Drug Rehab Centers in Iowa

In recent years, Iowa has seen a rise in opioid abuse and non-medical abuse of prescription medication. A recent study shows, “For every 100 Iowans, there are approximately 72 to 82 painkiller prescriptions.” With this rise in substance use, Iowa drug rehabilitation centers have seen a direct surge in admissions.

Rehabs in Iowa report admissions involving the following addictions:

• Alcohol – 50%
• Marijuana – 25.6%
• Meth – 14.8%
• cocaine – 1.6%
• Heroin – 1.6%

Iowa Drug Laws 

Iowa has notoriously harsh penalties regarding the possession or distribution of illegal drugs. Each drug is classified within a schedule which determines the individual’s potential sentencing and charges. Schedules I and II involve highly addictive drugs with the most intense penalties. Schedules IV and V include drugs with the lowest risk of addiction and some accepted medical uses. 

• Schedule I: LSD, heroin, and mescaline
• Schedule II: Codeine, methamphetamines, morphine, oxycodone, and cocaine 
• Schedule III: Depressants, steroids, and stimulants
• Schedule IV: Less powerful depressants and stimulants
• Schedule V: Various prescription medications

Iowa TakeAway Program

Iowa’s TakeAway program is a unique prescription drug disposal program that helps dispose of unused or expired medications. Iowa was the first state in America to offer this type of safe prescription drug disposal program. From 2010 to 2015, the program received more than 59 pounds of unused prescription drugs. 

Prescription Drug Monitoring Program

The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, or PDMP, is a program started in 2009 designed to reduce the prescription drug epidemic. The program allows pharmacists and health providers access to their patient’s prescription drug history. Any time a schedule II-IV substance is dispensed, it is reported to a shared data portal. Iowa’s PDMP may also be used to:

• Track insurance fraud
• Prevent or limit doctor shopping
• Reduce prescription drug use
• Increase quality of care 

High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program

The HIDTA program helps reduce the transportation of illicit drugs across the midwest. Iowa’s major highways, airport, and railways make it a hotspot for drug transportation. Therefore, many counties in Iowa are part of the Midwest HIDTA. 

HIDTA counties receive additional technology and equipment to help reduce drug trafficking. Current initiatives of HIDTA include: 

• Des Moines DEA task force: Active task force that targets illicit substance-related activities in the Des Moines area.
• Quad Cities Metropolitan Enforcement Group: Enforcement group that handles drug transport routes in the Davenport, Moline, Rock Island, and Bettendorf areas. 
• Muscatine Task Force: Taskforce that monitors distribution organizations that run along eastern Iowa. 
• Tri-State Sioux City DEA Task Force: Identifies regional drug efforts rather than focusing solely on select cities. 

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a complex brain disease. The condition typically involves dangerous and compulsive substance use despite its apparent consequences. Iowa’s increase in substance abuse trends with the rest of the country. As addiction becomes more prevalent, drug treatment centers in Iowa experience a surge in clients. 

As substance addiction develops, it typically begins to affect every aspect of an individual’s life. Severe addictions cause physical changes in the brain. These physical changes are expressed in several issues, including:

• Decline in cognitive ability
• Decline in memory
• Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
• Decline in work or school performance
• Uncharacteristic aggressive behavior
• Increased chance of seizure or stroke
• Behavioral changes and impaired judgment
• Risk of illness due to a weakened immune system
• Several physical health effects such as nausea, lung disease, loss of appetite, and more  

Substance Abuse Interventions

Addiction impacts countless families across the United States. Witnessing a loved one’s behavior change resulting from substance abuse and drug cravings can cause serious issues within the family. An Intervention can help expose specific problems the family is facing due to their loved one’s behavior.  

How Do Interventions Work?

Interventions work as a wake-up call for an individual. The ultimate goal of an intervention is to help your loved one understand issues with their behavior and help them make a decision to join an Iowa drug rehabilitation center or wherever is convenient. Successful interventions give the struggling individual perspective since perspective is generally altered while in the grips of addiction. 

