Rehab Centers in Montana

Illegal drug use rates in Montana are higher than the national average. The Montana drug problem has urged the state to take action against drug trafficking and other issues leading residents to drug use. 

Residents looking to get help with substance issues have access to many drug or alcohol treatment centers in Montana. Most people at rehab centers in Montana receive treatment for substances such as:

• Marijuana
• Amphetamine
• Heroin
• Prescription and nonprescription opiates
• Cocaine

Drug trafficking from Canada is a primary issue in Montana. Montana’s highway system makes it easy for drug traffickers to hide their efforts while trafficking substances across state lines. Drugs that come in from Canada often include cocaine, heroin, and crystal meth. 

Marijuana in Montana

Montana’s landscape gives traffickers plenty of opportunities to cultivate marijuana without detection. Marijuana is generally grown in two primary ways in Montana:

• Indoor cultivation: In-state growers tend to utilize Montana’s medical marijuana law to conceal their activities. The law allows for up to six mature plants and 12 seedlings.
• Outdoor cultivation: The outdoor growing of marijuana spiked over a decade ago when operations controlled by Mexican drug trafficking organizations became more prevalent on Montana’s public lands.  

Medical Marijuana Laws in Montana

Medical marijuana became legal in Montana in 2004. The law authorizes eligible patients to possess up to four mature plants and up to one ounce of marijuana. Medical conditions that qualify people for a medical marijuana prescription include:

• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Cachexia or wasting syndrome
• Crohn’s disease
• Glaucoma
• HIV
• AIDS
• Nausea
• Seizures
• Severe or persistent muscle spasms

Montana passed a law in 2011 that prohibited dispensaries from providing marijuana to more than three registered patients. The law only allows physicians to prescribe marijuana to 25 patients each year. 

Montana Drug Laws

In 2013, it was reported that law enforcement officers arrested over 2,500 people for narcotics and other drug offenses. Most of these crimes included the sale, manufacture, cultivation, or possession of illegal substances. Montana’s approach when it comes to drug-related charges is somewhat unique. Drug charges often come with lower jail time but very high fines. The decision of placing an individual on probation or immediate sentencing is entirely up to the judge’s discretion. 

Marijuana Possession

Possessing 60g or less of marijuana may result in six months of prison time and a $500 maximum fine. Possessing over 60g may result in five years of prison time and a $50,000 fine.

Anabolic Steroid Possession

Possessing any amount of anabolic steroids may result in six months of prison time with a maximum fine of $500.

Methamphetamine and Cocaine Possession

Possessing any amount of methamphetamine or cocaine may result in five years of prison time and a maximum fine of $50,000.

Opiates – Heroin and Morphine

Possessing any amount of opiates, including heroin and morphine, may result in two to five years of prison time and a maximum fine of $50,000.

Sale of Any Controlled Illicit Drugs 

Selling any controlled illicit substances may result in two to 20 years of prison time and a maximum fine of $50,000. 

Addiction Treatment Laws in Montana

Statewide addiction issues are incredibly complicated to deal with. Most states use various state programs to help residents find rehab centers in Montana and prevent future addiction issues. These programs and laws are typically called harm reduction laws. Harm reduction laws include programs, policies, and educational programs meant to reduce the risks of drug use. 

Montana Meth Project

Montana suffers from one of the highest methamphetamine abuse rates in the country. Methamphetamine is known to severely damage the individual’s body while causing issues throughout their life. It’s reported that over 50% of children in foster care ended up there due to their parents’ Methamphetamine addiction.

Montana Prescription Drug Registry (MPDR)

Many states in the country use prescription drug monitoring programs. These programs help track the number of medications prescribed to patients. The Montana prescription drug registry, or MPDR, allows medical professionals to identify drug misuse. The MPDR is also used to improve each patient’s quality of care. 

Montana’s monitoring program does not only allow physicians and pharmacists access to the database. Other people that have access to the database include:

• Police and other law enforcement officers are looking to subpoena drug information for an active investigation.
• Medical professions may use the information to identify the potential type of substances ingested by a patient in an emergency situation.
• Any person who would like a copy of their own medication history.

Montana High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area

Montana is one of four states that takes part in a High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is a nationwide initiative that helps keep track of drug trafficking organizations and efforts in high-risk areas.

As mentioned, Montana’s highway network makes it ideal for drug trafficking. HIDTA provides Montana police and other law enforcement with training and technology to help fight against drug trafficking organizations. 

What is Addiction?

addiction is a brain disease that can happen to anyone. It does not care about gender, race, socioeconomic status, age, etc. Addiction often occurs gradually. Overall, addiction is complex and can cause issues in many aspects of a person’s life. Those with addiction issues use substances compulsively while knowing the consequences of their behavior. Addiction is known to change brain structure and cause severe cravings and other psychological stressors. 

Whether you or a loved one are dealing with addiction, understanding how addiction functions is essential. The ultimate goal is to get someone who is struggling with addiction to treatment, as professional help is almost always necessary. 

Effects of addiction may include:

• Decline in memory
• Decline in cognitive function
• Impaired judgment
• Uncharacteristic aggressive behavior
• Decline in work or school performance
• Increased chance of seizure or stroke 
• Loss of interest if once enjoyed hobbies and activities
• Weakened immune system 
• Health effects such as loss of appetite, lung disease, and nausea

Substance Abuse Interventions in Montana

Interventions are the first line of defense against substance abuse in Montana. Interventions can help individuals develop a perspective on the consequences of their actions on both themself and their loved ones. Many people suffering from severe addictions are not able to see the larger picture. Addiction can cause brain changes that alter normal life perspectives.

The point of an intervention is to encourage an individual to seek treatment for their addiction. Drug and alcohol treatment centers in Montana are experienced in dealing with many situations dealing with addiction and mental health.   

