Drug Rehabs in New Mexico

Methamphetamine, heroin, and opioid painkillers are the most abused substances in New Mexico. In 2014, it was reported that seven people died a week in New Mexico due to overdose on average. New Mexico is home to one of the worst drug trafficking issues in the United States. Methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana come through the Mexican border regularly in commercial vehicles and small aircraft.

New Mexico residents are victims of a constant flow of drug trafficking, which affects the state’s communities and substance abuse rates. Fortunately, rehab centers in New Mexico offer proven treatment that helps many each day.

New Mexico Drug Laws

New Mexico regards trafficking, manufacturing, selling, and possessing drugs as serious offenses. Those violating drug laws often face jail time, fines, or both. Each state classifies substances into different categories called schedules.

Drug schedules are characterized by their risk for addiction and their potential use in a medical setting. Schedule I and II drugs have the highest risk for addiction and least potential use in a medical environment. On the other hand, schedules III, IV, and V have a lesser risk for addiction and are valuable in a medical setting.

Schedule I: Heroin and marijuana
Schedule II: Cocaine and methamphetamine
Schedule III: Substances containing nalorphine or lysergic acid
Schedule IV: Substances with phenobarbital or chloral hydrate
Schedule V: Substances containing pseudoephedrine

Drug Penalties in New Mexico

As with other states, drug possession fines and jail time depend on the circumstances and involved drugs. Possession of schedule I-IV substances may result in one year maximum jail time and a fine of $1,000. Possession of methamphetamine, GHB, PCP, or 1-4 butanediol may result in 18 months maximum jail time and a fine of $5,000.

First offenders of selling or producing schedule I-IV substances may result in three years maximum jail time and a $5,000 fine. Subsequent offenders may spend up to nine years in jail or prison and pay upwards of $10,000 in fines.

Selling or producing schedule V substances may result in one year maximum jail time and a $500 fine. Selling narcotics or methamphetamine results in nine years in prison or jail with a $10,000 fine. Subsequent offenders may spend up to 18 years in prison with a $15,000 fine.

Marijuana Laws

While medical marijuana is legal in New Mexico, recreational use is still illegal. Possessing less than one ounce of marijuana may result in a $100 fine and up to 15 days in jail. Subsequent offenses may lead to one year of jail time and a $1,000 fine. Medical marijuana in New Mexico is permitted to treat:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Anorexia/cachexia
Arthritis
Cancer
Chronic pain
Crohn’s disease
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
Hepatitis C
HIV/AIDS
Hospice patients
Huntington’s disease
Intractable nausea/vomiting
Multiple sclerosis
Painful peripheral neuropathy
Parkinson’s disease
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Spinal cord damage

Addiction Treatment Laws in New Mexico

Each state utilizes programs and laws to protect its residents from substance risks. These laws are commonly known as harm reduction laws. For instance, some of New Mexico’s harm reduction laws are:

A 911 Good Samaritan Law: This allows people to contact authorities if they are witnessing or experiencing an overdose and not be arrested or charged for drug abuse.
Access to Naloxone: Naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Friends, family members, or loved ones of an addicted individual can obtain Naloxone without a prescription.
Clean Syringe Access: This allows people to obtain a limited amount of clean syringes to avoid the transmission of bloodborne diseases.

HOPE Initiative

drug rehabs in new mexico HOPE, or Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education, is an initiative to combat New Mexico’s high opioid-related death rates. This program helps develop preventative tactics and community education programs about the dangers of opioid and heroin addiction. HOPE is made up of five elements:

Education and prevention
Treatment options
Law enforcement
Re-entry
Strategic planning

New Mexico Pseudoephedrine Restrictions

Pseudoephedrine is a medication designed to treat sinus congestion and colds. It is also the main ingredient when producing methamphetamine. New Mexico sets certain restrictions on the amount of pseudoephedrine an individual can purchase. Studies show that limiting the substance has significantly reduced the number of active methamphetamine labs present in the state.

