Rehab Centers in Nebraska

Although the state’s substance abuse and fatal overdose rates are lower than the U.S. average, Nebraska drug rehabs still treat thousands of new residents each year. The location of Nebraska within the Midwest makes it a prime location for drug trafficking organizations. Drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine threaten residents, as short-term experimentation with these substances often leads to addiction.

The dangers of methamphetamines are widely known, but some individuals still choose to experiment with the drug. Meth is known to damage nerves in the brain where dopamine is released. This physical alteration alone creates severe cravings for the drug. Drug cravings lead to behavioral changes, which makes it extremely difficult to stop using the drug. Treatment centers in Nebraska report the most common substance addictions leading people to treatment are:

• Stimulants (including methamphetamine)
• Marijuana
• Opiate prescription abuse
• Heroin 

Nebraska Drug Laws

Nebraska classifies substances in five schedules. The schedules represent how addictive or hazardous the substance may be. Schedules I, II, and III are substances that are the most dangerous and addictive. Crimes that include substances that fall into these schedules involve the most severe penalties. Drugs in the first three schedules include methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and anabolic steroids. 

Most drugs in schedules IV and V are addictive but do not involve penalties as harsh as the first three schedules. Schedules IV and V substances include some opioid prescription drugs and anti-anxiety medications. Though Schedule IV and V substances involve less harsh penalties, possessing these drugs without a prescription is considered a serious crime.

Nebraska Drug Penalties  

Possessing substances in all schedules may result in a Class IV felony, two years in prison, and 12 months probation after release; $10,000 fine. Possessing schedules I-III substances with an intent to sell or manufacture may result in a Class II felony or Class IIA felony, depending on the substance. This may involve a maximum penalty of 1-50 years in prison with variable fines. Possessing schedule IV and V substances with an intent to sell or manufacture may result in a Class IIIA felony and three years in prison. The maximum penalty also includes 18 months of probation and a $10,000 fine. 

Marijuana Laws in Nebraska

Cultivating, selling, and possessing marijuana for medical or recreational use is illegal in Nebraska. Minor offenses such as possessing one oz. or less of marijuana is a civil infraction and may lead to a $300 fine. Subsequent offenses or possessing up to one pound of marijuana can lead to a misdemeanor, jail time, and a fine. Possessing over one pound of marijuana is a felony and results in five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. 

Selling or cultivating marijuana as a first-time offender may result in a felony and 1-20 years in prison with a $25,000 fine. Subsequent offenses result in a felony and three years to life in prison. 

Addiction Treatment Laws in Nebraska

Addiction and substance use disorders can impact families and entire communities. Nebraska enacts measures of harm reduction to keep the state as safe as possible. Most states have various harm reduction policies, most concerning clean syringe access centers or specific treatment programs.

Naloxone Access

Opioid drug abuse has become an increasingly overwhelming issue in both the United States and Nebraska. Prescription opioid use is known to develop into heroin addiction in some individuals. An increase in heroin abuse leads to a greater risk of heroin or opioid overdose. 

“Naloxone is a medication that counteracts the life-threatening effects of an opioid or heroin overdose, like being unable to breathe.” Nebraska has active naloxone access laws, allowing health professionals to prescribe the medication to friends or family members of someone at risk of an opioid overdose. Someone at risk for an opioid overdose may:

• Take high doses of prescription opioids to treat a medical condition. It is possible for someone with a prescription to take more than their prescribed amount accidentally. 
• Be involved in an opioid withdrawal or methadone maintenance program. Treatment center staff typically have naloxone on hand in case of an overdose. 
• Have been discharged from a hospital or care center following a previous overdose. Many addicted individuals will continue using opioids even knowing the consequences. 

Nebraska Drug Courts 

Repeat drug offenders have altered judgment resulting from their addiction. Addiction can often fuel crimes simply because the individual will do anything to meet their drug cravings. Nebraska recognizes many repeat drug offenders are people who have been unable to overcome substance abuse. Therefore, Nebraska offers drug courts that help non-violent offenders receive addiction treatment. 

What is Addiction?

Addiction plagues homes across the country. Addiction can happen to anyone; it does not see race, gender, occupation, or socioeconomic status. Addiction is a complex brain disease, often encouraging people to act in compulsive ways. People struggling with addiction often understand the consequences that come with their behavior but cannot beat the cravings of their particular substance. Addiction is believed to alter the brain structure, causing psychological stressors and intense cravings. 

Addiction education is essential when dealing with addiction in the family or even in yourself. Effects and the impacts of addiction can invade several aspects of a person’s life. These effects may include:

• Impaired judgment
• Aggressive behavior
• Decline in memory and cognitive function
• Decline in performance (work, school, etc.)
• Increased chance of negative health effects such as stroke or seizure
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
• Increased risk of illness from a weakened immune system
• Adverse health effects including loss of appetite, nausea, lung disease, etc.

Substance Abuse Interventions

Substance abuse interventions are a powerful method of helping addicted individuals realize issues involving their behavior and cognitive patterns. Dealing with addiction is complex and often requires professional intervention. Treatment centers in Nebraska are experienced in dealing with situations involving addiction and other mental health issues. 

How Do Interventions Work?

