Treatment Centers in North Dakota

In recent years, drug cases and violations involving methamphetamine and heroin have risen alongside North Dakota’s growing population. Crimes involving both heroin and methamphetamine have skyrocketed since 2010. 

North Dakota’s recent success in the oil industry led to a drastic increase in the population of many cities within the state. The rise in population and other sociological factors significantly increased the demand for prescription painkillers, which, in turn, led to a surge in black market drug prices. Unfortunately, the cost of prescription painkillers leads many individuals to seek cheaper alternatives, such as heroin. 

Law enforcement in North Dakota actively works to develop recovery, prevention, and intervention services. Treatment centers in North Dakota see a rise each year in people seeking treatment for:

• Alcohol
• Marijuana
• Opioids
• Stimulants
• Cocaine
• Heroin

North Dakota Drug Laws 

North Dakota law enforcement enacts serious criminal charges against individuals possessing, distributing, or manufacturing controlled dangerous substances (CDS) in the state. Drug arrests and violations involving alcohol have been on a steady incline over the last decade. 

North Dakota categorizes substances into five schedules depending on their use in the medical field and their risk for abuse. Schedules I and II consist of the most dangerous substances like opioids, heroin, opium derivatives, morphine, codeine, and oxycodone. Schedules IV and V consist of less dangerous substances like Pregabalin, Ezogabine, some stimulants, Dextropropoxyphene, and Propofol. 

To determine jail time, fines, and appropriate criminal charges, offenses involving the mentioned substances are divided into seven classes: 

• Class AA Felony: Up to life in jail with no parole
• Class A Felony: Up to 20 years in jail and a $20,000 fine
• Class B Felony: Up to 10 years in jail and a $20,000 fine
• Class C Felony: Up to 5 years in jail and a $10,000 fine
• Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and a $3,000 fine
• Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 30 days in jail and a $3,000 fine
• First offense (Infraction): Up to a $1,000 fine

North Dakota Marijuana Laws

Both medical and recreational marijuana is illegal in North Dakota. Possessing, manufacturing, or selling marijuana typically involves moderate legal penalties. Possession, sale, or manufacture of marijuana paraphernalia, such as rolling papers, bongs, water pipes, and roach clips, comes with similar legal consequences. 

Possessing marijuana or paraphernalia is considered a serious offense in North Dakota. The sale of marijuana, though, comes with more severe penalties. Criminal charges for selling marijuana may come with a MMS (mandatory minimum sentence). An MMS implies the guilty individual must serve their entire sentence with no parole. 

Addiction Treatment Laws in North Dakota 

Each state enacts unique or shared harm reduction laws to promote healthy lifestyles and help individuals struggling with addiction. Some examples of North Dakota’s harm reduction laws include:

• Clean syringe programs
• Naloxone accessibility
• Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs)
• 911 Good Samaritan laws
• Prescription take-back services 

Substance abuse can impact entire communities in devastating ways. Harm reduction laws aim to keep community members safe from the dangers of substance abuse. 

Reducing Pharmaceuticals in the Community Task Force

This North Dakota task force is made up of more than 40 organizations around the state. The task force meets quarterly to discuss intervention, recovery, addiction prevention, treatment, and other efforts. The ultimate goal of the Reducing Pharmaceutical Narcotics in Our Communities Task Force is to reduce the number of drug-related overdoses. The five pillars of the task force include:

• Education
• Take-Back Program
• Law enforcement
• Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
• Treatment

Naloxone Laws in North Dakota

As of 2016, pharmacists and other medical professions can prescribe naloxone to family members, patients, and friends who are at risk of overdose. Naloxone (commonly called by its brand name, Narcan) is a medicine that reverses the effects of an overdose. Naloxone is a life-saving medication for people struggling with opioid and heroin addiction. In many cases, family members or friends of people struggling with addiction obtain a naloxone prescription in case their loved one overdoses on opioids. 

Prescription Drug Take Back Program

North Dakota is the first state to have a year-round prescription take back program. Within six years of the program’s development, over 9,400 pounds of prescription medications were collected. 

