The greater Houston area is one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the United States. In fact, it is the fifth most populated metropolitan area in the country. With a large population, this area has a well developed economy and a substantial amount of tourism. Unfortunately, it also sees its fair share of addiction.

Addiction in Houston, Texas, is a substantial problem. The state of Texas, overall, sees a significant amount of drug trafficking as it shares a 1,254 mile long border with Mexico, one of the entry points for illegal drugs to enter the United States. Methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin are among the main drugs that are trafficked into the state, which has the 2nd largest population in the United States after California.

Whether substance abuse is engaged in with illicit drugs or legally acquired substances (such as prescription drugs and alcohol), it is highly damaging to a person’s physical health, mental health, and social well being. To avoid or reverse these negative consequences, it is important to seek out addiction resources and assistance as soon as possible.

Greater Houston and State of Texas Substance Abuse Statistics

Drug abuse statistics help paint a picture of how prevalent drug use is in the Greater Houston area and the state of Texas. Our statistics are from a variety of reporting agencies and explore drug use in Texas:

According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in the Houston-Sugar Town-Baytown metropolitan statistical area, around 490,000 people aged 12 and over annually abuse drugs.
The three Drug Enforcement Agency Field Divisions that cover Texas report methamphetamine as being the top drug threat in the state, followed by heroin and then cocaine.
According to a report by the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas, at AustinAlprazolam (Xanax) is widely abused in Texas. It is the most abused benzodiazepine in terms of calls to poison centers, as well as the abuse of “The Houston Cocktail” or “Holy Trinity,” which contains alprazolam, carisoprodol, and hydrocodone.
Indicated by the same report, in 2018, 12% of heroin related deaths in Texas were linked to heroin mixed with the opioid fentanyl.
Up to 18% of admissions to addiction treatment programs in the state of Texas are for methamphetamine addiction, According to a report by the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas.
As reported by the Department of Public Safety in Texas, 15,515 pounds of methamphetamines were seized, in 2020, by Texas law enforcement agencies (not including supplemental federal law enforcement agencies). 1,565 pounds of heroin were seized as well as 4,747 pounds of cocaine.
According to data aggregated by the Kaiser Family Foundation, drug overdose deaths in Texas increased from 9.5 per 100,000 in 2015 to 14.3 per 100,000 in 2020.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported that 1.4% of adolescents and 4.9% of adults in Texas had an alcohol use disorder between 2018 and 2019. Additionally, 2.5% of adolescents and 2.2% of adults in Texas were reported as having an illicit drug use disorder at that time.

Resources

Alcohol Withdrawal: What to Expect

If you’ve been drinking alcohol heavily for years, months, or even weeks, you might experience both mental and physical problems when you stop or just cut down your use.

Fentanyl Withdrawal: What to Expect

The fentanyl withdrawal timeline varies by dosage, dependency, and individual. However, a general time frame will give you an idea of what you’re up against on the road to recovery.

Percocet Withdrawal: What to Expect

While the modern world owes a great deal to the invention of acetaminophen and other painkillers, mainly for allowing people to continue with their daily lives even…

Medication-Assisted-Treatment-for-Methadone-Detox

Methadone Withdrawal: What to Expect

Often, it is said that the first step in recovery is accepting that you have an addiction and making the choice to receive treatment.

Tramadol Withdrawal: What to Expect

Tramadol is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is a synthetic opioid that works by binding to the mu-opioid receptor in the brain, which helps to decrease pain signals.

Adderall Withdrawal: What You Should Expect

Adderall is the brand name of a combination drug made up of four salts of amphetamine. This drug is a potent stimulant and has effects very similar to meth, another stimulant that is highly addictive.

OxyContin Withdrawal : What to Expect

OxyContin is a very powerful opioid painkiller. While it does have many beneficial medical uses it can also be incredibly dangerous due to its potency.

Vicodin Withdrawal: What to Expect

When it comes to drug and alcohol withdrawal, especially Vicodin withdrawal, the effects will vary from person to person.

Oxycodone Withdrawal: What to Expect

If you suddenly stop using oxycodone after using it for some time, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. This is true whether you have been taking…

Codeine Withdrawal: What to Expect

Many Americans suffer from heavy dependence on one form of painkiller or another.

Ketamine Withdrawal: What to Expect

A surprising fact is that more people are familiar with the ketamine withdrawal symptoms than actual knowledge about the substance itself.

Drug Detoxing While Pregnant

Many women are affected by drug addiction. Unfortunately many become pregnant while in the depth of their illness.

What to Expect From an Inpatient Detox Program

Inpatient detox programs are the safest and most effective way to cleanse your body of harmful addictions.

Detox Medicine for Alcohol

The overall detox process can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, even dangerous.

Alcohol Shakes: Are Tremors a Sign of Dependence?