Interventions work to show someone how their lifestyle is negatively affecting their loved ones and themself. Substance abuse interventions commonly include close loved ones, which can be friends, family, and even coworkers. It is extremely beneficial to include a professional interventionist in the process. The interventionist will help plan the meeting, participate in the meeting, and deal with the psychological aspects of the meeting. 

Basic Steps of an Intervention 

• Plan: Having a detailed plan can be the difference between an unsuccessful and successful intervention. Plan for any outcome. Interventions can be unpredictable, so develop a plan that covers any possible outcome. 

• Research: Become familiar with addiction. Familiarize yourself and your family with codependency and enabling. These behaviors help the vicious cycle of addiction perpetuate. Also, research addiction recovery and what it takes to recover from substance abuse. 

• Develop a team: Recovery works best with a support team. The team should include close loved ones and a professional. It is not required to include a professional, but interventionists are experienced in dealing with similar situations. They often know what works and what does not work.

• Set consequences and boundaries: Plan to let your struggling loved one know the consequences of not seeking treatment. It is vital to stick to your works and show that you are serious about your consequences and boundaries. These should come from a place of support and love; otherwise, your loved one may feel attacked. 

• Planned dialog: Ensure no one participating in the intervention is speaking out of emotion. To help with that, make sure each participant has planned what they would like to talk about. 

• Follow up: After a successful intervention, it is imperative to have a plan to get your loved one admitted into a Nebraska drug rehab. Even if your loved one agrees to treatment, there is still a chance they can fall back into their addiction. Follow up. 

Drug Rehab in Nebraska

Treatment centers in Nebraska have several options in terms of addiction treatment. It is valuable to understand the majority of these options as you will get a better understanding of what addiction treatment entails. Certain situations call for specific treatments, and though the treatment center will help pick which will work best, it is still beneficial to have a general understanding of the process. 

Detoxification

The detoxification process is usually the first step of addiction treatment. Medical professions guide detox programs. These professionals ensure the detox process is as safe and comfortable as possible. Detoxification ensures each person beginning treatment has an entirely sober body and mind. 

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment, also known as residential treatment, is an intensive level of care for recovery. Facilities require their patients to live on the facility campus while participating in various treatments and therapies. Inpatient treatment works well for people struggling with severe addictions. Residential style treatment offers 24/7 support and monitoring, which is beneficial for those with a high risk of relapse.

Outpatient Treatment

After completing an inpatient program, many people choose to continue their treatment through an outpatient program. Outpatient treatment programs offer treatment during the day while allowing patients to return home at night. Most outpatient programs do not require the completion of inpatient treatment to be admitted. Some people with less severe addiction participate in treatment programs during the day while taking care of their responsibilities at home at night. 

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

PHPs are a middle ground between residential and outpatient treatment. This level of care offers more intensive treatment than outpatient but less intensive than inpatient. Many people in partial hospitalization programs live in local sober homes.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medication and counseling to help people toward recovery. Withdrawal symptoms of particular substances can be dangerous and even deadly. Medications used in MAT help reduce drug cravings and make withdrawal symptoms less threatening. 

Online Addiction Treatment

In recent years, online addiction treatment has become valuable to many individuals. Through this type of remote treatment, people can meet with licensed therapists from the comfort of their own homes.

Therapy Programs

Counseling and therapy programs are essential in substance abuse treatment. Many people pay attention to the physical aspects of addiction, but the mental aspect is just as important. Rehab centers in Nebraska offer therapy programs for all types of mental issues.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is a one-on-one program where therapists work with their patients to discuss challenges and emotions feeding into their addiction. Therapists help their patients understand addiction and potential triggers they may have. Therapy is an overall pillar of addiction treatment. It helps heal the whole person.

Group Therapy

Group therapy generally involves a licensed therapist and a group of people. The group setting helps people practice coping skills, and other interpersonal skills learned in treatment. By sharing experiences, stories, challenges, and goals, people in treatment build a support group with each other.

Family Therapy

Having family support is extremely valuable in substance abuse treatment. Nebraska drug rehabs offer family therapy as a method of healing potentially damaged bonds. Addiction is a family disease, and it can destroy family relationships. In family therapy sessions, family members have the opportunity to speak with a professional about any feelings they may have about themself or their struggling loved one.

Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders 

Co-occurring disorders are also known as dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis patients make up for about half of all treatment centers. This type of diagnosis usually refers to simultaneous health issues occurring together. This can be an addiction and other disorders such as depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc. Dual diagnosis patients require specialized treatment, which is why most treatment centers in Nebraska offer programs catered to treating co-occurring disorders. 

Paying for Drug Rehab in Nebraska

Most rehab centers in Nebraska offer an insurance verification tool on their website. Insurance coverage can help keep the cost of treatment comfortable. Fortunately, as of 2008, Congress passed the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. The act ensures that each insurance company must offer the same amount of coverage for mental health and addiction issues as other health issues. 

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

Addiction Intervention is a resource that can help direct you or your loved one to proper treatment. Treating addiction is not something to put off. Dealing with addiction alone is dangerous and unnecessary. No one should battle addiction alone. We can help every step of the way. If you or a loved one are looking for alcohol or drug rehab in Nebraska or another location, please call us today.