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a complicated but treatable disease. Addiction involves complex engagements between brain circuits, the environment, an individual’s experiences, and genetics. People with chronic addictions often use substances compulsively, despite their harmful consequences. 

Addiction may develop quickly or gradually over time. Education regarding addiction is one of the most successful preventative strategies. Addiction can occur in any environment; it does not consider race, gender, socioeconomic class, or occupation. Dealing with addiction is extremely difficult and often requires professional intervention. Common effects of addiction include: 

• Decline in cognitive ability
• Decline in memory
• Impaired judgment
• Aggressive behavior
• Bad work or school performance
• Increased chance of stroke or seizure
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies the individual once enjoyed
• Weakened immune system, high chances of getting sick
• Adverse health effects such as nausea, lung disease, and loss of appetite. 

Substance Abuse Interventions in North Dakota

Interventions are a leading way to express concern to a loved one about their lifestyle and behavior. Interventions can help an individual realize the consequences of their behavior on themself and their friends and family. Many people deep into addiction are unable to have an organic perspective on their situation. Addiction causes physical changes in the brain that make it almost impossible to see things clearly. 

Therefore, interventions are a great way to encourage an addicted person to reach out for help. Ultimately, the goal of an intervention is to have your loved one choose to admit to a North Dakota rehab. 

How to Stage an Intervention in North Dakota

Interventions should involve close loved ones, such as family members, friends, and sometimes even coworkers. Hiring a professional interventionist is recommended and can have a huge impact on the outcome of the intervention. A professional can help plan the meeting, conduct the meeting, and aid in the psychological aspects of the meeting. The following guidelines can help during the planning process as well as staging the intervention:

• Develop a plan: A detailed plan is the foundation of a successful intervention. It is vital to plan for the expected and the unexpected. It is impossible to know how the meeting will go, therefore, be ready for anything. 

• Research: To effectively communicate with your struggling loved one, it is essential to understand addiction. How it develops, how it affects someone’s behavior and attitudes, and what it takes to overcome it. Research local treatment centers in North Dakota and become familiar with the treatment process.

• Form a team: Interventions commonly include a small group of loved ones. Be sure not to include any person currently struggling with addiction. Consider hiring a social worker or professional interventionist to help the process. Though it is not required, it can be highly beneficial. 

• Set consequences and boundaries: Meet with your loved ones before the intervention and discuss enabling and codependent behavior. Many loved ones are guilty of this behavior even though they truly want what’s best for their loved one. During the intervention, set boundaries with your struggling loved one. Let them know the consequences of not seeking treatment. 

• Planned dialog: Each participating member should have a detailed plan of what they want to talk about with their loved one. To be most effective, keep emotions aside. Speaking out of emotion can harm the potential outcome of the meeting. 

• Follow up: Do not wait to follow up with your loved one. If they agree to treatment, have resources handy, so they can easily join a North Dakota drug rehab, or wherever is efficient. Even if your loved one agrees to treatment, they still may fall back into their addiction, be sure to follow up immediately. 

North Dakota Drug Rehab 

Treatment centers in North Dakota are fit to treat various issues dealing with addiction and mental health. Each program at a treatment facility may benefit a particular circumstance over another. Therefore, it is helpful to learn about each program and what it can offer you or your loved one. 

Detox Program in North Dakota

Many areas in North Dakota have experienced an increase in drug abuse, drug and alcohol-related accidents, and overdose deaths. This has caused treatment centers to take in more patients across the state. For example, detox centers in Fargo, ND, have reported a significant increase in opioid addiction cases. 

Detoxification refers to the process of ridding a person’s body of substance-related toxins. Most people commit to a detox program before enrolling in residential treatment. The detox process ensures each person has a sober body and mind before beginning treatment. Detox programs also ensure the withdrawal process is as safe and comfortable as possible for the patients.

Residential Rehabilitation in North Dakota

This is often called inpatient treatment, or residential treatment. Residential rehab is a more intensive level of care compared to other forms of treatment. Individuals in a residential program live at the treatment facility and abide by certain rules and guidelines, all directed toward helping them overcome their addiction. Patients in a residential program have access to 24/7 medical and clinical support and monitoring, which is beneficial for those with a high risk of relapse. 

