It’s not unusual to hesitate calling an addiction hotline in Iowa. There is considerable stigma in society about drug and alcohol addiction. Fear of judgement prevents many people battling substance abuse from seeking necessary help. Yet, getting professional care is the most effective and safest way to kick an alcohol or drug habit.

Overcoming this stigma is one of the key challenges surrounding addiction. It is crucial that we promote a compassionate and understanding approach to seeking care.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, overcoming any reservations you might have and reaching out for help will be an important first step in the journey towards recovery. Calling an Iowa drug hotline can prove to be a lifeline.

HOW CAN I FIND ADDICTION TREATMENT IN IOWA?

The National Drug Helpline is a toll-free 24/7 drug hotline number 1-844-289-0879 that is staffed by trained operators. We are available around the clock with up-to-date information, guidance, and resources tailored to your specific situation. We have created a non-judgmental and compassionate environment where you can freely discuss your concerns without fear of being criticized or judged. The National Drug Helpline serves as a safe space, ensuring that your privacy and confidentiality are respected throughout the conversation. When you make a call to us, you’re taking a brave first step towards a healthier and happier future.

Call us today to find drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities in your community, including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City, and other towns and cities across the state.

IOWA SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESOURCES

SUBSTANCE ABUSE BY YOUTH IN IOWA

The Iowa Youth Risk Survey Behavior 2021 showed the following findings among 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders in the state: [1]

Tobacco use

  • Percentage of students who ever tried cigarette smoking: 17.4%
  • Percentage of students who ever tried cigarette smoking before age 13 years: 6.6%
  • Percentage of students who smoked in the past 30 days: 4.1%
  • Percentage of students who ever used an electronic vape product: 34.8%
  • Percentage of students who currently use electronic vape products frequently: 5.9%

Alcohol use

  • Percentage of students who rode with a driver who had been drinking: 19.0%
  • Percentage of students who drove a car when they had been drinking alcohol: 5.2%
  • Percentage of students who had their first alcoholic drink before age 13 years: 13.8%
  • Percentage of students who currently drank alcohol: 21.9%
  • Percentage of students who engaged in binge drinking in the past 30 days: 9.7%
  • Percentage of students who reported having 10 or more drinks in a row: 2.8%
  • Percentage of students who reported they got alcohol from someone who gave it to them: 39.5%

Marijuana use

  • Percentage of students who ever used marijuana: 21.4%
  • Percentage of students who tried marijuana for the first time before age 13 years: 3.7%
  • Percentage of students who used marijuana in the past 30 days: 12.1%

Prescription pain medication misuse

  • Percentage of students who ever took prescription pain medications such as codeine, Vicodin, or Percocet without a doctor’s prescription or differently than prescribed: 9.3%

Exposure to drugs and alcohol

  • Percentage of students who ever lived with someone having a problem with drug or alcohol use: 30.4%

SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN IOWA

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports the following with regards to substance use in Iowa:

YOUTH AGED 12-17 YEARS

  • Past-month marijuana use was reported by 6.6% of adolescents in 2017-2019 compared to 6.3% 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 10.4% of youth in 2017-2019 compared to 19.1% in 2002-2004. The US national average showed a similar downward trend from 17.6% in 2002-2004 to 9.4% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-month illicit drug use was reported by 7.9% of teenagers in Iowa aged 12-17 years in 2017-2019 compared to 6.2% 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 10.6% (US average 9.3%), marijuana 5.3% (US average 5.2%), and cigarettes 2.6% (US average 2.3%).

While alcohol use among adolescents in Iowa has shown an encouraging downward trend between 2002 and 2019, both marijuana use and illicit drug use among the youth has increased. These numbers are not very different from the US national average overall.

YOUNG ADULTS AGED 18-25 YEARS

The data for young adults aged 18-25 years in Iowa is as follows:

  • Past-year marijuana use was reported by 30.3% of young adults in Iowa in 2017-2019 compared to 26.0% 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 4.9% of young adults aged 18-25 years in 2017-2019, compared to 4.4% 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 0.6% of young adults in Iowa in 2017-2019 compared to 0.7% in 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 6.2% of Iowa residents aged 18-25 years in 2017-2019 compared to 5.6% in 2015-2017. The US national average hovered around 7.2-7.5% during this time period.
  • Past-month binge alcohol use was reported by 41.9% of young adults in 2017-2019 compared to 47.6% in 2015-2017. The US national average in 2017-2019 was 35.4% showing binge alcohol use in Iowa is a big problem and the state fares worse than the entire country on average.
  • Past-year alcohol use disorder among young adults aged 18-25 was reported in 14.7% of Iowa residents in 2017-2019, compared to 22.1% in 2002-2004. The US national average for 2017-2019 was 9.8%. Iowa therefore has a higher number of young adults battling alcohol use disorder than the country as a whole.
  • Past-year substance use disorder was reported in 18.4% of young adults aged 18-25 years in Iowa in 2017-2019 compared to 16.5% in 2015-2017. The national average has hovered between 15.1% and 14.7% during this time period.

