Prescription Drug Abuse Programs in Brownsville

Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in the United States, and Texas is no exception. In 2019, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported a total of 1,916 deaths due to overdose from prescription drugs, representing a 114% increase from 2000. Brownsville, the southernmost city in Texas, is not immune to this issue.

Statistics on Prescription Drug Abuse in Brownsville and Texas

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Texas has the second-highest number of prescription drug overdose deaths in the country, after California. In 2017, there were 35 deaths per 100,000 people in Texas due to prescription drug overdose.

In Brownsville, the yearly rate of opioid overdoses increased from 6.3 to 9.5 per 100,000 people between 2015 and 2019, according to data from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. In 2018, there were a total of 744 emergency room visits due to opioid overdose in Cameron County, where Brownsville is located.

Furthermore, a study conducted by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that one out of every four adult Texans has misused prescription drugs, and one out of every six has reported struggles with opioid addiction.

Prescription Drug Abuse Programs in Brownsville

Fortunately, there are several options for individuals struggling with prescription drug abuse in Brownsville. Here are some of the programs available:

1. Recovery Center of Cameron County: This nonprofit organization offers substance abuse treatment, including prescription drug addiction, through a variety of programs, including inpatient and outpatient services. They also offer family and individual counseling, education programs, and aftercare services.

2. South Texas Behavioral Health Center: This behavioral health facility offers inpatient and outpatient services for individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. Their treatment programs for prescription drug abuse include medication-assisted therapy, group therapy, and individual therapy.

3. Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System: This system, operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, provides specialized inpatient and outpatient services for veterans struggling with substance use disorders, including prescription drug addiction. Services include individual and group therapy, medication management, and aftercare planning.

Facts about Prescription Drug Abuse in Texas

1. The rate of prescription drug overdose deaths in Texas has been steadily increasing from 2000 to 2017.

2. The most commonly abused prescription drugs in Texas are opioids, including natural and synthetic opioids.

3. The majority of Texans who misuse prescription drugs obtain them from a friend or family member, rather than a healthcare provider.

4. The Texas Poison Center Network reported a 59% increase in calls related to prescription drug abuse from 2014 to 2016.

Overall, prescription drug abuse is a significant problem in Texas, and Brownsville is not exempt from this issue. However, there are resources available to help individuals struggling with prescription drug addiction in the area. Treatment programs that offer a combination of therapy, medication management, and aftercare planning have been proven to be effective in helping individuals overcome prescription drug abuse.