Prescription Drug Abuse Programs in Aiken

Prescription drug abuse has become a major issue in Aiken, South Carolina, and across the state. According to the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS), prescription opioid abuse was responsible for over 700 overdose deaths in the state in 2018 alone. In Aiken, there is a growing need for effective treatment programs to address this problem.

Types of Treatment Programs:

1. Outpatient Programs: These programs offer counseling and therapy to individuals with prescription drug abuse disorders while allowing them to live at home. Outpatient programs are often more affordable than inpatient programs and provide more flexibility for those with work, school, or family responsibilities.

2. Inpatient Programs: Inpatient programs, also known as residential treatment, provide 24-hour care and support for individuals struggling with prescription drug abuse. These programs usually last for 30 to 90 days and focus on detox, counseling, and developing relapse prevention strategies.

3. Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs): IOPs are a combination of inpatient and outpatient programs. They provide more intensive treatment than traditional outpatient programs, but patients do not have to live at the facility. IOPs are a good option for those who need more support than traditional outpatient programs.

4. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT involves the use of FDA-approved medications, such as buprenorphine or methadone, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapy to treat prescription drug abuse disorders. MAT has shown to be effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms and preventing relapse.

Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs in Aiken:

1. Opioids: Opioids are a class of drugs commonly prescribed to treat severe pain. These include prescription painkillers such as OxyContin, Vicodin, and fentanyl. Opioids are highly addictive and can lead to overdose and death if not used as prescribed.

2. Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines, or "benzos," are a type of sedative commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Commonly prescribed benzos in Aiken include Xanax, Valium, and Ativan. Long-term use can lead to physical and psychological dependence.

3. Stimulants: Stimulants are used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and include drugs like Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta. These medications can be highly addictive and have similar effects to cocaine when misused.

Rehab Program Statistics:

- According to the South Carolina DAODAS, there were over 96,000 admissions to substance abuse treatment programs in the state in 2018, with prescription drugs as the primary substance of abuse for 12.1% of those admitted.

- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that in 2018, there were 31 treatment facilities in Aiken offering substance abuse treatment services. Of these, 19 facilities provided opioid treatment services, 16 provided benzodiazepine treatment services, and 24 provided treatment for prescription stimulant abuse.

- The Recovery Village, an addiction treatment center in Aiken, reported that over 80% of their clients seeking treatment for prescription drug abuse were addicted to opioids, and the majority were between the ages of 18 and 34.

Local South Carolina Facts:

- In 2019, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reported that there were 1,057 opioid-related overdose deaths in the state, with a rate of 20.9 deaths per 100,000 persons.

- DHEC also reported that in 2019, there were over 21,000 emergency department visits related to prescription opioid overdoses in South Carolina.

- According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2017, South Carolina ranked sixth in the nation for the number of opioid prescriptions per 100 persons, with 97 prescriptions written for every 100 people.

Overall, prescription drug abuse is a serious issue in Aiken and South Carolina. It is crucial that individuals struggling with prescription drug abuse have access to effective treatment programs to address their disorders. There are various rehab programs available in Aiken, and individuals should seek professional help to determine the best course of treatment for their specific needs.