As we continue to transition to normality after a global pandemic that has affected millions, many of us are still dealing with unintended consequences from that time. As we were stuck in our homes with nothing else to do, many people turned to alcohol or drugs to cope with the loneliness, stress, and anxiety that the situation caused. Many people in recovery were also severely affected because they could not attend 12-step meetings or be around others. Those overwhelming urges coupled with boredom are a recipe for disaster, which is evident by the incredible drug overdose figures from 2021. They show why Gaithersburg and surrounding areas need drug rehab and detox.
Drug use is arguably the worst it has ever been. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released data supporting this claim as overdose deaths reached historical figures. In 2021 alone, an estimated 100,306 people lost their lives. That year, the highest since records became available, and it was the first time the U.S. exceeded 100,000 deaths from drugs. In a single year, it jumped 28.5 percent. Per usual, opioids were the primary driver of these figures, jumping from 56,064 overdose deaths in 2020 to 75,673 in 2021. Cocaine and methamphetamine deaths also jumped.
While opioids receive most of the attention, and for a good reason, another epidemic has been slowly emerging from the shadows. Crystal meth has changed forms over the years and has become highly potent and unrecognizable by most experts. The highly potent “super meth” that flows freely through our southern border has made certain cities across the United States unrecognizable. Many people have been turned into zombies. Experts have gone as far as saying they’ve never seen anything like this before and that people who cease use of the drug require months and even years to recover, even with treatment.
There are signs to pay attention to if you’re concerned about addiction. The first time you take a drug, a very low dose is enough for you to feel its effects. However, over a few weeks, you’ll notice you don’t get the boost or that it doesn’t last as long. This is known as tolerance. If you double the dose to achieve that feeling, you’re at risk of developing withdrawal symptoms if you cut back or stop altogether, known as dependence. If you ignore these signs, you’re prone to developing a substance use disorder (SUD), a brain disease that will ultimately control your life. Many people believe drug addiction is a lack of willpower, but that’s simply not true.
No matter your drug of choice, whether it started innocently enough as an injury that spiraled into a fentanyl addiction, or abusing an ADHD medication like Adderall, the only thing that matters now is getting help. Below, we’ll discuss your options should you lose control of your drug use and feel that you’re in harm’s way.
Gaithersburg Drug Use Statistics
Gaithersburg, Maryland, a town located in Montgomery County, is home to over 1 million people. The median income in Montgomery County is $99,435 a year, ranking it among the most affluent in the nation. You might think that a higher income region might be exempt from addiction, but that’s not the case, even with its close proximity to the White House. Addiction knows no bounds, and drug use is prevalent in the area. 2020 was an especially rough year as Gaithersburg and Montgomery County bore witness to 2,799 drug-and-alcohol-related overdose deaths. Opioids were responsible for most of these fatalities.
A staggering 90 percent of overdose deaths in Maryland were opioid-related in 2020. These included heroin, prescription opioids, and illicit fentanyl. From 2019 to 2020, there was a 20 percent increase, while non-opioid-related deaths only increased slightly. Fentanyl continues to cause chaos in the county, state, and the U.S. as a whole, and fatalities rose 20 percent from 2019 to 2020. Heroin-related fatalities decreased 56 percent from 2016 to 2020.
As mentioned earlier, opioids are always at the forefront, but by only discussing a single category, we fail to shed light on the increase in other drug fatalities. For example, cocaine-related overdose deaths rose 6 percent in 2020 after declining 2 percent the year before. Meth-related deaths have increased dramatically since 2015, and 83 percent of these deaths in 2020 were in combination with opioids.
The need for treatment should go without saying. Below, we’ll discuss the options available to you.
Maryland House Detox Drug Rehab and Detox in Gaithersburg
One of the most common barriers that prevent someone from seeking help is withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, our facility is equipped to deal with this. Below, we’ll explain how.
Detox
Overcoming addiction is challenging, especially when the road to recovery is paved with rocks. Admittedly, it’s an uncomfortable process but not impossible to overcome. While some drugs are more dangerous than others, they all present uncomfortable symptoms that our facility can manage with medication and support. During detox, you’ll spend anywhere from three to seven days as we monitor your progress around the clock. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you could be held for longer. For some drugs, withdrawal can be deadly. For that reason, you should never attempt this without professional oversight.
Aftercare
Should the staff deem inpatient or outpatient treatment unnecessary, you must follow up your detox by attending 12-step programs. Addiction is a brain disease, meaning that cravings will persist long after it leaves your body. For that reason, keeping up in aftercare will be the difference between long-term sobriety or relapse. Our facility will also put you in touch with other alumni to help you during this transition. It’ll be easier to get sober under the guidance of medical professionals during detox, but the real test is when you leave that comfort. Fortunately, many people do it each day, and you can be one of them as well.
Sobriety may seem scary, but your life is about to change for the positive.
Maryland House Detox Drug Rehab and Detox FAQs
We understand you want to get help, but there are lingering questions that require answers before committing. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions below. Should we miss yours or not include the information needed, please contact our friendly staff for more.
How long is detox?
As noted earlier, detox can last anywhere from three to seven days. However, if you’ve been abusing alcohol for decades or injecting heroin or fentanyl, your process will take much longer. The average time spent in detox is around a week, but we measure everything on a case-by-case basis. The process could take several weeks. We’ll always do what’s the safest for you.
Does Maryland House Detox provide transportation?
We understand that you might have off-site doctor’s appointments or other obligations. For that reason, we’re happy to provide transportation to overcome this barrier. We’ll also pick you up from the airport or train station. Keep in mind that you will incur extra charges for this service.
How much does detox cost?
Similar to the length of stay, we must evaluate your situation. Each person comes in with different needs, meaning you will be charged differently from your peers. If you require several weeks of detox, it’ll cost more than someone who needs a few days. However, if you’re insured, it could be less than someone without insurance who needs less time. For that reason, we cannot provide definitive figures until we speak with you over the phone or our staff evaluates your specific needs. Please contact us for more information.
Do I have to travel?
Whether you live in Gaithersburg or the surrounding cities, you must travel to the facility. We cannot offer detox without having you on-site. Please contact our intake coordinators for more information and to see how we can accommodate your needs.
What insurance carriers does Maryland House Detox take?
Maryland House Detox has worked tirelessly to develop a positive reputation in the community, which has translated into positive relationships with insurance companies. We accept most major insurance carriers, and we’re in-network with several more. To find out if you’re covered and what that coverage entails, please contact our staff today for more information.