HIDTA

Southwest border HIDTA, or High-Intensity Drug Trafficking, strengthens New Mexico’s drug control efforts on a federal, state, and local level. Law agencies work in conjunction, sharing intelligence and other important information that helps in fighting drug trafficking. The program is responsible for seizing thousands of pounds of drugs, including cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a complex brain disease. In recent decades, addiction education has become more critical as rates of substance abuse increase. Those battling addiction abuse substances regardless of the consequences. Addiction is often characterized by the changes it can create in people’s behavior, attitudes, and personalities.

Addiction often develops slowly. Compulsive substance use is usually a sign of a developed addiction. Addiction can take over or impact almost every aspect of an individual’s life. Severe addictions involve physical brain changes, expressing itself in substances cravings, and more:

Decline in memory
Loss of interest in activities and hobbies once enjoyed
Decline in cognition
Performance decline at school or work
Aggressive behavior
Impaired judgment
Behavioral changes
Increased chance of stroke or seizure
Weakened immune system: risk of illness
Health effects including nausea, lung disease, loss of appetite, etc.

Substance Abuse Interventions

Since addiction has become more common in the United States, substance abuse interventions have become a primary defense for families with addicted loved ones. Interventions help to give a struggling person perspective on the changes that have occurred in their life. While grasped by addiction, it is difficult to see things as they are. Successful interventions show the addicted loved one that their friends and family are concerned about their unhealthy lifestyle.

People struggling with addiction may need a wake-up call, and that is what an intervention essentially is. A successful intervention ends with the addicted individual starting a treatment program at a drug rehab in New Mexico. Interventions may involve friends, family, or any close loved ones.

To have the best outcome, it is encouraged to involve a professional interventionist. Interventionists are experienced in dealing with a variety of situations. They can essentially help plan the intervention, participate in it, and guide each person through the psychological effects of an intervention. Interventions are naturally uncomfortable and emotional. For the best results, follow these guidelines:

How to Stage an Intervention in New Mexico

Develop a plan: Do not stage an intervention without a well-thought-out plan. Plan a specific date and time for the intervention. Be sure to have the meeting when the struggling person is entirely sober. If they are not sober, prepare to wait until they are. Consider any and every outcome when planning the intervention. Odds are, the intervention will not go how you think. Therefore, be ready for any outcome.

Research: Research addiction education. To be able to communicate most beneficially, it is critical to understand your loved one. Familiarize yourself with what it takes to recover from addiction. Contact drug rehabs in New Mexico and ask about professional interventionists.

Create a team: The intervention team should include close loved ones. This can be friends, family, and even coworkers in some circumstances. Hiring a professional is not required, but it statistically increases the chance of a positive outcome.

Set boundaries and consequences for your loved one: Most families struggling with addiction are responsible for enabling or codependent behavior. Become familiar with what this behavior entails and be firm in stopping it. During the intervention, let your loved one know the consequences of not seeking treatment. Be sure to stay firm with your statements. Otherwise, it can lessen the chances your loved one seeks treatment.

Plan what each team member will say: Be sure each participating individual has a plan for what they want to speak with their loved one about. Without a plan, the possibility of speaking out of emotion increases. Speaking out of emotion is dangerous and could have a negative impact on the meeting.

Follow up: After a successful intervention, follow up immediately. Do not wait to get your loved one to treatment. As part of your plan, have treatment lined up, so your loved one does not have time to fall back into their addiction. Just because they may have agreed to treatment does not mean they will not continue using substances.

Drug Rehabs in New Mexico

When committing to a New Mexico drug rehab, it is essential to understand each treatment program. After detox, most treatment facilities help you or your loved one develop a detailed treatment plan. But going into treatment with an at least vague understanding of treatment programs may be valuable. Some programs work better for certain individuals. Familiarize yourself with recovery.

