Fort Worth Rehabs – Texas Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Guide

contributor avatarEdited by: Laura Close
Last updated on August 7, 2021

Substance abuse is a national problem, and Forth Worth, Texas is not immune to it.

While the state does have one of the lowest rates of opioid overdose in the country,1 methamphetamine problems continues to plague the state. According to a 2017 report, methamphetamine was responsible for more than 700 deaths in Texas in 2016 alone.2

Methamphetamine use is also related to rising rates of HIV among Texas residents. Fentanyl powder is also an issue in Texas, with reports of it being mixed with other opioids as well as with benzodiazepines.2

Marijuana also remains a primary threat not only with trafficking of the drug across the border but also with more indoor and outgrow growing in the state, plus changing laws across the country. 2

Fortunately, if you are a Texas resident living in Dallas or Forth Worth who is struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, you have a variety of treatment options for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Fort Worth Drug Abuse Statistics

an infographic shows that in Fort Worth between 2008 and 2011 drug use among Latino teens rose by 20%

Fort Worth had a population of 812,238 people in 2014, and drug abuse affects a significant portion of this population.3 Texas was home to some 55,155 people who sought treatment for a drug abuse problem at a state-funded facility in 2006.4 Thus, a large portion of the population that sought treatment that year—1,800,717 total in the U.S.5—did so in the Lone Star State.

Commonly Abused Substances in Forth Worth

The primary substance(s) of abuse cited by individuals seeking treatment in Texas in 2006. They included:6

  • Alcohol: 14,488.
  • Amphetamines: 7,502.
  • Cocaine: 5,578.
  • Crack: 9,964.
  • Downers: 761.
  • Hallucinogens: 41.
  • Heroin: 6,392.
  • Inhalants: 34.
  • Marijuana/hashish: 6,665.
  • Other drugs: 360.
  • Other opiate/synthetic opiates: 3,370.

Alcohol Consumption in Fort Worth

Alcohol is a major substance of abuse in Fort Worth. This isn’t surprising given Texas’s per capita consumption of alcohol in 2012 was 2.28 gallons.6

That being said, the national rate was actually higher at 2.33 gallons per capita nationwide.7 Of the 162,469 average annual deaths in the state from 2006 to 2010, 6,514 of them were attributable to alcohol.7

The risks of alcohol abuse include far more than health consequences like stroke and alcohol poisoning. Generally, someone who has been caught driving drunk has already done it 80 times before being arrested.8 The penalties that come in tow with driving under the influence are strong.

an infographic shows that a person caught drunk driving generally has already done it 80 times

Assuming an individual is lucky enough not to be harmed or injure someone else in an accident (there were 23 incapacitating crashes in Fort Worth in 20149), the first drunk driving offense brings with it a mandatory jail sentence of at least three days, but could impose as long a sentence as six months in jail.10

Second offenses may put those who drink and drive behind bars for a year, and third offenses for two years.11 In addition, those who drink and drive can expect hefty fines, up to $10,000, depending on individual circumstances and a period of time where their licenses are suspended.11

In 2011, there were 87,644 arrests in the state of Texas for driving under the influence and another 118,451 for drunkenness.11

Marijuana Use in Fort Worth

Marijuana has steadily remained in the lead among primary substances cited by individuals admitted to treatment in Texas. Overall, illicit drug use is actually lower in Texas than nationwide.

Just 6.26% of Texans reported past-month use of drugs, compared to 8.02% of all Americans.12 In 2007, 1,987 people died of accidental drug overdoses in Texas out of the more than 26,000 that did nationwide that year.13

Despite being further from the border than many other cities, trafficking is also a predominant issue for Fort Worth. Nearly every day in the state, drug busts occur, and people are arrested for trafficking substances like methamphetamine, marijuana, and heroin in from Mexico.

Those who are convicted face penalties ranging from minor fines and six months in jail for possession of small amounts of marijuana to life sentences for the trafficking of harder drugs, like cocaine.14, 15

 

Mental Health Information for the Fort Worth Area

Mental health disorders are more common among individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol. Around 29% of all people affected with any mental illness also engage in substance abuse.16

Co-occurring mental illness is a common treatment scenario seen at rehab facilities across the country. People can be diagnosed with mental health disorders who were living in dysfunction for years and were completely unaware that anything was wrong.

Moreover, it can be difficult to discern why certain behaviors and symptoms occur when someone is abusing drugs or alcohol. This is because many of the symptoms that mental illness can impose—like mood swings, depression, anxiety, fatigue, impulsivity, and other cognitive and emotional symptoms—are akin to those that occur as a result of substance abuse.

Often, mental illness isn’t even suspected by the loved one’s family until it is too late.