Alcohol shakes are not incredibly uncommon.

Coping Skills for Addiction

Have you been struggling with addiction? Maybe you’ve tried to quit before but kept relapsing.

Alcohol Evaluation & Questions About Alcoholism

According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 85.6% of people ages 18 and older reported drinking alcohol at some point in their lifetime.

Medical Detox Near Houston, Texas with Magnolia City Detox

If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, we are here to help at Magnolia City Detox today. Our expert staff provides around the clock care to individuals who need to remove drugs from their bodies. We will make sure that you are as comfortable as possible during the detoxification process.

In addition to these resources, we offer medical detox. Our medical detoxification programs are suited for a range of substance use disorders that include addictions to the following substances:

Contact us today to learn about our admissions process and how we can help you on your journey to recovery. Our team is ready to help you recover safely so you can live your life to the fullest.

The Importance of Medical Detox in Texas

The above figures indicate that a large number of drugs are circulating in Houston and throughout Texas. This increases the chances that someone will eventually become addicted to drugs. Once someone is addicted, it can be difficult to stop using drugs without professional help. This is where medical detox comes in.

Medical detoxification is the first step in the treatment of addiction. Detox helps the person to physically withdraw from the drug they are addicted to. This is essential to prevent the many different consequences that can arise due to chronic drug abuse. These consequences include the following:

Mental health issues: addiction and substance abuse have profound effects on an individual’s psychological well-being. Addiction can cause or exacerbate mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.
Physical health problems: chronic drug abuse takes a toll on the body. It can lead to organ damage, heart problems, and respiratory issues. Many methods of drug abuse may also damage health such as smoking or inhaling drugs.
Social problems: addiction often leads to social isolation and strained relationships. It can cause financial problems and low job performance. For youth, negative school performance is common.

Ending the cycle of drug abuse allows individuals to heal from the damage that drugs have done to their bodies and minds. It also allows them to rebuild relationships and reconnect with their communities. In many cases, people turn to drugs to cope with the stresses of life or an underlying mental health condition.

Medical Detox Explained

Medical detox is one of the first steps in overcoming addiction. It is a process of ridding the body of toxins that have built up from drug use. This can be a difficult and uncomfortable process, but it is essential in order to start the journey to recovery.

During medical detox, professionals, such as those at Magnolia City Detox, will monitor your vital signs and keep you comfortable with medication as your body goes through withdrawal. This is an important step in overcoming addiction because it allows you to detox in a safe and controlled environment.

It is not advisable to try and stop using drugs on your own. This is because withdrawal can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Medical detox is the best way to ensure your safety during this difficult time. After medical detox, you will be able to start working on the underlying causes of your addiction. Addiction treatment programs include the following:

Inpatient Addiction Treatment
Outpatient Addiction Treatment
Sober Living Homes
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
Aftercare and Alumni Services

Quitting Drugs Without Detox

You may be wondering if you can stop taking drugs without the assistance of a detox center. This is not advisable as withdrawal is often an uncomfortable process that pushes people to relapse in order to find relief. The symptoms associated with withdrawal include the following and range from uncomfortable to life threatening:

Anxiety
Depression
Irritability
Mood swings
Insomnia
Nightmares
Loss of appetite
Digestive issues

Fever
Muscle aches and pains
Sweating
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal cramping
Hypertension
Seizures

Depending on how long you have taken a drug, the type of drug, and the amount you typically use, the detoxification process can last anywhere from a few days to a week or longer. The length of time also depends on if you have any pre-existing medical conditions that need to be taken into account, such as high blood pressure, depression, or diabetes.

The Benefits of Medical Detox for Substance Abuse

When you are struggling with addiction, it can feel like there is no way out. But detoxification is an important first step on the road to recovery. Medical detoxification, or “medical detox,” is a process that helps you safely and effectively withdraw from drugs or alcohol.

This process accomplishes the goal of ending physical dependence on substances. At Magnolia city we also address the psychological impact of drug abuse with therapeutic interventions that include:

Individual Therapy Sessions
Group Counseling Sessions
Holistic Services
Recreational Activities
Nutritional Support

We understand that addiction often goes beyond the physical aspects and that is why we offer support that addresses the mental health of our patients. Once you cease to cope with drugs and alcohol, the process of repairing your health and close relationships can begin.

Post-Recovery Care Addiction Resources in Texas

Aftercare services such as those provided by local Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous groups are invaluable tools for many people who have completed treatment or are currently in treatment. These meetings provide a safe and supportive environment for people to share their experiences and offer each other hope and encouragement.

At AA and NA meetings, people can also obtain information about other resources that may be helpful, such as sober living houses, halfway houses, 12-step programs, and addiction treatment programs. The following support groups in the Greater Houston area offer meetings for individuals recovering from addiction: