Drug Addiction and Treatment in Irving, Texas
Irving is an active city located just northwest of Dallas that offers tourist attractions galore. With a population of 238, 289 and a median household income of $50, 172, the economic powerhouse in Northern Texas offers a wide range of events and local attractions besides being home to one of the biggest art districts nationwide.
Nevertheless, the huge area of Texas, the vast range of highways, and a lengthy coastline has been ideal for drug traffickers. In fact, its close border to Mexico has made the state extremely susceptible to drug trafficking.
Consequently, several drug traffickers operate in the panhandle. Moreover, the distribution of drugs that enter the state takes place throughout the nation.
In spite of the intense security and policing, drug trafficking poses a major issue for Texas. In particular, marijuana is the principal drug of choice in the state, resulting in serious consequences for numerous communities in Texas.
Actually, Texas ranks among the top in terms of the most arrests for illegal marijuana possession. Fortunately, rehabilitation exists for those struggling to overcome drug addiction.
Drug Problems in Texas
Drug traffickers, mostly from the south of the border have infiltrated Texas. In the past, the Mexicans solely controlled the drug trade but today, the Asians, Columbians, Chinese and even the Vietnamese fight for their share of drug money. Furthermore, all kinds of unlawful drugs are accessible, including marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine.
In spite of the increase in surveillance techniques and law enforcement, drug smuggling is extremely prevalent in Texas. Moreover, the drug trade has been associated with persons smuggling across the border. The establishment of the NAFTA treaty, which occurred over a decade ago, has raised the cross-border traffic along with drug smuggling.
Similarly, rural, desert-like regions in West Texas and New Mexico have offered an excellent chance for drug smugglers. Most of the smuggling occurs at the Juarez and El Paso Corridor, with seizures indicating that the confiscation of huge quantities of illegal drugs occurs daily.
Traffickers also acquire warehouses to conceal their money, drugs and recruit “mules” from the region to move narcotics to different destinations across the nation. Further threats to the area are the deliveries of controlled substances via aircraft, commercial vehicles, and rail. El Paso also serves as a hub for considerable quantities of drug proceeds, which small businesses launder.
Statistics on Drunk Driving in Texas
In Texas, somebody sustains injuries or dies approximately every 20 minutes in a car crash involving alcohol. While numerous DUIs involve college students, reports reveal that the problem affects people of various ages. In 2017, the police arrested 62 people as part of an anti-DUI endeavor that took place during the Memorial Holiday weekend.
According to Texan law, driving while intoxicated implies having a blood-alcohol level or BAC of 0.08 or higher. Irrespective of the BAC, somebody is considered intoxicated and DUI if he or she exhibits impairment in any way.
A characteristic drinker can attain that drunkenness level from having two or three drinks within an hour. However, for adolescents and women, a drink or two in an hour could result in a BAC of 0.081. Other important DUI statistics in Texas include:
- In 2016, 987 persons lost their lives in DUI incidents, including 56 cyclists and pedestrians, 143 passengers in cars driven by DUI drivers, 149 people in cars driven by non-DUI drivers, and 638 DUI drivers
- A huge majority of DUI crashes take place between 6 p.m. and 4 a.m., with Saturday and Sunday having the highest rates.
- In 2015, 18 states saw reductions in alcohol-impaired fatalities in comparison with 2014, with Texas taking the lead with 123 fewer deaths.
Texas Marijuana Problem
While drug issues plague every region in this country, the particular substances of abuse vary across states. The public health crisis, which has attained epidemic proportions across the U.S., has earned national attention.
However, the nation’s drug issue isn’t limited to any particular area. Additionally, no state has escaped the scourge, including Texas where marijuana, particularly, the Mexican type, remains a considerable threat.
The locally manufactured marijuana is also accessible but to a lesser degree. Cannabis cultivation takes place within the state, mainly in the northern and eastern regions while independent dealers and Caucasian criminal factions generally control it. Criminal groups and Mexican DTOs dominate marijuana smuggling into Texas; they dominate the drug’s wholesale distribution as well.
Marijuana Production
While marijuana manufactured in Texas and Mexico is accessible throughout the state, the Mexican-produced type dominates. The cultivation of cannabis occurs at outdoor and indoor grow sites. Indoor sites are in each part of the state while outdoor sites are primarily in the northern and eastern regions of the state.
The topography and climate in southern and western Texas aren’t favorable to outdoor cultivation. Cultivators frequently use dense, forested regions, several of which are in the eastern side of the state, as cultivation sites to prevent exposure by law enforcement. The cultivation sites are usually small, comprising 30-40 plants, well hidden and scattered over huge areas.
