Killeen Texas Drug and Alcohol Rehab
The city of Killeen, located near Fort Hood, is a city with a population of about 128,000. It is the 21st most populous city in Texas and is located in Bell County. Because of its close proximity to Fort Hood, its economy depends upon the post and the number of soldiers and families stationed near Killeen. Killeen is near Interstate 35, just 16 miles west of the county seat of Belton.
The History of Killeen
The Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe railroad played a big role in the development of Killeen. In 1881 the railroad system was brought into Texas. By 1873, there was a railroad depot as well as other new developments such as schools and stores in Killeen, named after Frank P. Killeen, the assistant general manager of the railroad. With the expansion of the railroad into the town, it continues to boom and grow. It still remained a smaller town though until Camp Hood, renamed Fort Hood in 1950, was opened in 1942. Thus, Killeen became a thriving military town. Now, instead of the farming town that it once was, Camp Hood was built on over half the land in the town and the industry of the town shifted significantly. By 1980, it was the largest city in Bell County. By the early 2000s, Killeen was nearing the 100,000 mark and was one of the fastest growing-cities in the country.
Economy
At the very top of the list, is Fort Hood, employing over 50,000 men and women. In a far-reaching second place is the school district that employs about 6,000 people. Central Texas College, located in Killeen, the health industry, banking, and the retail industry are other large employers within the city, but none as vast as the army base that is responsible for the growing city of Killeen.
A Fun-Filled City
Located in the heart of central Texas with easy access to larger cities such as Austin or the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Killeen is a family-friendly place to live. It is known for its down-home feel, many recreational activities, delicious food, and fun music. Because of its military roots and the many men and women in uniform you will see around town, Killeen promotes an active lifestyle with many playgrounds and numerous parks. Its higher than average temperatures in the colder weather makes it a great place for many outdoor activities like picnics, sports games, or hanging out with family and friends. Biking and hiking trails can also be found throughout. Killeen is home to many educational or artistic venues such as Mayborn Science Theater or Copperas Cave, home to many exotic animals.
Killeen is a wonderful place to call home for many people who enjoy all that it has to offer.
Drug Addiction in Killeen Texas
Drug Trafficking From Mexico
It’s no surprise that meth and cocaine are two of the top drugs found in Killeen. The city’s proximity to Mexico and the interstate make it a prime target for drug trafficking. Cocaine and methamphetamine are regularly and illegally brought into Texas from across the border that they share with Mexico. Mexican cartels have found ways to make meth and crack cocaine cheaper and more potent, raising its appeal for many. In recent years, several drug trafficking busts have led to the arrests of as many as 28 people at one time. Arrests for drug trafficking in Bell County have taken place as recently as a few months ago. The ease with which drugs are brought across the border and distributed through major cities in Texas via the interstate have led to the increase of substance abuse in Killeen. Drug rehabs recognize this problem and are working hard to raise awareness as well as provide education and treatment for those in need.How Is Killeen Affected by Drug Addiction?
For many of the local residents of Killeen and Bell County, the idea of substance abuse and addiction can seem far away or on the other side of the tracks. However, the community as a whole has felt the consequences of drug addiction evident in rampant drug-related crimes and destruction throughout the city. Texas authorities have sought to curb the number of drugs coming into Texas and its cities by advocating for stronger border control. Yet no amount of security has been able to stop the flow of illicit substances from coming into the state. It’s not just drugs that pose a problem for the people of Killeen, In fact, in Texas, the National Institute on Drug Abuse states that alcohol is the primary drug of choice. In surrounding cities, addiction rates can be as high as almost 10% of the population facing an addiction problem. Killeen cannot escape these statistics as neighbors, friends, or family members of many in the community are struggling to combat substance abuse disorders. Killeen drug rehabs recognize the growing problem of addiction and are opening their doors to provide treatment options for all.
Which Drugs Are the Worse in Killeen?
The presence of drugs in any city is scary and dangerous. In Killeen, marijuana, methamphetamine, and crack cocaine are some of the most commonly found illicit substances. Like the current trend of Texas as a whole, alcohol is also one of the most abused substances in Bell County. In recent months, local authorities have arrested several in association with the distribution of a high-grade marijuana known as THC. This type of substance was being obtained in vaping cartridges in California and shipped or carried into Bell County. Marijuana seizures are common with large quantities of marijuana seized by local Killeen authorities each year. Not far behind is meth. The rise in meth seizures and overdoses has led many to believe that this is the new drug crisis to run rampant across that states, similar to the opioid crisis. Inpatient drug rehab provides treatment options to break free from the cycle of addiction. There is always hope, no matter what you have been through.
