Opioid Addiction Treatment Expands Across Alabama Rehab Centers
As opioid addiction rates continue to rise nationwide, Alabama is taking steps to increase access to opioid addiction treatment across the state. The Addiction Recovery Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham recently increased its bed and staff count, while a rehab center called Clinic 5 opened a new location in Rainbow City. These facilities along with other Alabama rehab centers are dedicated to helping individuals overcome substance abuse and opioid addiction.
This past summer, President Barack Obama signed a bill intended to increase access to medications used to treat opioid addiction. Obama’s move was made in response to the increasing number of fatal drug overdoses across the U.S.
If you or someone you love is addicted to opioids or an illicit substance, call our helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about available treatment options. One of our treatment specialists will help you find Alabama rehab centers that specialize in treating opioid addiction.
Changes to UAB’s Addiction Recovery Program
UAB offers a one month inpatient program for opioid addiction.
The university’s Addiction Recovery Program is increasing its bed count by 60% from 10 beds to 16 beds in upcoming weeks. The program is also hiring more nurses and technicians for its outpatient treatment program. At present, patients who receive treatment at UAB spend one month in the inpatient program, and two months in the outpatient program.
The city of Birmingham has experienced a rise in opioid use in recent years, and has seen a dramatic increase in heroin overdose deaths from 2009 to 2014. The heroin overdose death count went from 18 in 2009, to over 120 in 2014, says the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. Additionally, overdose deaths from other opioids such as fentanyl are also on the rise.
Teri Williams, administrative director of the university’s addiction recovery program, says the increase in bed count and staff will make it easier for patients to overcome addiction. The rehab center will offer medication-assisted treatment to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in those overcoming opioid addiction.
Rainbow City’s New Rehab Facility
Clinic 5 was initially available as a program at New Image Weight Loss and Wellness, but expanded into its own location, says CFO Jenny Thrasher. The clinic offers treatment, counseling, and therapy for substance abuse and addiction, and uses a “compassionate but stern” approach that helps patients ease back into their normal lives after treatment.
A Clinic 5 physician named Thomas Harrell says many opioid addicts start with prescription medications, then graduate to heroin and other illicit opioids that are easier to obtain, far less expensive, and more potent than the original prescriptions. The mission at Clinic 5 is to help patients make their way to the five most important aspects of life, which are compassion, caring, self-love, independence, and a sense of community.
Opioid addiction treatment can help you or your loved one overcome dependency on opioids, and set you on the path to improved health and wellness. If you need help facing your addiction, call our helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about your rehab and treatment options. One of our caring treatment specialists will provide you with the resources you need to find Alabama rehab centers in your area that can help you achieve lifelong sobriety.
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