Wyoming’s drug and alcohol abuse rates have consistently been above the national average. Alcoholism admissions to the state’s drug and alcohol rehab centers count as almost sixty percent of the total, and Wyoming has an exceptionally low perception of the risks of binge drinking. Most people in Wyoming are of the belief that drinking is a lot safer than using drugs, which of course isn’t the case at all.

Another big concern for doctors, cops, and families is the rapid spread of methamphetamine across the state. As you can see in the chart below, it is the second leading cause of admission to Wyoming’s rehabilitation centers as of 2006. Meth is closely followed by marijuana use, and marijuana is available everywhere in the state. However, meth is a much graver concern due to its toxicity and its extremely addictive nature. It is destructive to both body and mind, and once addicted, a person will do anything to get more of the drug. Most new methamphetamine users are under the age of 25, and almost ten percent of Wyoming’s 12th graders have tried it at least one time.

Office of National Drug Control Policy, Drug Policy Information Clearinghouse

State of Wyoming Profile of Drug Indicators

January 2008

At the time of the last survey, in 2006, there were fifty seven drug and alcohol rehab centers in Wyoming, distributed statewide. As in most other states, most of Wyoming’s facilities are privately owned, either for or not for profit. The state itself owns and operates thirteen facilities. Seventy seven percent of Wyoming’s drug rehabs are publicly funded, and twenty three are contracted with doctors and hospitals- making substance addiction help available to more people in the state.

Just as every patient is different, so is every addiction. Most of Wyoming’s drug and alcohol treatment programs are outpatient-based, but there are sixteen residential facilities available to treat more severe addictions. Every

center’s approach to treatment is a bit different, but the ideal program will be a combination of counseling, detoxification, behavioral therapy, and ongoing support.

However, those with opiate addictions will find it hard to find help in Wyoming. Only two centers and thirteen doctors statewide are able to administer buprenorphine, a drug used to manage both cravings and opiate withdrawals. Most Wyoming drug and alcohol centers are more focused on detox and counseling, so those who need medication-based treatment will have to go farther afield to get help. Early detection and prompt treatment are the best way to fight against the growing drug addiction problem. If you or someone you know has a problem with drugs and alcohol, don’t delay in seeking help. You may just save your own life, or that of someone you love.

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