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Alabama Rehabs

If you require rehab for a drug or alcohol addiction in Alabama, today’s guide will highlight what you can expect if you initiate your recovery in the Yellowhammer State.

There are almost 100 rehab centers in the state of Alabama. Whether you need treatment for alcohol use disorder (alcoholism), substance use disorder (drug addiction), a mental health condition, or a co-occurring disorder (dual diagnosis of addiction and mental health disorder), you’ll find inpatient and outpatient programs throughout the state.

Background of Alabama

Alabama is one of the Southeastern United States nicknamed the Yellowhammer State.

Famous for its beautiful gulf coast beaches and fiercely competitive college football, Alabama is bordered by Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida. The state capital is Montgomery.

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Alabama include Gulf State Park, Birmingham Zoo, Huntsville Botanical Garden, and Talladega Superspeedway.

You can also find 88 drug and alcohol rehab centers throughout the state offering inpatient and outpatient treatment for addictions and mental health disorders.

Alabama Substance Abuse Statistics

Alabama Public Health reports that 2.5% of state residents (over 91,000 individuals) have previously suffered from an addiction to illicit drugs (substance use disorder).

NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) states that Alabama has the highest rate of opioid use disorder per capita in the United States. 175,000 Alabama residents report misusing prescription opioids, and over 300,000 are diagnosed with opioid addictions involving either opioid painkillers or heroin.

ADPH (Alabama Department of Public Health) reports that drug overdoses accounted for almost half of emergency room visits in the state.

Alcohol abuse is also a pressing problem in the Yellowhammer State. A study from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) indicates that over 250,000 over-12s in Alabama meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder.

Dual Diagnosis or Co-occurring Disorder

Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorder, is the clinical descriptor for an addiction and a mental health disorder that occur simultaneously.

Some addictions commonly associated with co-occurring disorders include:

  • Alcohol
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Prescription opioids
  • Z-drugs like Ambien
  • Marijuana
  • Cocaine
  • Heroin
  • Meth
  • Fentanyl

Some mental health disorders commonly associated with co-occurring disorders include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Panic disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)

Every year, SAMHSA publishes data from NSDUH (National Survey on Drug Use and Health). The most recent survey data indicate that:

  • 17 million adults in the United States reported a dual diagnosis involving a substance use disorders and AMI (any mental illness) in 2020. This represents a significant increase on the 9.7 million over-18s with the same dual diagnosis the previous year.
  • 5.7 million adults in the United States reported a dual diagnosis involving a substance use disorders and an SMI (serious mental illness) in the same year.

Whether the mental health disorder or the addiction manifests first, integrated dual diagnosis treatment is the most effective approach to recovery.

Alabama Addiction Treatment

If you require treatment for an addiction to prescription medications, alcohol, or illicit drugs, you can access the following evidence-based treatments at rehab in Alabama:

  • MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
  • Behavioral Therapy
  • Motivational Therapy

MAT (medication-assisted treatment)

MAT is proven effective for treating both alcohol use disorders and opioid use disorders.

The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approves these medications for the treatment of alcohol use disorder:

  1. Naltrexone
  2. Acamprosate
  3. Disulfiram

The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approves these medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder:

  1. Buprenorphine
  2. Methadone
  3. Naltrexone

All of these medications can be beneficial during detox, reducing the severity of cravings and the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. Medication-assisted treatment can also be effective throughout ongoing addiction treatment in Alabama. These medications can:

  • Inhibit subsequent substance abuse.
  • Encourage ongoing abstinence.
  • Minimize the likelihood of relapse in recovery.

The Alabama treatment team may also administer medications to treat:

  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Depression
  • Seizures

MAT is most effective if combined with counseling and psychotherapies.

Behavioral Therapy

The behavioral therapies that are most often used in Alabama rehabs include:

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

 CBT is the most common form of psychotherapy (informally known as talk therapy), and it is proven effective for treating:

  • Alcohol use disorders
  • Substance use disorders
  • Mental health disorders
  • Co-occurring disorders (dual diagnoses)

You will work with a therapist to identify what triggers you to abuse drugs or alcohol. The greater your awareness of your personal addiction triggers, the more readily you can shore up your defenses against temptation in your ongoing recovery.

Additionally, you will develop healthy coping mechanisms to strengthen your ability to withstand stress in your recovery from addiction in Alabama.

DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)

DBT a subtype of CBT that was created to treat individuals with BPD (borderline personality disorder). Dialectical behavior therapy is now used more widely for the treatment of:

  • Alcohol use disorders
  • Substance use disorders
  • Mental health disorders
  • Dual diagnosis

In DBT sessions, you will learn how to become more accepting of emotional stress. You will also discover how to use relaxation techniques as a healthy way to deal with life’s everyday stressors. These skills will be beneficial throughout your recovery from addiction in Alabama.

Motivational Therapy

Most decent Alabama rehab centers will also provide access to motivational therapies as a supplement to evidence-based addiction treatment. Common examples include:

  • Contingency Management
  • Community Reinforcement Approach
  • Motivational Interviewing

Contingency Management

CM, the abbreviated form of contingency management, is a time-limited motivational therapy. Positive behaviors like negative drug screens are rewarded with small gifts like vouchers.

CM is especially useful for treating the following addictions:

  • Marijuana
  • Prescription opioids
  • Prescription stimulants
  • Alcohol
  • Cocaine
  • Meth

Community Reinforcement Approach

The community reinforcement approach is often abbreviated to CRA. CRA is utilized as one component of a comprehensive outpatient treatment program for addiction.

CRA sessions will be scheduled twice weekly over a period of six months. You can expect drug screens while engaged with this motivational therapy.

CRA sessions can help you to:

  • Build a solid sober support system.
  • Connect with counseling and vocational development services.
  • Reduce the chance of further abuse of drugs or alcohol.
  • Develop healthier interests.

CRA is most effective for the treatment of addictions to opioids, alcohol, or cocaine.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing consists of an ongoing and collaborative dialogue between you and a therapist. You will learn how to implement positive behavioral and lifestyle changes based on your personal values and goals.

Different Levels of Addiction Treatment

According to American Society of Addiction Medicine, there are five levels of addiction treatment as follows:

  1. Early intervention services.
  2. Outpatient treatment programs.
  3. IOPs (intensive outpatient programs) and PHPs (partial hospitalization programs).
  4. Inpatient treatment programs (residential rehab).
  5. Intensive inpatient treatment programs.

Most of the best Alabama rehabs offer the following inpatient rehab programs:

  • 30-day inpatient rehab in Alabama
  • 60-day inpatient rehab in Alabama
  • 90-day inpatient rehab in Alabama

Inpatient Alabama addiction treatment is typically advisable for:

  • Moderate and severe addictions.
  • Co-occurring disorder.
  • For those with unstable home backgrounds.

During residential rehab in Alabama, you remain at a treatment facility from detox to discharge.

You can access the same therapies and services in outpatient rehab. The key difference is that you will return home between treatment sessions rather than remaining at the rehab.

Many Alabama drug and alcohol rehabs provide various outpatient programs, such as:

  • OP (outpatient program)
  • IOP (intensive outpatient program)
  • PHP (partial hospitalization program)

Outpatient Alabama addiction treatment is typically advisable for:

  • Mild addictions.
  • Stepping down from residential rehab.
  • A flexible and affordable route to recovery from addiction in Alabama.

Activities at Alabama Rehabs

At an Alabama drug and alcohol rehab center, you can access the following interventions:

  • MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
  • Behavioral therapy
  • Motivational therapy
  • Individual counseling
  • Group counseling
  • Family therapy

Additionally, most reputable Alabama rehabs will also offer supplementary activities and holistic therapies, including:

  • Acupuncture
  • Animal-assisted therapy
  • Exercise programs
  • EMDR therapy
  • Tai chi
  • Music therapy
  • Nutritional therapy
  • Experiential adventure therapy
  • Mindfulness
  • Massage
  • Art therapy
  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Climbing

Drug Rehab FAQ

Does Alabama accept Medicaid?

Yes. Based on 2021 data, over 1 million residents of Alabama qualified for Medicaid benefits. 58 Alabama rehabs accept Medicaid for addiction treatment.

Are there outpatient treatment programs in Alabama?

Yes. Of the 88 rehabs in the state, 70 Alabama rehabs provide outpatient treatment for addictions.

Which areas have the greatest concentration of drug and alcohol rehabs in Alabama?

You will find drug and alcohol rehabs throughout the state of Alabama. Many rehabs are located in:

  • Montgomery
  • Birmingham
  • Florence
  • Tuscaloosa
  • Huntsville

What can you do in Alabama?

Alabama is a southern U.S. state famous the world over for the hospitality of its residents. Gulf State Park is a tranquil beach oasis with activities to suit almost everyone. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is the number one attraction in the Yellowhammer State. There are many state parks, museums, and science centers in Alabama, and you’ll also find plenty of drug and alcohol rehabs if you’re looking to kickstart your recovery from addiction.