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism in Killeen
Alcoholism is a difficult disease that affects millions across the nation, including many throughout Texas. In 2015 in Texas, there were around 65,000 DUI arrests according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Alcohol affects people of all ages, both young and old. 58% of young people from 7th to 12th grade have reported using alcohol at some point in their lives. Alcohol, while legal, is dangerous when used in heavy quantities or often. It is a central nervous system depressant and can slow down the body, both mentally and physically. The appeal of drinking lies in the fact that it can be described as “liquid courage”, giving people the ability to be more confident in public settings when they otherwise wouldn’t. But there is a fine line between casual use and alcohol abuse. Alcoholism can lead to significant issues such as loss of relationships, loss of jobs, financial strain, or physical harm. If alcohol abuse becomes more and more prevalent, it can quickly lead to addiction. Inpatient drug rehab at Killeen Texas drug rehabs provides the tools and resources for those struggling with alcohol addiction.
Opioid Epidemic in Killeen Texas
No doubt, you have heard the term “opioid epidemic” in reference to the crisis sweeping the nation. This hot button topic has been all over the media as hospitalizations and deaths related to opioid overdoses are increasing rapidly. Death rates in more recent years have even been as sky-high as 40,000 a year across the nation, averaging out to 115 per day. This staggering statistic proves that this is an issue that can’t be ignored. The common prescription of highly addictive pain medications after surgery or an injury can very easily lead to opioid addiction. Taking medications such as oxycodone, heroin, fentanyl, methadone, or morphine just one time can drastically change the lives of those that were once high functioning members of society to drug-dependent addicts. Because prescription opiates can be expensive and hard to come by without a prescription from a medical professional, many users turn to heroin. When faced with the decision to go through the painful withdrawal symptoms to get clean or find another source that will achieve the desired high, the seemingly easier option is to make the switch to heroin. Statistically, 80% of the population using the more potent illicit drug heroin began with taking prescription opiates. And after using heroin, 23% become addicted to this dangerous substance.
Methamphetamine Abuse in Killeen
There is a meth prevalence in Central Texas that has seeped into Killeen, Texas as well. The problem has become so severe that both calls to poison control for meth overdose and drug rehab treatment programs for meth addiction have nearly doubled in recent years. According to the CDC, heroin, the past most commonly used drug in Central Texas, is quickly being replaced by methamphetamines as the drug of choice. The Texas State Department of Health states that since 2013, Bell County and the city of Killeen are at the top of the list for deaths by accidental poisoning or exposure to poisonous substances related to meth manufacturing. Although the restriction of buying over the counter cold medicines has decreased the number of meth labs found in central Texas, large quantities of meth can still be found in the area, a cause that is contributed to the influx of meth being brought into the state from across the Mexico border. In fact, meth seizures at the border have seen a higher increase than ever before with a 37% increase in seizures from 2010 to 2015. This somewhat easy-to-obtain drug is rampant throughout Killeen, even among youth. Because of its powerful addictive properties, it can be incredibly difficult to overcome a meth addiction. But there is hope with treatment from qualified drug rehabs in Killeen.
Cocaine Addiction in Killeen
Cocaine is a powdery white substance that reacts in such a way with the body so as to produce increased energy and a feeling of euphoria. It can be snorted, smoked, or dissolved in water and injected into the bloodstream. Cocaine is also referred to as coke, powder, or blow. Every day, nearly 1800 people across the U.S. experiment with cocaine for the first time, many of them succumbing to addiction after being introduced to this potent substance. Cocaine can account for as much as 11% of all admissions to drug rehabs for treatment, although the number has been declining in recent years. But the health effects of cocaine use are dangerous and can lead to restlessness, increased heartbeat, nausea, raised blood pressure or body temperature, and a myriad of other health concerns. The lasting effects on the heart are what often lead to deaths related to cocaine abuse. Cocaine addiction in Killeen can be managed through treatments such as behavior cognitive therapy or assisted medications to help with the detoxification process and withdrawal symptoms. If you or someone you love is suffering from cocaine addiction, seek help from medical experts at drug rehabs in Killeen Texas.
Marijuana and Synthetic Cannabinoids in Killeen
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted in 2017, 19.2 million people, ages 12 and up, suffer from compulsive substance use. Of these, 38% admit to battling a drug disorder. Although marijuana is a legal substance in some states, don’t let this fool you into thinking that it doesn’t have harmful or addictive properties. In 2013, about 23% of all admissions for drug treatment were related to marijuana use. This is in part due to the large quantities of marijuana that makes its way across the border of Mexico every year. Approximately 1.5 million kilograms of marijuana have been seized in recent years being smuggled into the U.S. from the border that Texas shares with Mexico.
Even more concerning is the rise of synthetic cannabinoids being found in Texas. More and more people are being drawn to substances such as K2 or Spice because of the claim that they are undetectable drugs that won’t show up in a drug test. The problem is that these synthetic substances can be harmful as there have been several instances of synthetic cannabinoids being laced with chemicals such as rat poison or embalming fluid.