The high rate of marijuana abuse in this state is the result of several factors: the initiation of blunt cigars has spiked cannabis use and so has the accessibility of Colorado’s quality marijuana. Numerous addicts seeking treatment in Texas facilities claim they began with this drug.
In fact, the drug is widely accessible throughout the state and its use is extensive from the elderly looking for a back pain solution to middle school students. Most of the smuggling originates from Mexico where smugglers use vans, automobiles, and campers to bring the drug into the state.
Most of the smuggled marijuana arrives in concealed compartments and once into the state, the manufacture and distribution of smaller packages occur throughout the state. When it comes to marijuana distribution, the packaging differs depending on the distributed amount.
Therefore, wholesale quantities are available in various materials, including carbon paper, packaging tape, and plastic wrap while retail quantities exist in plastic bags.
Marijuana Arrests in Texas
While attitudes seem to be changing nationwide and some states have decriminalized the behavior, arrests in connection with marijuana possession remain common in Texas and across the country. According to a study performed by the American Civil Liberties Union, the state has one of the highest arrest rates for possessing the drug nationwide.
In 2010, the state was second nationwide in terms of the total number of persons arrested for marijuana possession. In total, more than 74, 000 apprehensions took place for possessing marijuana that year. Besides the high arrest rates across the state, the study revealed a racial disproportion among those charged.
The study revealed that law enforcement arrested blacks twice as often as they did whites for possessing marijuana. The same report revealed that more than $250,000,000 went to possession charges, including every phase of the process from the arrest to incarceration in 2010.
On Feb 6th this year, a traffic stop led to the discovery of 123 pounds of marijuana worth approximately $746, 000 inside a vehicle. Reports reveal that the pursuit of Texas Department of Public Safety in an aggressive traffic stop program led to the seizure of 269 pounds of cannabis in a week in Oldham County.
The stops started when a state trooper stopped a car for an unnamed traffic infringement while it traveled on Interstate 40 near the Vega city. During this incident, the police arrested two men and charged them with marijuana possession.
In a separate incident, the law enforcement seized 64 pounds of cannabis after stopping a vehicle heading eastbound on Interstate 40 on February 9th. During the search, the police found cannabis inside duffle bugs inside the vehicle’s trunk. On the same day, the police discovered another 82 pounds of marijuana in a 2016 Chevrolet Impala that was heading near Vega.
Texas Drug Laws
Texas has stringent laws on drug possession and unlawful controlled substances. Therefore, if you possess an illegal drug or substance, you’re likely to face fines, jail, probation, or a 6-month driver’s license suspension. Bear in mind that Texas law considers different charges and circumstances to discern the charge against an offender. Factors include:
- Drug quantity
- The storage or concealment of drugs
- Drug possession and paraphernalia, for instance, a scale for weighing drugs
- Drugs and a huge cache of money
- The offender’s previous convictions or offenses
- The type of drugs possessed
Intent to Sell
If you’ve faced charges of possessing a controlled substance with the intention of delivering throughout the state, you know the criminal charge is serious. The existence of circumstantial evidence may prove this charge. In this case, acknowledging the intention to sell or distribute isn’t necessary by the accused. The prosecution may center on:
- Packaging used
- Drug paraphernalia
- Contraband quantity
Marijuana Drug Laws in Texas
While attitudes surrounding marijuana have been changing rapidly, Texas continues to punish related offenses severely. In Texas, possessing even a tiny amount could lead to imprisonment. In fact, anything below 2oz. carries a maximum penalty of 180-day jail imprisonment and up to $2, 000 in fine. However, selling over 50 pounds could result in 99 years imprisonment while selling to a minor carries a maximum 20-year sentence.
The severity of the penalty will also vary depending on the quantity of use and the intended goal of the possession. Upon conviction, adults may face jail sentences while minors could end up in a juvenile facility. Beware that possessing synthetic marijuana forms will typically attract stiffer penalties than possessing actual marijuana. If you’re a first time offender, some Texas court districts offer drug diversion programs that permit certain offenders to complete a rehab program rather than serve a prison sentence.
Marijuana Cultivation: Federal vs. State Laws
While there’s usually a minimal difference between federal and state manufacturing laws, marijuana has a unique exception. The federal government treats its cultivation similar to the production of other Schedule I drugs concerning sentencing and charges.
Under federal law, cultivating less than 50 marijuana plants can attract up to a 5-year imprisonment or probable life sentence for 1, 000 or more plants. However, states that permit the use of marijuana for medical purposes vary on whether and the amount, which approved patients may cultivate.
Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing
Cultivating or manufacturing unlawful drugs, for instance, marijuana or methamphetamine is illegal under state and federal laws (with restricted exemptions for marijuana in some states). In criminal law, drug manufacturing takes place when a person is involved in any phase of the production process of the illegal drug.
Those who sell some precursor chemicals, expert equipment, or merely help manufacture drugs may face criminal charges. Drug production typically falls under a felony, with sentences including steep fines, prison, and probation. Beware that fines and prison sentences may double for those convicted of producing unlawful drugs near playgrounds and schools.
Texas Rehab Facilities
While Texas battles marijuana abuse, cocaine, and heroin addiction, numerous addicts evade rehab treatment. Yet, several facilities exist across the state, offering an array of treatment methods. The goal of each Texas facility is to end drug addiction though every case differs depending on an individual’s severity.
You’ll find that some facilities are best suited for treating cocaine and meth addiction while others may treat marijuana or heroin. Most of the facilities use multi-phased drug rehab approaches such as nutritional-based methodologies while others include a faith-based or psychological recovery emphasis.
Moreover, most facilities provide a wide array of rehab programs tailored to meet every addict’s needs. They comprise residential inpatient, aftercare, detox, and intensive outpatient among others. Numerous addicted persons don’t know what to expect during their first day at a Texas rehab facility.
Upon enrollment in a rehab facility, patients undergo an intake interview during which the therapist asks several personal questions. It’s important that the patient collaborates as much as possible with the intake therapist because this process will help stake out the treatment route.
A therapist will also diagnose the person’s addiction issue and any simultaneous mental disorders using particular standardized criteria. In terms of cost, private facilities are usually beyond the reach of those who lack a good health insurance.
However, many non-profit facilities exist throughout Texas. The facilities will charge as much as you can afford and won’t reject any patient for financial reasons. Furthermore, they endeavor to offer a recovery path for persons who seek it, whether they’re Texan residents or from areas where rehab costs might be inaccessible.
For those who lack monetary resources, some facilities provide rehabilitation through insurance, payment plans, and at times, financial aid for eligible patients. Numerous treatment facilities exist in Texas but you must be willing to choose the appropriate one and commit yourself to changing your life.
Treatment Steps
Assessment
Every rehab process begins with an assessment where medical personnel screen you to evaluate your personal needs, addiction level, and health state. In turn, they’ll be able to generate an individualized program that meets your needs.
Pre-intake
During this phase, the staff will ask you several questions concerning your demographic information, history of withdrawal symptoms, and mental conditions. The information is crucial because it will help in the development of your treatment plan.
Intake
During this process, the collection and evaluation of information take place. Bear in mind that the one collecting the information should have considerable experience to assess the gathered information properly.
Detox
This is an initial part of numerous rehab endeavors during which medical staff ease the risks and discomfort related to withdrawal symptoms by administering treatment under supervision.
Inpatient treatment
This program occurs in a facility that offers 24-hour care, enabling patients to focus fully on their recovery and addiction. Rehab programs can comprise individual, group, and or even complementary therapies, for instance, meditation.
Outpatient
This program enables patients to seek therapy, treatment, and other services before returning to their ordinary schedules. They are usually suitable for patients with comparatively less severe addictions.
Aftercare
Once you complete your residential program, you’ll have to transition to an aftercare program. These programs continue supporting you with treatment during the critical recovery days when you return to your home setting.
Sober Living
These homes enable recovery in a safe place after you’ve completed treatment at a center. They also help you transition into the community and you learn to live independently without drug use.
Like any other state, Texas continues to grapple with the far-reaching effects. Nevertheless, Irving’s treatment facilities continue to offer hope and help addicts get back on their feet.
Rehab Options in Irving
Numerous rehabilitation options exist for persons residing in the Irving area. It’s important to understand every available treatment option to select the suitable approach for a loved one or yourself. After all, choosing the suitable alcohol or rehab program in Irving is the most significant factor in drug addiction, abuse, and alcoholism. The options include:
A short-term Alcohol and Drug Facility
This treatment facility is most suitable for short-term users or those who wish to stop abusing alcohol or drugs but are having trouble. When you use substances that develop addiction or dependence even for a short period, addiction can arise.
Drug dependence becomes evident when you decide to discontinue the substance use but end up struggling because of psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms. If you use an addictive drug, for instance, heroin, meth crack, codeine, or other possibly addictive drugs even for a brief period, you may have a difficult time stopping unless you obtain assistance.
If this is the case, this option in Irving could be the appropriate fit. When you discontinue these substances, you might experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms will produce psychological and physical discomfort, for instance, shakiness, clammy skin, weakness, irritability, and paranoia.
