Montana is known for its blue skies, wide-open land, and its border with Canada. All of those things put together make it a hotbed for marijuana abuse, because the drugs are easily grown in-state or smuggled in from the north. However, the DEA says that methamphetamine is the biggest problem in Montana, and meth addiction admissions to Montana’s drug and alcohol treatment centers have increased by four hundred percent in the last fourteen years.
Even though the state has a population of less than a million people, its drug and alcohol abuse rates are among the highest in the entire country. Also, most of Montana’s citizens have a low perceived risk of the use of tobacco and marijuana. These “harmless” substances in fact cause the most admissions to Montana’s rehab centers.
Office of National Drug Control Policy, Drug Policy Information Clearinghouse
State of Montana Profile of Drug Indicators
July 2008
On the Native American reservations and in the western portion of Montana, cocaine is the most widely abused drug. There are four tribally owned drug and alcohol treatment centers in Montana, and there are eleven more that are owned by the federal government. The rest of Montana’s drug and alcohol treatment centers are privately run, either for- or non-profit. Private doesn’t mean unattainable, though- eighty four percent of Montana’s drug and alcohol treatment centers get some public funding, making them available to more of the state’s people.
As is the case in so many other states, most of Montana’s drug and alcohol rehab centers (over 95%) are run on an outpatient basis. There are eight treatment centers in Montana that provide residential treatment, which is ideal for severe addiction issues. These programs work by removing the patient from stress and temptation. Because of the rarity of these programs in Montana, those that need them may have to look a little harder for help.
All of Montana’s drug and alcohol programs are not the same. Each one is run a little differently, and all services may not be available in all areas. Most of them use a mix of counseling, detox, behavior modification, and continuing support after the program is completed. There are seven programs in Montana that offer treatment for opiate addiction, and there are eleven doctors in the state that can dispense buprenorphine or methadone. These drugs are useful in the minimization of cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Just like in many other states, the parents of teens in Montana need to be especially vigilant and educated. They should learn the symptoms and signs of drug use, and be ready to step in if they are seen. Many drug and alcohol addictions get their start in the teenage years, and if they aren’t stopped, they can lead to a lifetime of struggle and misery.
Those that think they may be addicted to drugs should see their doctor, where they will be evaluated for addiction severity and other factors. Then, the doctor will refer them to an appropriate Montana drug and alcohol treatment program.
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