You can start working towards a healthier, happier future, free from substance abuse by calling a Missouri drug addiction hotline. Seeking professional help for substance abuse is of critical importance if you have developed an addiction. When you find yourself struggling with substance abuse, it can be incredibly difficult to break free from its grasp. Trained professionals who specialize in addiction treatment can provide the guidance, support, and expertise necessary to overcome this challenge successfully. The best drug and alcohol rehab facilities in Missouri offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. The programs are designed to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Professional programs give you access to evidence-based therapies, medically supervised detoxification, and ongoing care throughout your recovery. Remember, reaching out for professional help is not a sign of weakness, but a brave step towards reclaiming control of your life.
The National Drug Helpline at 1-844-289-0879 is a 24/7 toll-free hotline that provides information on substance abuse recovery in Missouri. We can help you find addiction treatment programs in your community. Calls to the helpline are answered by helpful and knowledgeable professionals who can connect you with local rehab facilities. All calls are confidential and offer a safe, non-judgmental space to discuss your concerns.
Call 1-844-289-0789 today to get answers to all your questions about substance abuse and addiction. Find drug and alcohol treatment facilities in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, and other communities in Missouri.
MISSOURI SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESOURCES
- Missouri Department of Mental Health – Treatment Services
- Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings in Missouri
- Get MO Naloxone
- Missouri DUI Laws
- Missouri Drug Control Update
SUBSTANCE ABUSE BY YOUTH IN MISSOURI
The Missouri Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2021 showed the following findings among 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders in the state: [1]
ALCOHOL USE
- Percentage of students who had their first alcoholic drink before age 13 years: 14.9%
- Percentage of students who currently drank alcohol: 24.3%
- Percentage of students who were currently engaged in binge drinking on at least 1 day in the past 30 days: 14.1%
- Percentage of students who go the alcohol they drank by someone giving it to them: 36.1%
MARIJUANA USE
- Percentage of students who tried marijuana for the first time before age 13 years: 5.6%
- Percentage of students who used currently used marijuana in the past 30 days: 16.7%
PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATION MISUSE
- Percentage of students who ever took prescription pain medications such as codeine, Vicodin, OxyContin, or Percocet without a doctor’s prescription or differently than prescribed: 16.8%
EXPOSURE TO DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
- Percentage of students who ever used cocaine: 2.2%
- Percentage of students who ever used heroin (smack, junk, China White): 1.0%
- Percentage of students who ever used methamphetamines (speed, crystal meth, ice, crank): 1.3%
- Percentage of students who ever used ecstasy: 3.0%
- Percentage of students who ever injected an illegal drug: 1.7%
- Percentage of students who were ever offered, given, or sold an illegal drug on school property: 12.8%
SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN MISSOURI
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports the following with regards to substance use in Missouri: [2]
YOUTH AGED 12-17 YEARS
- Past-month marijuana use was reported by 5.9% of adolescents in 2017-2019 compared to 7.3% in 2002-2004. During a similar timeframe, the US national average decreased from 7.9% in 2002-2004 to 6.8% in 2017-2019.
- Past-month alcohol use was reported by 10.6% of youth in 2017-2019 compared to 20.4% in 2002-2004. The US national average also showed a downward trend from 17.6% in 2002-2004 to 9.4% in 2017-2019.
- Past-month illicit drug use was reported by 7.5% of Missouri teens aged 12-17 years in 2017-2019 compared to 10.7% in 2015-2017. The US national average was stable at 8.2% during this time.
- Past-year initiation of substances (first lifetime use) was reported by youth as follows during 2017-2019: Alcohol 9.3% (US average 9.3%), marijuana 4.1% (US average 5.2%), and cigarettes 2.5% (US average 2.3%).
Marijuana, alcohol, and illicit drug use among adolescents in Missouri have all shown positive trends with decreased usage in 2019 compared to 2002.
YOUNG ADULTS AGED 18-25 YEARS
The data for young adults aged 18-25 years in Missouri is as follows:
- Past-year marijuana use was reported by 32.6% of young adults in Missouri in 2017-2019 compared to 31.4% in 2002-2004. During a similar timeframe, the US national average increased from 28.7% in 2002-2004 to 35.0% in 2017-2019.
- Past-year marijuana use disorder was reported in 4.8% of young adults aged 18-25 years in Missouri in 2017-2019, compared to 7.1% in 2002-2004. The US national average changed from 6.0% in 2002-2004 to 5.6% in 2017-2019.
