Prescription Drug Abuse Programs in Houston

Prescription drug abuse has become a growing problem in Houston, Texas, with a sharp increase in overdoses and related deaths. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Texas has one of the highest prescription drug overdose death rates in the country.

Rehab Programs in Houston:

There are numerous rehab programs in Houston that specifically address prescription drug abuse. These programs offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment options and incorporate a variety of therapeutic techniques such as detoxification, individual and group counseling, and medication-assisted treatment.

One of the well-known rehab programs in Houston is the Memorial Hermann Behavioral Health Center. This center offers a comprehensive treatment program for substance abuse disorders, including prescription drug abuse. They provide personalized treatment plans and prioritize relapse prevention.

Another reputable program is the Council on Recovery, which has been serving the Greater Houston area for over 70 years. They provide a range of services, including interventions, outpatient treatment, and family programs specifically designed to address prescription drug abuse.

Disorders Associated with Prescription Drug Abuse:

Prescription drug abuse can lead to a variety of disorders and health problems. Some of the most common disorders associated with prescription drug abuse in Houston include opioid use disorder, benzodiazepine use disorder, and stimulant use disorder.

Opioid use disorder is a condition characterized by the misuse of prescription opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. According to the Texas Health and Human Services, there were 6,962 opioid-related deaths in Texas in 2018, with the Houston area being one of the hardest-hit regions.

Benzodiazepine use disorder is another prevalent disorder linked to prescription drug abuse in Houston. Benzodiazepines, like Xanax and Valium, are commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia but can lead to addiction when misused. According to a report by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, benzodiazepines were involved in 858 deaths in 2019 in Harris County, where Houston is located.

Stimulant use disorder, including misuse of prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin, is also a growing problem in Houston. In 2019, there were 2,640 emergency department visits related to stimulant misuse in the Greater Houston region, according to the Houston Emergency Department Overdose Surveillance Project.

Facts about Prescription Drug Abuse in Houston and Texas:

- In 2019, there were 2,701 drug overdose deaths in Texas, with opioids being the most commonly involved drug.
- In Houston, the number of opioid-related overdose deaths increased by 27% from 2016 to 2018.
- From 2011 to 2015, there were 685 drug overdose deaths in Houston involving prescription opioids.
- Texas has the second-highest number of opioid prescribing rates in the country.
- In 2016, more than 42,000 prescriptions for opioids were dispensed in Houston every day, which is enough for every man, woman, and child in the city.
- In 2017, Texas ranked second in the country for benzodiazepine-related deaths, with 988 deaths reported.
- Prescription drug monitoring programs have been implemented in Texas to track and prevent prescription drug abuse. However, there are still gaps in the system, and many prescribers are not registered users, leading to potential overprescribing and diversion of medications.
- There is a high correlation between prescription opioid misuse, poverty, and unemployment in Houston and Texas.
- According to a 2019 survey, nearly 4% of high school students in Houston reported misusing prescription drugs in the past 30 days.

In conclusion, prescription drug abuse is a significant issue in Houston and Texas, with increasing trends in overdoses and related deaths. Addiction treatment programs, as well as measures to prevent and monitor prescription drug misuse, are essential steps to address this growing problem. Further research and education are needed to raise awareness about the risks associated with prescription drug abuse and to promote safer prescribing practices.