislike your responses. Likely both will apply to an extent. Regardless, consider your results, and then take necessary action.
A caveat: Even if you don’t believe you are addicted, but are concerned that your usage is growing, or that you may be on the cusp of a problem, our The Recover resources are there for you. You do not have to be on the far side of addiction to reach out to trained professionals as listed here.
In the same spirit, if you are drawn to use, but have not yet, you may still want to speak to a trained professional. 21 million Americans suffer from substance abuse issues. You are not alone.
Finding out what type coverage you have can help you in your decision process for choosing a heroin drug rehab in Albany. Insurance can cover up to 100% in some cases and a recovery specialist can assist you in finding what type of coverage you have. To learn more about a united healthcare inpatient drug rehab please click the link provided.
INTERVENTION
If you believe you need help, then we strongly suggest you follow that gut instinct. If, however – for whatever the reason – you believe you need help prior to entering formal treatment, we have a suggestion.
Speak to a friend, a family member, or an otherwise trusted associate. In an ideal situation, speak to someone you trust who has dealt with addiction issues. Ask them if they could help you, whether practically or by recommending someone who can work with you towards treatment. If you have
no one you can trust, which is common for a user, then we suggest contacting one of the organizations on this page and speaking to them about your issues, or concerns.
If you come to believe an intervention may be in your best interests, but want to know more, here are some common elements practiced by an interventionist:
- Planning, preparation, and engagement of the intervention.
- Advisement of specific and appropriate treatment and rehab programs.
- Sensitivity issues in working with a user.
- Preparing all arrangements, including family consultation so they know what to expect.
- Continuing to work with the family – or friends – of the addict while they are undergoing inpatient or outpatient treatment.
- Arranging of all logistics, including payment and/or insurance requirements, and arrival.
The interventionist also sets ground rules as to how to interact with the user:
Do not get upset with your family member, or friend, during the intervention.
Avoid verbal labels during the intervention, such as “junkie,” “addict,” or “alcoholic.” The mindset is to not have the addict defined by their addiction.
When deciding who to include in the intervention – again, friends and/or family of the addict (as we will continue to say for clarity’s sake in the context of these articles) – the number of people who attend must be kept to a minimum, and managed.
Never perform the intervention if the addict, or another member of the group, is intoxicated.
Many interventions are initiated against the will of the user, by concerned associated parties. Television sometimes reinforces the myth that all interventions are violent, or potentially dangerous. Consider this: Is your addiction potentially dangerous?
If you find yourself as a surprised and unwilling subject of an intervention, those in charge are taking the action in your best interests. How you respond is, of course, up to you. However, note that the interventionist is there to help you, not hurt you.
Intervention can be a highly-effective tool when prudently undertaken. Those in charge have an immense responsibility to you and your safety, and they take that responsibility seriously.
INTAKE SERVICES
Many addicts, or users with a problem whose usage is not yet defined as an addiction, make the mistake of not taking the first step towards sobriety as it regards intake. If you need help in making an informed decision as to what treatment method is right for you, we cannot encourage you strongly enough to, again, speak to family and/or friends who have been there before. Sometimes, a user has a difficult time making such decisions with a clear head.
And once more, if you know of no one who has been through these issues before, please contact one of the centers as listed on this page.
Also, we encourage you to ask yourself a few questions: 1) What is holding you back from getting help? 2) Do you believe you have a support system? If so, do you feel comfortable contacting them and speaking about your problem? If not, would you feel more comfortable contacting a professional? And 4) Do you believe you are capable of making an informed decision as to your treatment? If yes, you are well-advised to take advantage of one or more of the resources here. If no, you are strongly advised to contact one of the phone numbers listed here, and discuss your reservations.
They are there to help.
During the intake application process, you will be required to list your prescription medications and days and times taken (if “none,” you check “none”), an authorization of medical care, a list of allergies or other medical issues, and a waiver of responsibility. Some applications ask more. A physician or treatment center representative will then review your application for the proper steps, and treatment.
Because more and more couples are wanting to enter into treatment together, many centers are now offering help for both members at the same time. There are also treatment centers that allow pets as well, offering the patient to seek help along with their pet. There are many different centers with multiple amenities for those who want help. This first step is make the call and find a place that fits your needs for recovery.
DETOX SERVICES
The concept and practice of detox is typically broken down into three distinct phases: Evaluation, Stabilization, and Transition to Inpatient Drug Rehab.
Evaluation: As overseen by a doctor, who will determine what drugs are presently being used, how long has the patient been using, and how much and how frequently the patient uses.
Stabilization: As expounded on the site, stabilization differs patient to patient, based on specific substance being abused. This is the end result of the withdrawal phase.
Transition to Inpatient Drug Rehab: Many addicts believe that once they complete withdrawal, they are finished with their treatment. That is a dangerous belief, as withdrawal only releases the immediate physical hold of the substance.