How Do Interventions Work?

Interventions attempt to display how someone’s lifestyle is affected by their addiction. Interventions usually involve close loved ones such as family members and friends. Hiring a professional can overwhelmingly increase the chances of a successful intervention. Professional interventionists do not only help with planning the meeting, but they can help with the psychological aspects as well. 

The following steps may help in planning and executing a successful intervention:

1. Devise a plan

Do not go into an intervention without a detailed plan. Each aspect of the meeting should be carefully planned. This may include time, location, participants, and the overall conversation of the meeting. 

2. Research

Understanding addiction can help you understand your loved one. Dealing with an addicted loved one is incredibly difficult. With a complete understanding of how addiction develops and functions, you can better relate and communicate with your loved one. 

3. Form a team

The intervention should include close family members, friends, and sometimes even coworkers. Hiring an interventionist is not absolutely required, though it is recommended. 

4. Set consequences and boundaries

During the intervention, let your loved one know the consequences of not seeking treatment. Before the meeting, talk with your friends and family about codependent and enabling behavior. Most people are unaware of how they are fueling their loved one’s addiction. Make positive changes that will help your loved one in the long run.

5. Plan what each person will say

Each participant should plan the topics they would like to cover. It is imperative not to speak out of emotion during the intervention. Interventions are emotional and filled with tension. Having a plan can help each person stay focused and not get off track. 

6. Following up

If your loved one agrees to seek treatment, you should already have a plan with a local rehab in Montana. Someone can agree to treatment and fall back into their addiction. 

Treatment Centers in Montana

Drug rehab centers in Montana offer various options in terms of programs and therapies. Since each particular situation is different, various programs are meant to work well with specific situations. It is beneficial to understand what recovery entails and which programs work best for what situation. There are also gender-focused programs for men and women. 

Detoxification in Montana

Detoxification is generally the first step in the recovery process. In a detox program, a medical professional guides their patient through the process of removing substance-related toxins from their body. This process ensures each person in treatment has a completely sober body and mind. Since withdrawal symptoms are often dangerous, detox programs also provide a safe and more comfortable environment during the first stages of withdrawal.  

Inpatient Treatment in Montana

Inpatient programs are usually the most common program at each drug rehab in Montana. Sometimes called residential treatment, inpatient is a live-in style intensive level of care. Inpatient programs offer several amenities and require patients to live at the facility and follow specific rules to assist in recovery. Another benefit of inpatient programs is the support and monitoring offered all around the clock. 

Outpatient Treatment in Montana

Outpatient treatment works well as a continuation of care. Many patients choose to be admitted into an Outpatient program following the completion of residential treatment. Outpatient offers similar programs and support but does not require patients to live at the facility. It is usually not a requirement of rehab centers in Montana for a patient to complete residential treatment before starting outpatient. Some patients with less severe addictions can recover through daily programs while still returning home at night.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

PHPs work as a level of care between inpatient and outpatient treatment. Partial hospitalization programs are less intensive than standard inpatient and more intensive than standard outpatient. Many people in PHPs live in a local sober home while committing to daily treatment. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Not all Montana treatment centers have medication-assisted programs. Before choosing a treatment facility, ensure the treatment center offers the program you or your loved one needs. Withdrawal symptoms of some substances are dangerous and sometimes deadly. MAT programs use medication to make the detox process safer. Some medicines even reduce drug or alcohol cravings which allow the patient to focus entirely on their recovery. 

Online Addiction Treatment in Montana

With the advancement of technology, many treatment centers offer online addiction treatment. This form of telemedicine lets people meet with licensed therapists from the comfort of their homes. 

Therapy Programs in Montana Rehabilitation Centers

Therapy is a critical part of addiction treatment and recovery. Addiction is both physical and mental. During therapy, patients work through the mental aspect of their addiction. The following forms of therapy are available within most alcohol and drug rehab centers in Montana. 

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is a one-on-one form of talk therapy. During an individual session, the therapist helps the patient work through several addiction factors. These factors may be addiction triggers or other characteristics that may feed into their addictive behavior. Individual therapy is a pillar in addiction treatment in Montana.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is another common form of treatment within addiction treatment. This helps each participant build their interpersonal skills. During a therapist-guided session, each participating member works through their emotions, challenges, learned lessons, and more – all while receiving feedback and encouragement from group members. 

Family Therapy

Addiction is known for causing major family issues. Since having a positive support system is essential in recovery, most treatment centers offer family therapy to help people rebuild broken bonds or damaged relationships.

Holistic Therapy

This refers to alternative practices used in conjunction with traditional treatments. Holistic medicine is known to treat the whole person – aligning the mind, body, and spirit. Some forms of holistic therapy include:

• Acupuncture and massage
• Yoga
• Tai chi
• Guided meditation
• Routine exercise
• Nutrition therapy
• Art therapy
• Adventure therapy
• Counseling 

Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Montana

About half of the individuals in treatment centers have co-occurring disorders. A co-occurring disorder, or dual diagnosis, refers to patients suffering from addiction and other mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, etc. Many Montana rehabilitation centers offer specialized treatment for co-occurring disorders. 

Paying for Montana Treatment Centers

Websites of treatment centers in Montana commonly offer an insurance verification tool that can help you find out if you are covered or not. Since 2008, insurance companies must offer the same coverage for addiction and mental health as they would offer for other health issues. This is thanks to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act passed by Congress.

Resources for Recovery in Montana

• 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

Addiction Intervention is a resource that can help you or your loved one find the proper treatment for you. Addiction issues almost always require professional intervention. If you or your loved one are dealing with addiction, the time to reach out for help is now. Addiction should not be taken on alone. If you are looking for a rehab in Montana or someplace else, please call us today.