IOWA RESIDENTS 12 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER

The Behavioral Health Barometer also found the following for 2017-2019 in Iowa residents aged 12 years and older:

  • Past-year marijuana use: 12.4% (US average 16.2%)
  • Past-year marijuana use disorder: 1.1% (US average 1.6%)
  • Past-year heroin use: 0.11% (US average 0.30%)
  • Past-year prescription painkiller misuse: 4.3% (US average 3.7%)
  • Past-year opioid use disorder: 0.7% (US average 0.7%)
  • Past-year illicit drug use disorder: 2.6% (US average 2.9%)
  • Past-year alcohol use disorder: 6.5% (US average 5.3%)
  • Past-year substance use disorder: 8.5% (US average 7.4%)
  • Number of people enrolled in substance use treatment (single day counts for 2019): 8,838
  • Number of people enrolled in opioid treatment programs (single day counts for 2019): 1,362
  • Problems among people enrolled in treatment: 31.7% drug problem only, 17.8% alcohol problem only, 50.5% both drug and alcohol problems
A farmer in blue jeans, a blue shirt, and hat working on a farm with an implement with a red tractor in the background.

WHAT ARE THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF FIGHTING DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE IN IOWA?

Substance abuse is an ongoing challenge in most parts of the United States and the state of Iowa is no exception. But Iowa faces some unique challenges when it comes to combating substance abuse, such as:

Rural population

Iowa is primarily a rural state with a scattered population. This poses hurdles in accessing treatment and support services. Many rural areas lack specialized addiction treatment centers and mental health resources. This makes it difficult for people struggling with substance abuse to access timely and appropriate care. [3]

Agricultural and industrial workforce

Iowa’s economy relies heavily on agriculture and manufacturing industries. These sectors involve physically demanding work, which can lead to higher rates of workplace injuries. Injured workers are more susceptible to developing substance abuse issues, particularly the misuse of prescription painkillers.

Methamphetamine epidemic

Iowa is severely impacted by the methamphetamine epidemic and has experienced a significant increase in the production, distribution, and abuse of this drug. This poses a substantial challenge for law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, and addiction treatment centers. [3]

Limited funding and resources

Like many other states in the US, Iowa faces financial constraints when it comes to combating substance abuse. Limited funding and resources hinder the development and implementation of comprehensive prevention, treatment, and recovery programs.

Stigma and lack of awareness

Stigma surrounding substance abuse can be a significant barrier to seeking help and support. In Iowa, as in many other parts of the country, there is a need to increase awareness and education about substance abuse disorders and available treatment options.

To address these challenges, Iowa needs a comprehensive approach that includes a combination of prevention, treatment, and recovery programs. This approach should focus on increasing access to healthcare services, enhancing the availability of specialized addiction treatment centers, , improving education and awareness, and strengthening collaborations between law enforcement, healthcare professionals, community organizations, and government agencies. In addition, partnerships with neighboring states, sharing of best practices, and adopting evidence-based strategies can help Iowa develop a more effective response to substance abuse.

WHY CALL THE NATIONAL DRUG HELPLINE?

The negative stereotypes, judgment, and stigma associated with substance abuse and addiction create significant barriers for people seeking help. The National Drug Helpline aims to challenge these stigmatizing beliefs and educate people about the complex nature of addiction. We want to foster an environment of empathy and support by promoting open dialogue, advocating for policies that prioritize treatment over punishment, and sharing stories of recovery and resilience. Our goal is to help dismantle the stigma surrounding addiction. By embracing a compassionate and understanding approach, we encourage individuals to seek care without fear of judgment, enabling them to embark on a path of healing and recovery. Call 1-844-289-0879 today and take the first step towards an alcohol and drug-free future.

References:

  1. State of Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Iowa Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2021. Available online. Accessed on July 14, 2023.
  2. SAMHSA. Behavioral Health Barometer Iowa. Available online. Accessed on July 14, 2023.
  3. National Library of Medicine. Current Rural Drug Use in the US Midwest. Available online. Accessed on July 14, 2023.

Last updated: July 25, 2023