The symptoms could also generate the urge to maintain substance use to alleviate the symptoms though you desire to discontinue the drug use. If this describes the situation you’re in, you can obtain effective assistance from a short-term treatment program.
The first step of a short-term facility is the detoxification process that helps ease withdrawal symptoms through medications. A short-term rehab program in Irving is typically 28-30 days in duration and the results can be enduring.
Inpatient Drug & Alcohol Rehab Facilities in Irving
When left untreated, drug addiction can lead to the loss of everything that’s meaningful in the person’s life, for instance, a job, children, or even shelter. Nevertheless, alcoholism and drug addiction are treatable issues.
In fact, addicted persons in Irving have an opportunity to get clean, sober, and discover how to fix relations when they enter treatment facilities. However, addiction produces a poor physical and mental condition, and it can be hard to make the rational choice to locate and start an inpatient program.
One of the hurdles to seeking treatment is the stress associated with the withdrawal process when discontinuing alcohol or drugs. Fortunately, a successful resolution exists for the withdrawal issue that makes it safe for persons to come off alcohol or drugs.
That solution is detox after which the person undertakes several steps to tackle the physical and mental problems that accompany drug and alcohol addiction. Completing an inpatient alcohol and drug program in Irving is worth the enduring benefits. Some of the benefits of an inpatient program include:
- Creating a distance between the addict and his or her drug associates or dealers
- Putting the person in a drug-free, therapeutic community
- The individual will obtain 24hr care that comprises medical assistance throughout the withdrawal process
- The individual will discover how to identify triggers and how to conquer them instead of relapsing
Outpatient Programs in Irving
Outpatient programs don’t require patients to live in an inpatient facility throughout the treatment process. Therefore, he or she may maintain employment and other ordinary responsibilities during treatment. This program typically applies in the case of moderate alcohol or drug use.
An outpatient alcohol or drug rehab is the best way of obtaining help while maintaining an ordinary life. Beware that this method doesn’t suit some abusers because their addiction is extremely severe. The suitable option for a severe alcohol or drug addiction is a long-term inpatient facility.
Detox in Irving Facilities
Drug detoxification denotes the medical care of withdrawal symptoms, which arise when a drug or alcohol dependent person suddenly quits substance abuse. When a person becomes addicted to substances such as heroin, cocaine, or liquor, it can be emotionally and physically detrimental.
Furthermore, when addiction takes place and the person decides to quit the drug, he or she will experience withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, insomnia, and tremors. In Irving, a detox program typically occurs under supervision within an inpatient program.
While it’s beneficial that detox programs are available to assist persons with withdrawal symptoms, detox isn’t a long-term solution for drug addiction and abuse. Rather, it’s only one of the numerous steps to resolve addiction successfully. Remember, a comprehensive program is the only provable process to overcome addiction fully.
Dual Diagnosis Drug & Alcohol Facilities
People with co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders, otherwise called dual diagnosis, typically struggle with some type of addiction and mental illness simultaneously. This could be anxiety, an eating disorder, or posttraumatic disorder along with alcoholism, drug addiction, or prescription drug issue.
Numerous times, it can be difficult to establish the problem that came first, because an addict could show indications of a psychological disorder because of drug abuse and a person with a mental disorder may use alcohol and drugs to self-medicate.
Irving persons with co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders face a higher likelihood of issues associated with these disorders and need thorough intervention for both. Drug treatment facilities in Irving, which offer dual diagnosis treatment offer comprehensive treatment that considers the person’s emotional, mental health, and physical needs, in addition to alcohol and drug treatment services.
A review of the person’s psychological status, including his or her medical history, is a vital first step. Group therapy, individual therapy, psychotherapies, and a solid aftercare plan are also important for persons with dual diagnosis.
Succeeding in Rehabilitation Recovery
The three things you must do to maximize your experience and increase your chances of getting clean are:
Commit
For you to get the most out of your time, you must commit. It doesn’t matter whether you’re seeking treatment for alcoholism or drug addiction. If you don’t commit to the rehab program, you’ll make little progress. It’s important to believe in the treatment method and adhere to it to attain the best outcomes possible.
Stay Engaged
It can be difficult to sustain focus after you’ve been enrolled in a rehab program for a while. Nevertheless, it’s important you stay engaged; this is crucial to your sobriety and progress.
Be Honest
In rehab, you must be honest about your drug use. Without sincerity, it can be rather hard, if not impossible to obtain the help you need and you’ll probably continue struggling with substance dependency and abuse.