A reported 3,059 people committed suicide in 2013 in Texas alone, of the 41,149 who did throughout America.17 Intentional drug overdoses make up many of these deaths. Mental illness is estimated to be present in more than 90% of individuals who die as a result of suicide.18

Mental Health Treatment in Texas

an infographic displays the percentage of people suffering from depression that also have trouble with substance abuse

There are various Fort Worth drug treatment centers in the Dallas area.19 Some are equipped to manage cases of co-occurring mental illness. Some of the most common mental health disorders in the country are also the most commonly seen in clients with substance use disorders.

Depression affects around 14.8 million Americans every year.20 Among all states in the nation, Texas is ranked 10th in terms of prevalence of depression.21 Meanwhile, around 32% of all people affected by depressive disorders also have trouble with substance abuse.22

Likewise, the demand for treatment of these issues is lower in Texas, and therefore, so is the rate of availability. For every 100,000 people in the state, there are 28.4 psychologists and 7.4 psychiatrists, compared to the national rates of 44.39 and 12.87.23 While 13.7% of Americans in need of mental health services are unable to access them, 18.5% of Texans aren’t able to access these services.24

Treatment in Texas

  • The number of people admitted to treatment during 2013 across the state was 39,676.24
  • Among them, 5,931 had a problem with alcohol alone.
  • while 5,150 cited both alcohol and other drugs.25
  • The most admissions were for the abuse of marijuana at 8,375, followed by heroin at 6,134, and amphetamines at 5,629.25

Individuals in need of intensive treatment and round-the-clock supervision should look into residential care. However, seeking treatment on an outpatient basis is often no less comprehensive than residential care, but it affords those seeking help a little more flexibility and balance in their lives. This is ideal for people who have children and partners at home, or jobs they can’t take time off from in order to seek residential care.

Types of Texas Treatment Services

Any facility worthy of treating substance abuse can’t just set up shop and start operations without first going through a process of verifying credentials. Both federal and state treatment standards apply.

Going beyond the facility itself and its practices, the quality and experience of the people employed at a rehab center matter a great deal. If a facility claims to treat mental health disorders, but they don’t have a prescribing psychiatrist on staff, they won’t be of much help to those who need this level of care.

Inpatient Rehab in Fort Worth

Inpatient and residential drug and alcohol treatment programs are often the preferred choice for people who are currently living in the chaos of active addiction. Inpatient and residential programs provide the structure that most people need to begin a sober lifestyle.

At quality programs, the patient’s days are packed with planned groups and activities and usually include some personal time for reflection, assignments, working out, or other healthy activities.

Medically Assisted Detoxification

Some Fort Worth programs will also include medical detox for patients who need medical support to endure their withdrawal symptoms as they clear their bodies of any and all substances on which they are physically dependent.

Medications may be given during withdrawal to manage symptoms. In some cases, after detox to help the patient with cravings. This is known as medication-assisted treatment, or MAT. It involves therapy plus the use of medications to assist in long-term recovery.

Outpatient Drug Rehab in Fort Worth

Drug rehab doesn’t always have to be inpatient or residential. While you may think of a 30-, 60-, or 90-day stay rehab stay when you think of getting help for addiction, this isn’t the only option.

Types of Outpatient (PHP, IOP, and More)

There are outpatient services that come in many varieties based on where you are in your recovery.

For example, if you need a lot of support you may do well in a partial hospitalization program (PHP), in which you can receive treatment for most of the day but return home at night.

If you’re further along in your recovery, you may choose a less demanding outpatient option, such as an intensive outpatient program, or IOP (similar to PHP but with fewer hours per week) or standard outpatient.

Fort Worth Resources for Drug and Alcohol Addiction and Mental Illness

Choosing to get help and give up a life of drug or alcohol abuse isn’t easy, but it is worth it. You can find more information on treatment options, accreditation, and payment assistance through state and local resources, including:

Fort Worth is a top tourist attraction. It is located just 17.5 miles away from a major airport, so it is really easy for visitors to fly in for a quick vacation, and each year, some 6.5 million people do just that, according to the city’s tourism board. But Fort Worth is not just made for tourists. It is also a city that thousands of people call home, and many of those people struggle with drug abuse and addiction.

Fort Worth Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers

Making the decision to get help with a substance use disorder can be difficult. o That is especially true in Fort Worth, as there are many different Texas treatment facilities that are ready and waiting to give real help to people who need it. These are key details about the facilities that are ready to help your family right now:

Greenhouse Treatment Center

This accredited program offers many levels of care for patients just starting their journey or who have been in recovery for some time. From medical detox to residential treatment in a former luxury spa all the way to outpatient and sober living, Greenhouse has everything you need.

MHMR Tarrant

Adults can tap into detoxification and rehab services, provided on either an inpatient or an outpatient basis. Adolescents can use either inpatient or outpatient care. Treatments are available in both English and Spanish, and the organization is willing to work closely with families that have a limited ability to pay for care. Emergency information and referrals are available around the clock.