Detoxification

Detox is the first step in recovery after committing to treatment. A medical professional completes a full evaluation during detox and uses various processes to remove toxins from the body. The detox process ensures that each person in the rehabilitation center has a sober body and mind.

Another aspect of a detox program is safety. Some drugs have dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Detoxing at home can have severe consequences. Industry professionals will do their best to make the process as safe and comfortable as possible.

Inpatient Drug Rehabs in New Mexico

Residential or inpatient rehab is often the first step toward recovery after detox. Inpatient programs are live-in programs with built-in amenities and programs – all based around recovery. Each patient in residential treatment has support and access to counselors 24/7. Another benefit of inpatient rehab is close monitoring for those with a high risk for relapse.

Outpatient Drug Rehabs in New Mexico

Outpatient programs are sometimes used as a continuation of treatment after completing an inpatient program. Though outpatient is less intensive, the support and programs remain the same. Outpatient treatment is for people who have completed some form of treatment or for people with less severe addictions. People in outpatient programs typically participate in treatment during the day while returning home at night.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

PHPs are more involved than outpatients but less involved than inpatients. This makes them an excellent middle ground for those looking for this specific treatment. Drug rehabs in New Mexico offer programs that will benefit people in various situations. PHPs are a level of care for people living in sober homes or drug-free homes.

Medication-Assisted Program in New Mexico

As mentioned, some substances have severe withdrawal symptoms. Medication-assisted programs use specific medication to curb cravings while making withdrawal symptoms more comfortable. Some believe recovery is more accessible when not having to deal with physical cravings constantly. New Mexico alcohol rehabs commonly use this type of program since alcohol withdrawal and cravings are incredibly intense.

Online Addiction Treatment in New Mexico

Online addiction treatment. Also known as telemedicine or telehealth, helps people receive professional treatment from the comfort of their own homes. People can work one-on-one with a licensed therapist or participate in support groups online. This can be extremely helpful for people who do not want to leave their home or receive in-person treatment.

Therapy Programs in New Mexico Drug Rehabs

Therapy is a critical aspect of addiction treatment. Addiction has physical elements, but its emotional elements cannot be left unchecked. Drug Rehabs in New Mexico offer several forms of treatment to help people work through their triggers and mental issues.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy refers to one-on-one sessions between a substance abuse therapist and a patient. These sessions help people understand how their addiction functions and the impact it has on their life. Therapists also guide their patients through emotions, challenges, and different issues that may be feeding into their addiction.

Group Therapy

Group therapy programs offer a valuable opportunity for building interpersonal and other social coping skills. Sessions generally involve a licensed therapist and a group of like-minded individuals. Group members take turns speaking of their experiences, lessons learned, and other topics. This transactional conversation naturally builds deep relationships and support for each participant.

Family Therapy

Addiction is a family disease. Dealing with addiction in the family is extremely difficult and often damaging. Rehab centers in New Mexico use family sessions to help rebuild bonds and relationships that may have been damaged during the time of substance abuse. Family members also have the opportunity to set boundaries and speak about their experiences with a licensed therapist.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Almost half of the individuals in treatment centers in New Mexico have co-occurring disorders. Dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorders, refers to a combination of mental issues occurring simultaneously. These issues may include addiction and other mental disorders such as OCD, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, etc. Specialized dual diagnosis treatment works with each disorder simultaneously, helping clients manage each of their symptoms healthily and productively.

Paying for Drug Rehabs in New Mexico

Alcohol and drug rehabs in New Mexico offer various insurance coverages. Most facilities have an insurance verification tool on their website to see if you are covered. In 2008, Congress passed the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. The act makes insurance companies offer the same amount of coverage for addiction and mental health as they would for 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

No one should fight addiction alone. At Addiction Intervention, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to recover. Addiction is devastating and should be treated as soon as possible. There is no time to wait. If you or a loved one is dealing with addiction, please call us today. We can help you find the treatment you deserve.