Drug Rehabs in Cedar Rapids, IA

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Trends in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The second-most populous city in Iowa, Cedar Rapids is located in the eastern half of the state, 20 miles north of Iowa City. It is home to 126,326 residents of Linn County and was recognized in 2018 as a city with a concentration of high-growth companies. Compared to other states, Iowa’s substance abuse issues have claimed fewer lives. In 2016, Iowa had an age-adjusted drug-induced death rate of 10.6 deaths per 100,000 people, while the U.S. rate was 19.8 for the same time.

In Cedar Rapids, the most common substances of abuse are:

• Alcohol
• Marijuana
• Opioids (including heroin)
• Meth

Alcohol Abuse in Cedar Rapids

While rates of abuse for illicit drugs (like heroin and meth) have increased since 2012, alcohol is still the most common reason for admission to addiction treatment. In 2012, 16.5% of Linn County residents reported binge drinking. By 2016, that number had risen to 19.1%. Alcohol-related deaths also outnumbered drug-induced deaths in Iowa during that time. Overall, excessive alcohol use is the third leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the county.

Because alcohol can be legally purchased, many don’t realize they have an alcohol dependency until it’s too late. Yet, the health consequences of alcohol abuse are such that early intervention can prevent fatal diseases like alcoholic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and mental impairment. Signs of an alcohol addiction include:

• Drinking more, or longer, than you’d planned
• Trying to cut back or stop drinking but can’t
• Having to drink significantly more for the same feeling
• Spending a lot of time drinking, being sick, or hungover
• Having problems with family or work because of drinking
• Feeling restless, shaky, sweating, having trouble sleeping or nausea when buzz wears off

Opioid Abuse in Cedar Rapids

Overdose deaths and emergency room visits due to opioid abuse has been statistically lower in Iowa than other states. However, addiction rates within cities like Cedar Rapids have increased since 2012. Between 2012 and 2014, opioid-related deaths increased by a third, hospitalizations more than doubled, and emergency room visits increased tenfold. Like other cities experiencing the effects of the Opioid Epidemic, heroin deaths also increased following crackdowns on painkiller prescriptions.

Most people with an opioid use disorder (OUD) began by taking pain medication prescribed after surgery. Many people switch to heroin once it becomes too expensive to buy prescription opioids, or when they are seeking a more intense high. The potency of heroin, coupled with the likelihood of the presence of deadly fentanyl, high rates of people using heroin have overdosed. In 2016 in Cedar Rapids, over 800 people were taken to the ER for heroin overdose. Of those, 25 people died.

Substance Abuse Statistics for Cedar Rapids

Addiction Treatment in Cedar Rapids

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration lists 7 substance abuse treatment facilities in the Cedar Rapids area. Moreover, most treatment centers are at or near capacity and carry months-long waitlists. Only 29% of Iowans in need of opioid addiction treatment are able to receive it in the state.

Yet, heroin and opioid addictions are such that it’s important for an individual to enter treatment as soon as they have agreed to go. Due to the pain of withdrawal symptoms (which can feel like a fatal version of the flu), most are not able to refrain from opioid use before entering treatment – even if they are on a waitlist. Many people have overdosed while waiting for treatment or have changed their mind about attending.

Find a Rehab Today

For some in the Cedar Rapids area, traveling for rehab may be the best option. By opening up rehab options to include out-of-state facilities, people may be able to enter treatment sooner and attend a program tailored to their addiction. Additionally, neighboring states like Wisconsin have 6 times as many physicians authorized to prescribe medication to treat opioid addiction.

If you need more information about your rehab options, talk to a recovery professional today.