MedMark Treatment Centers

This outpatient center targets opioid addiction and provides medications that can quell cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms, and those therapies are augmented by group counseling sessions. Treatment hours are flexible, and all care is confidential. Insurance payments, including Texas Medicaid and Medicare, are accepted. The organization also provides low-cost and no-cost treatment plans to families that qualify.

Mesa Springs

This is a private organization that just opened a 72-bed behavioral health hospital in Fort Worth. Here, people can access inpatient and outpatient addiction care, and there are programs for both adults and adolescents. All of the treatments are evidence-based, and they utilize a program-centered approach that helps people to move past a crisis and into health. Payments from many major insurance providers are accepted, and intake counselors can help to evaluate benefits and develop a comprehensive payment schedule.

Excel Center

This organization provides a day treatment center for children and adolescents ages 5-18. Young people can continue to live at home and learn from their families, but they can learn about addiction and get care for addiction in a safe environment throughout the day. Insurance payments are accepted, and the organization is more than happy to handle those details.

ABODE Treatment

In this aftercare program, people can work with counselors and peers on ongoing sobriety skills, so they do not relapse to bad habits with time and inertia. This is a private organization, and it does not provide payment information online.

Soteria

This organization provides a faith-based approach to the recovery process. People who enroll are provided with outpatient counseling, including life skills courses and chemical dependency courses. They are also provided with individual counseling. And through it all, people are asked to engage with a Christian recovery process, seeking to develop a stronger relationship with God and live in concert with the word of that God.

H.O.P.E., Inc.

This organization offers a variety of addiction treatment programs and classes made for people who have enrolled in the criminal justice system due to drugs. Licensed professionals hold those classes, and people who graduate from the classes sometimes stay involved with the program and work as inspirational peers. Individual counseling is also available for people with addictions. Prices are kept low, so income should not be a barrier to care.

 

References:

  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019). Texas Opioid Summary.
  2. University of Texas at Austin. (2017). Substance Abuse Trends in Texas 2017.
  3. “The Partnership Attitude Tracking Study: Hispanic Teens and Parents.” (2012). Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. Accessed September 24, 2015.
  4. “State & County QuickFacts.” (2014). United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 24, 2015.
  5. “Substance Abuse Statistics Texas Statewide Totals.” (2006). Texas Department of State Health Services. Accessed September 24, 2015.
  6. “Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS): 1996-2006.” (n.d.). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Accessed September 24, 2015.
  7. Joiner, J. (2014 May 29). “And the Drunkest State in the Union is…” Accessed September 24, 2015.
  8. “Alcohol-related deaths: How does your state rank?.” (2014 June 27). CBS News. Accessed September 24, 2015.
  9. “11 Facts About Driving Under the Influence.” (n.d.). Accessed September 24, 2015.
  10. “DUI (Alcohol) Crashes and Injuries: Cities and Towns.” (2014). Texas Department of Transportation. Accessed September 24, 2015.
  11. “Texas DUI and DWI Laws.” (n.d.). Accessed September 24, 2015.
  12. “Annual Report of 2011 UCR Data Collection.” (2011). Uniform Crime Reporting Bureau. Accessed September 24, 2015.
  13. “Texas Drug Control Update.” (n.d.). White House.Accessed September 24, 2015.
  14. “Overdose: A National Crisis Taking Root in Texas.” (n.d.). Drug Policy Alliance.Accessed September 24, 2015.
  15. “Texas Laws & Penalties.” (n.d.). Accessed September 24, 2015.
  16. “Federal Trafficking Penalties.” (n.d.). Drug Enforcement Administration. Accessed September 24, 2015.
  17. “Substance Abuse and Mental Health.” (n.d.). Accessed September 24, 2015.
  18. “Suicide: Texas 2015 Facts and Figures.” (2015). American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.Accessed September 24, 2015.
  19. “DrugFacts: Drug-Related Hospital Emergency Room Visits.” (n.d.). National Institute on Drug Abuse. Accessed September 24, 2015.
  20. “Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator.” (n.d.). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Accessed September 24, 2015.
  21. “Depression Statistics.” (n.d.). Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.Accessed September 24, 2015.
  22. “Depression and suicide rates state by state.” (2007 Nov 28). USA Today.Accessed September 24, 2015.
  23. “Co-occurrence of Depression with Medical, Psychiatric, and Substance Abuse Disorders.” (n.d.). National Alliance on Mental Illness.Accessed September 24, 2015.
  24. Ackerman, T. (2007 Nov 30). “Depression is low in Texas, but so is treatment.” Accessed September 24, 2015.
  25. “Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions by Primary Substance of Abuse.” (2013).  Accessed September 24, 2015.
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