Other Commonly Abused Drugs in Killeen
The prominence of some drugs such as meth, heroin, or cocaine doesn’t negate the fact that there are other drugs found in Killeen that can be highly addictive. Multiple seizures of PCP have occurred in Texas and ecstasy is another drug that can be extremely dangerous. For many, once dependency on ecstasy begins, it can last for years. When you want to achieve a desired high, you will do anything to feel that feeling, including sniffing inhalants. There has been a large increase, specifically in the younger ages, of sniffing inhalants for a drug high. Substances such as glue, spray paint, or types of cleaning supplies can all be purchased easily, but when sniffed, can have lasting consequences such as permanent damage to the brain. Addiction treatment at drug rehabs in Killeen exist for all types of addiction, including PCP, ecstasy or inhalants.
HIV from Injected Drug Abuse
The dangers of addiction are far-reaching, affecting every aspect of you or your loved one’s life. Drug addiction can also lead to contracting HIV. Sharing drug paraphernalia such as syringes, needles, or any other type of equipment can spread the HIV virus to others. It is the second most common method for spreading HIV, second only to sexual activity. There is a high risk of contracting HIV through drug use, adding to the long list of dangers associated with drug abuse in Killeen, Texas.
Drug-Related Death Tolls in Killeen
In 2016, there were a reported 75 deaths from drug overdose in Bell County. The drug-related mortality rate was at 8%. In Texas, there were about 8 female overdose deaths per 100,000 compared to 12 per 100,000 for males. For race/ethnicity, approximately 5 of Latino descent per 100,000 died from drug-related overdose, 10 of African American ethnicity, and 10.7 white males or females. The most affected age group was 45-54 with about 19 deaths per 100,000, followed by 55-64 at 16.6, 35-44 at 14.8, and 25-34 at 13.8.
Traffic Fatalities Linked to Substance Abuse
It’s not just your life that is drastically impacted by substance abuse, but the lives of others as well. Traffic accidents and fatalities are just one instance of how alcohol or drugs can affect the lives of many as each year there are drug or alcohol-related traffic accidents that claim the lives of others. Bell County had 55 alcohol-impaired driving deaths in 2018 out of a total of 203 driving deaths that year. 27% of all driving fatalities were because of alcohol-related incidents.
The Dangers of Substance Abuse Disorders
The external effects of substance abuse can be devastating, but ending the cycle of addiction may stop the damage of the external consequences before they can worsen. However, the impact of drug addiction on one’s health can be lifelong. Drug addiction can lead to cardiovascular issues such as heart disease, collapsed veins, bacterial infections. It can also cause digestion problems, liver damage, respiratory issues like emphysema or lung cancer, or a slew of other health conditions. One’s mental health can also be greatly affected. Drugs and alcohol change the brain and can ultimately change a person’s behavior or personality. To seek treatment for addiction, it first required admitting there is a problem and then seeking solutions to bring about change, such as substance abuse treatment from reputable drug rehabs. The lasting effects of addiction are widespread, impacting many such as loved ones, friends, or coworkers. Professionals at Summer Sky drug rehab in Killeen, Texas can guide people through the recovery process for health and healing on the other side of addiction.
Summer Sky Drug Rehab in Killeen
When drug or alcohol addiction has taken over your life, find help and support at Summer Sky drug rehab in Fort Worth, Texas. Our rehab treatment programs are designed to help you overcome your addiction. We know that no two addictions are exactly alike. That is why our treatment programs are individualized to give you the specific support you need to break free from addiction. New and unique treatment options are combined with traditional methods to create a treatment plan that is just right for you. Cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy sessions such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, or support medications are proven methods to address addiction and get the root cause of substance abuse. Pet therapy, equine therapy, or even art therapy are additional emotional outlets that can offer a safe place and support as you recover from addiction.
A Top-Rated Rehab Facility
When you struggle with addiction, it is important that you get the help you need at one of the best rehab treatment facilities available. Summer Sky is a top-rated rehab facility that has been joint commission approved for drug treatment, which is one of the highest certifications a rehab can receive. Our supportive staff and unmatched treatment programs offer some of the best care available to help you overcome addiction. We offer numerous treatment options to fit your needs such as 30- or 90-day inpatient drug rehab, intensive outpatient treatment programs, detox and stabilization programs, family treatment programs, or medical detoxification. If you have experienced a relapse, you can benefit from our Summer Sky relapse track. Whether you suffer from alcohol use disorder, heroin use disorder, or anything in between, our treatment programs can help.
Affordable Care for All
Nothing should hold you back from getting the care you need and deserve to get your life back. That is why Summer Sky works with you to make treatment available and affordable for all. We offer some of the lowest treatment rates around. In addition, we also accept most major insurances to further offset the cost of rehab treatment. There’s nothing more important than your sobriety. Contact Summer Sky for more information about our proven treatment methods. Call today or visit our website at summersky.us.