Outpatient Treatment in North Dakota

This treatment is a less intensive level of care when compared to residential rehabilitation. Outpatient programs sometimes act as a continuation of care for people who want to continue receiving care following the completion of an inpatient program. Most outpatient programs require their clients to participate in programs throughout the day while allowing them to return to their drug-free homes at night. Since this form of treatment offers less around-the-clock support than a live-in-style program, it is not recommended for individuals with severe addiction issues. 

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Partial hospitalization programs are a level of care between outpatient and residential treatment. PHPs have less strict rules than a residential program but offer more support than outpatient treatment. Many people who enroll in a PHP live at a local sober home with other people in recovery.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is a program many North Dakota rehabs offer. MAT during detox can be the difference between a successful and unsuccessful recovery. Individuals withdrawing from an opioid addiction can experience life-threatening symptoms. MAT programs use medications that curb cravings and others that significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms. 

Online Addiction Treatment in North Dakota

Online addiction treatment, or telemedicine, has recently grown in popularity. Through telemedicine, people can meet with licensed therapists or medical professionals from the comfort of their own homes. This is especially beneficial for people who do not want to leave their homes or receive in-person treatment. 

Therapeutic Treatment for Addiction

Addiction is a physical and psychological battle. While detox and other programs help with the physical aspect of addiction, therapy programs aid in the mental aspect. Over time, it has become apparent that the mental side of addiction is as or more important than any other aspect. Therefore, therapeutic treatment for addiction is critical in any treatment center in North Dakota. 

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is a staple in addiction treatment in North Dakota. Sessions consist of a substance abuse therapist and a patient. During the session, the patient will work with their therapist to work through any trauma, challenges, or even progress they have made during treatment. One-on-one sessions are proven to help patients open up and learn about addiction and how it has affected them. 

Group Therapy

Group therapy is another staple within addiction treatment. Sessions involve a therapist and a group or two or more individuals. Patients in group meetings work through their experiences and emotions in a group setting. This group setting helps each person involved develop healthy interpersonal and coping skills. 

Family Therapy

Since addiction is considered a family disease, family therapy is essential in treatment. Family sessions are beneficial for the strength of the family relationship and each family member involved. Family therapy helps rebuild damaged bonds that may have been neglected or devastated during the time of substance abuse. 

Holistic Therapy

This type of therapy is offered at most treatment centers. Holistic medicine looks at the whole person and attempts to heal trauma at its roots instead of just managing symptoms. Many treatment centers use holistic therapy in conjunction with traditional programs. This combination is proven to be effective with many individuals in treatment. Holistic practices may include:

• Yoga
• Tai chi
• Meditation
• Exercise
• Nutritional therapy
• Acupuncture and massage
• Art therapy 
• Adventure therapy
• Holistic counseling
• Music therapy
  

Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders 

Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis patients, make up about half of the people in treatment for addiction. Many addictions begin as a coping mechanism for symptoms of past trauma or mental disorders. Patients with co-occurring disorders require specialized treatment that takes each mental disorder into account. Most co-occurring disorders involve addiction and other mental issues, such as anxiety, OCD, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc. 

Paying for Treatment Centers in North Dakota

In 2016, North Dakota approved a bill that introduced a voucher pay system for substance abuse treatment. The bill grants access to treatment facilities for those who are unable to afford treatment on their own. Many treatment centers in North Dakota have taken part in the program, even though the bill is new to the state. Vouchers can cover the cost of treatments, including:

• Screenings 
• Assessments
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Room and board costs
• Recovery coaches
• Urine analysis
• Transportation

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 in North Dakota

Addiction is a battle better fought with support. Addiction Intervention is a supportive resource that can help you find the best treatment available. Situations involving addiction commonly require professional intervention. If you or a loved one is dealing with addiction, please reach out for help today. If you are looking for information or a North Dakota drug rehab, please call us today.