Interventions are often the reason struggling individuals seek treatment. Interventions usually involve close friends, family members, or other loved ones. In most situations, professional interventionists increase the chances of success in any given intervention. A social worker or interventionist helps set up the intervention and assist in the psychological aspects of an intervention. 

Basic Fundamentals of an Intervention

Interventions are highly emotional and require well-thought-out planning and discipline. It is crucial to cater your planned intervention to your specific situation. These broad guidelines can help with staging an intervention: 

Develop a plan

A sound thought-out plan may be the difference between a successful intervention and an unsuccessful intervention. Interventions can be unpredictable- when you develop a plan, consider any possible outcome. Most interventions are highly emotional, and keeping to a strict plan can help the meeting go as smoothly as possible. 

Research

Research drug treatment centers in Iowa. Become familiar with what it takes to recover from substance addiction. Contact your local rehab centers in Iowa and ask what it takes to hire a professional interventionist. Research addiction to better understand your struggling loved one. 

Create a team

Enlist a group of loved ones to help with the intervention. The small group should include close friends, family members, and even coworkers in some situations. It is not absolutely necessary to hire a professional, but it is a valuable addition to the intervention team in most cases. Do not include any individuals that struggle with addiction themself.

Set boundaries and consequences

Set firm boundaries and consequences for your loved one if they choose not to seek treatment. Before the intervention, meet with the intervention team and talk about codependent and enabling behavior. When setting boundaries with your struggling loved one, ensure it is coming from love and support. If your loved one feels threatened, it may negatively impact the intervention. 

Planned dialogue

As mentioned, interventions are emotional and typically uncomfortable. Each team member should plan the topics and ideas they would like to discuss. Instead of speaking out of emotion, stick to the planned script. Speaking out of emotion often leads to negative outcomes. 

Follow up

If your loved one agrees to seek treatment, it is essential to follow up immediately. Have a plan for each outcome. Even if your loved one agrees to treatment, they can still fall back into their addiction. Therefore, it is critical to act fast and get your loved one the treatment they need. 

Substance Abuse Treatment Centers in Iowa 

Rehab centers in Iowa offer treatment options for a vast array of substance abuse-related issues. The first step toward getting yourself or a loved one treatment is understanding what drug or alcohol treatment centers in Iowa offer. Some programs may work better for specific situations. Therefore, becoming familiar with each program is essential. 

Detox

Detox programs are typically the first step in most people’s addiction recovery journey. Detoxification helps remove toxins from the body after long-term or even short-term substance abuse. The detox process ensures each person in treatment has a sober mind and body. 

Detox programs generally involve medical professions that help make the process as smooth as possible. Medical professionals are present to make the detox process comfortable and safe since some substances involve dangerous withdrawal symptoms. 

Inpatient Drug Rehab in Iowa

Residential rehab, also known as inpatient rehab, provides the highest level of care for individuals diagnosed with a drug or alcohol addiction. Inpatient drug rehabs in Iowa typically include medical detox and other mental health programs. Clients in inpatient programs have access to 24/7 medical and clinical support.  

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment often works as a follow-up program for people who have completed inpatient treatment. Most drug treatment centers in Iowa do not make that a requirement, though. Outpatient treatment works well for people with less severe substance abuse issues. Patients in an outpatient program usually attend treatment and other programs during the day while returning home at night. 

For individuals looking for 24/7 support, an inpatient program may be more appropriate.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Partial hospitalization programs, or PHPs, act as a middle ground of inpatient and outpatient treatment. PHPs are usually more involved than outpatient programs but less incentive than inpatient. Drug rehab centers in Iowa try to cover all levels of care to support most potential situations. 

Many people in PHPs reside in a sober living home. This can be beneficial if the struggling individual does not want to return home for a number of reasons. Sober homes are supportive environments with like-minded individuals looking to recover from an unhealthy lifestyle. 