Communication is key. Some users are resistant to treatment, most especially when in a treatment center against their will. In this instance, your communication with your specialists will be at risk. Remember, they are there to help you. You have the freedom to ask questions, and the right to receive answers.
That is one of the benefits of treatment, a better understanding of your illness.
INPATIENT TREATMENT RESOURCES
Inpatient treatment can either be PHP (a partial hospitalization providing a highly-structured environment, with typically active treatment of 30 hours per week), the less-intensive IOP (intensive outpatient treatment plan, which requires up to three hours daily over 3-5 days, for a total of nine hours weekly; therapy is usually included, but the patient can live either at their own home or a halfway house during the process), and an RTC (residential).
Though you may be the best determinant of the degree of inpatient recovery resources best suited to your needs, frequently one may need the help of family or friends to help you more clearly identify the treatment options that are most prudent for your needs. From there, only your personal commitment will determine your success.
PHPs and RTCs are amazing resources for those with more severe or difficult abuse issues. Both options are highly-structured, especially the former. The importance of structure cannot be understated. You will have a time for medicinal treatment, a time for personal or group therapy, a time to rest, a time for activities …
Frequently, a user has little structure outside of the drug treatment center. The user is more interested in the high than by scheduling their day via their clock. The structure of PHP treatment, particularly, may be a challenge for some. But, if you allow the treatment to take its course, the end-result can exceed your most optimistic hopes.
We will talk more about commitment in a moment.
OUTPATIENT TREATMENT RESOURCES
Outpatient treatment is a comprehensive approach to wellness, and no less impactful than inpatient services. Please research the importance of outpatient treatment resources on The Recover, or speak to loved ones who have been through the process. Recovery is an ongoing process, which requires a substantive lifestyle change to avoid the ever-present threat of a relapse.
Let’s discuss a bit further. Outpatient treatment allows the patient a certain level of responsibility to remain clean while outside of the treatment center. You will face temptations but will have also learned specific strategies as to how to deal with them. It is up to you to take advantage of those lessons. There is a certain degree of trust on the part of the outpatient treatment administrators that the user will remain clean, and at the same time outpatient treatment allows for the user to remain productive on the outside while still receiving help. If you work, you can schedule your outpatient appointments or check-ins after hours.
One very important point, though, under this or any treatment circumstance: The entirely of your treatment is a commitment. Outpatient or not, if you miss one appointment you will likely miss another. That is a recipe for failure. What you allow, you encourage.
Never allow an excuse to fail.
On that note, let us discuss the concept of commitment for a moment. Some users resent the term, thinking many of those who do not use, or who are not otherwise plagued by addiction, tend to believe commitment is that much easier than it truly is. How can a user commit to anything at all, one may ask, much less treatment if said user is overwhelmed by their addiction?
It is very difficult. Really, it is. Understand that you have something very important in common, however, with a non-user: Specifically, nothing comes easy without work. And commitment, make no mistake, is work. This is why we mention that you may want to speak to a trusted confidante about your experiences. If you have trust issues, research your options on your own but once you make your decisions, without commitment your recovery will be that much more challenging.
You can do this, though. You can reclaim your life. A commitment is necessary, but we cannot make that commitment for you.
Always remember, you are not defined by your addictions. Make a decision, take action, and commit. You got this.
IN CONCLUSION
Albany, New York is a city rich in culture and religion, and plagued with its share of drug issues. The community has been proactive in its efforts to curb its substance abuse problems, and has undertaken strong efforts to determine what can best be done in this fight.
Many outside services can assist you and your family throughout recovery AA meeting, therapy, al anon Albany NY meetings etc. Use local Albany recovery resources to stay clear from drugs or alcohol if you are in recovery. For local Al Anon Albany NY meetings visit here.
Albany’s greatest current apprehension, like so many cities where opiates have become its largest substance-related scourge, is that its heroin usage will evolve. The fear relates to its continual growing availability as a synthetic opiate, in an environment where its residents look for bigger and bigger highs. Multiple opiate prescriptions are an ongoing issue. Frequently, a user so-prescribed will turn to something stronger to increase the effect they strive for, without taking multiple pills.
But, on repeat, the help you need is out there.
The difference is made once you seek help. Help is a commitment, however; attending a treatment center and seeing your way through the process may well be the most important commitment you will ever undertake. You are your own best friend in this process, by virtue of being aware of your issue and appropriately acting upon it. As we all know, the process of addiction is day-to-day. Treatment is no different. As long as you understand, however, that help is but a phone call away, taking action is the most positive step you can take for yourself.
Please feel free to keep us informed of your progress. If you need help, and if feel that you can ask, please do so. This is why we are here. For more information about heroin or an opiate rehab center in Albany NY please contact our helpline now.