- Past-year opioid use disorder was reported in 0.5% of young adults in Missouri in 2017-2019, which was the same as 2015-2017. The US national average changed from 1.3% in 2015-2017 to 1.0% in 2017-2019.
- Past-year illicit drug use disorder was reported in 5.8% of Missouri residents aged 18-25 years in 2017-2019 compared to 4.6% in 2015-2017. The US national average hovered around 7.2% to 7.5% during this timeframe.
- Past-month binge alcohol use was reported by 33.9% of young adults in 2017-2019 compared to 39.8% in 2015-2017. The US national average in 2017-2019 was 35.4% showing binge alcohol use in Missouri is slightly lower compared to the country as a whole.
- Past-year alcohol use disorder among young adults aged 18-25 was reported in 7.2% of Missouri residents in 2017-2019, compared to 19.9% in 2002-2004. The US national average for 2017-2019 was 9.8%. Missouri therefore has a lower percentage of young adults battling alcohol use disorder compared to the US average for all states.
- Past-year substance use disorder was reported in 11.8% of young adults aged 18-25 years in Missouri in 2017-2019 compared to 13.0% in 2015-2017. The national average has been between 15.1% and 14.7% during this time.
MISSOURI RESIDENTS 12 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER
The Behavioral Health Barometer also found the following for 2017-2019 in Missouri residents aged 12 years and older:
- Past-year tobacco use: 29.5% (US average 26.8%)
- Past-year marijuana use: 15.2% (US average 16.2%)
- Past-year marijuana use disorder: 1.4% (US average 1.6%)
- Past-year heroin use: 0.14% (US average 0.30%)
- Past-year prescription painkiller misuse: 3.8% (US average 3.7%)
- Past-year opioid use disorder: 0.5% (US average 0.7%)
- Past-year illicit drug use disorder: 2.5% (US average 2.9%)
- Past-year alcohol use disorder: 5.1% (US average 5.3%)
- Past-year substance use disorder: 7.1% (US average 7.4%)
- Number of people enrolled in substance use treatment (single day counts for 2019): 19,996
- Number of people enrolled in opioid treatment programs (single day counts for 2019): 3,552
- Problems among people enrolled in treatment: 45.7% drug problem only, 14.6% alcohol problem only, 39.6% both drug and alcohol problems
WHAT ARE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS?
When you’ve been dependent on a substance for an extended period of time, your body becomes accustomed to its presence. As a result, suddenly stopping the substance can lead to uncomfortable and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can range from minor discomfort to severe and even life-threatening health complications. The type of withdrawal symptoms you experience will vary depending on the substance you abused, but typically include nausea, sweating, tremors, anxiety, and insomnia. More severe symptoms can include seizures and hallucinations.
WHAT IS DETOX AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Detoxification is a medically supervised treatment program that helps you through the difficult phase of coming off drugs by providing support and supervision to ensure your safety and comfort.
Attempting to detox on your own at home can be dangerous. The withdrawal process is unpredictable and some withdrawal symptoms are potentially life-threatening, especially with alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal. That’s why medical supervision is essential.
During a supervised detox program, healthcare professionals monitor your vital signs, give you medications when necessary, and provide psychological support to help you cope with the challenges of withdrawal.
HOW LONG DOES DETOX LAST?
The duration of the detox process varies, depending on several factors such as the substance involved, the length and severity of your addiction, and your overall health status. In some cases, detox may take only a few days, while in others, it could last a week or longer.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DETOX?
It’s important to understand that detox alone is not sufficient for long-term recovery. Substance abuse is frequently rooted in complex psychosocial and environmental factors. Therefore, detox should be followed by a comprehensive treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and addresses all the aspects of your addiction.
Remember, everyone’s journey to recovery is unique. Throughout this journey, the focus should be on your safety, wellbeing, and progress. Detoxification sets the stage for a successful substance abuse treatment. Once your body is free from the influence of drugs, you are better prepared to engage in therapy and counseling. Therapies help to address the underlying reasons for your addiction and ensure lasting freedom from drugs and alcohol.
With the right support and guidance, you can successfully navigate through the detox process and move forward towards your goal of a healthier, happier, and addiction-free life. Do not hesitate to reach out for help and take advantage of the resources available to you.
Call the National Drug Helpline on 1-844-289-0879 to find detoxification programs in Missouri as well as comprehensive addiction treatment programs nearby.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Missouri Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2021. Available online. Accessed on August 3, 2023.
- SAMHSA. Behavioral Health Barometer Missouri. Available online. Accessed on August 3, 2023.
Last updated: August 3, 2023