Online Addiction Treatment

The possibilities of therapeutic treatment are evolving as technology advances. Online addiction treatment gives people the opportunity to see experienced and licensed therapists from their own home. Online addiction treatment is also referred to as telehealth or telemedicine. Those who do not want to travel or receive in-person treatment can benefit significantly from telehealth. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

During detox, withdrawal symptoms from certain substances can be incredibly uncomfortable. Treatment centers that offer a MAT program can be highly beneficial during some people’s withdrawal symptoms. Medications used in MAT programs can help curb alcohol or drug cravings or simply ease sickness related to withdrawal. 

Therapy Treatments

Therapy is an essential part of substance abuse treatment. Many believe addiction is wholly a physical issue, but addiction is very much a mental issue. Mental health is a huge aspect of each person’s life. In many cases, an individual’s substance abuse habits can be related to mental health. 

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is a form of psychotherapy used in substance abuse treatment. It allows patients to speak one-on-one with a therapist about their issues, emotions, and challenges. Substance abuse therapists are experienced in dealing with many different situations relating to addiction. Therapists often help their clients understand addiction and how it developed in their life and how they can maintain their sobriety moving forward.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Many therapists utilize aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) during individual or group therapy sessions. CBT can help patients recognize cognitive patterns or unhealthy mental processes. Through CBT, patients have a better opportunity to make changes in their habits to have a healthier future. 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is another method of therapy used in substance abuse treatment. Therapists use DBT to encourage their patients to build a skill set that will help them cope with their feelings or cravings. DBT works well for patients with severe addiction or mental health issues as it focuses heavily on acceptance and mindfulness. 

Group Therapy

Group therapy offers several benefits for people in substance abuse treatment. At least one therapist typically leads group therapy sessions. Group members work through stories, experiences, and other lessons they may have learned in a peer setting. Group therapy works as a peer support system but also has several therapeutic benefits. 

Family Therapy 

Substance abuse in a family setting can be detrimental to family bonds and relationships. Family therapy helps rebuild bonds following substance abuse and destructive behaviors. Family therapy is a valuable tool in treatment that can help families work through what they have experienced during their loved one’s substance abuse. 

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Research shows almost half of people admitted to a treatment program have a dual diagnosis. A dual diagnosis refers to co-occurring disorders an individual experiences in day-to-day life. Co-occurring disorders generally include addiction and another mental health disorder, such as bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety.

Facilities that offer dual diagnosis treatment help their patients work through their disorders simultaneously. Many individuals attempt to cope with their existing mental health issues with substances which oftentimes leads to the development of an addiction. It may seem as though substances help with coping in the short term, but it is a short-lived numbing effect.

Paying for Rehabilitation Centers in Iowa

Substance abuse treatment centers in Iowa accept many types of insurance coverages. Treatment center websites often have a verification form available that can help you find out if your insurance is accepted. As of 2008, Congress passed the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. The act ensures equal coverage of treatment for mental illness and addiction. That being said, insurance companies must offer the same coverage for mental illness as they would any other health issue. 

Resources

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – These open and closed meetings focus on the 12-step process to obtain and sustain long-term sobriety.
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – Like AA meetings, NA meetings are open to the public but offer closed session meetings. 
• SMART Recovery – SMART Recovery offers a 12-step program that is not based on religion or faith.
• Celebrate Recovery – Celebrate Recovery is a faith-based program that utilizes the 12-Step program. 
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – FMLA allows eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for medical reasons and treatment. 

Find Treatment Through Addiction Intervention

If you are looking for drug or alcohol treatment centers in Iowa or another state, Addiction Intervention can help. Addiction is devastating and often requires professional intervention and treatment. At Addiction Intervention, we can get you in contact with the resources you need. Please contact us if you have any questions or are looking for substance abuse treatment.