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Substance Abuse Related

• How serious is the substance abuse problem in Oklahoma?

Substance abuse is considered by many as the nation's number one public health concern. The economic cost to the US economy is staggering, estimated at nearly $414 billion annually.

In Oklahoma alone, the cost is nearly $6 billion a year including $1.4 billion in direct expenditures -- costs related to health care, public safety, social services, business and property loss -- and $4.4 billion in indirect costs.

In Oklahoma, drug and alcohol addiction contributes to 85 percent of all homicides, 80 percent of all prison incarcerations, 75 percent of all divorces, 65 percent of all child abuse cases, 55 percent of all domestic assaults, 50 percent of all traffic fatalities, 35 percent of all rapes, and 33 percent of all suicides.

• How many people in Oklahoma are in need of substance abuse treatment?

The ODMHSAS estimates that nearly 140,000 Oklahomans over age 18--about 5 percent of the population--need treatment for alcohol addiction. Another 1 percent--about 21,000 people--need treatment for other types of drug addiction. Nearly 6 percent of the state's 323,000 adolescents--approximately 20,000 teenagers--need treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. Statewide, alcohol addiction surpasses drug addiction by an average of 7.5 to one, meaning that for every person needing drug treatment, more than seven people need alcohol treatment.

• What are some signs that a family member or I might need substance abuse treatment?

A person in need of treatment will likely exhibit some of the following symptoms: 1) the substance (drugs or alcohol) is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than intended; 2) persistent desire, or one or more unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use; 3) excessive time spent getting, taking, or recovering from the substance; 4) frequent intoxication or withdrawal symptoms when expected to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home, or when substance use is physically hazardous; 5) important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use; 6) continued substance use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent social, psychological, or physical problem that is caused or exacerbated by the use of the substance; 7) marked tolerance--need for increased amounts of the substance (at least a 50 percent increase) to achieve intoxication or desired effect, or markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount; 8) characteristic withdrawal symptoms; and 9) substance often taken to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms. Based on the number and duration of these symptoms reported, a diagnosis of abuse or treatment need may be determined.

In adolescents, warning signs often include: changes in sleeping, eating, or grooming habits; hypersensitivity or temper tantrums; unexplained weight loss or gain; red or watery eyes; shaking of the hands, feet, or legs; frequent nausea or vomiting; excessive sweating; a drop in grades at school; skipping school; loss of interest in family activities previously enjoyed; an "I don't care" attitude; excessive need for privacy or secrecy; and/or an unexplained need for money or stealing money.

• What if I can't afford treatment in a substance abuse program?

The amount a client pays for services in ODMHSAS-supported programs depends upon his or her income, family size, and insurance status. A representative of the service provider discusses these factors with the client and determines the extent to which fees may be applicable. Clients may use the behavioral health coverage in their private insurance policies to help pay for treatment. The Medicaid program also covers the cost of some services for those who are eligible. Clients who are not eligible for Medicaid benefits, those who have no insurance, or those who have used all the benefits allowed by their insurance policies may qualify for fully state-supported services.

• How can I find a substance abuse treatment center near me?

There are dozens of substance abuse treatment programs in Oklahoma supported, at least in part, by funding from ODMHSAS. They offer a range of services, including detoxification, outpatient counseling, residential treatment, halfway house, and other services. One easy way to find a program near you is to call ReachOut (800-522-9054), a statewide toll free number that's answered 24 hours a day. The ReachOut staff member can help you find the right services for you or your family member. If you are deaf or hard-of-hearing, you can use a TDD to call ReachOut. If you prefer, you can look at a listing of Oklahoma's state-supported substance abuse treatment facilities on this website. The list is arranged alphabetically by city to make it easy to find a program near you. There is also a listing available on the Internet, prepared by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, that includes treatment providers all across the nation. This list can be found at www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov.

• How can I find a support group for people with substance abuse problems or their families?

The ODMHSAS ReachOut hotline, 800-522-9054, has information on support groups across the state. ReachOut is toll free and available 24 hours a day. In addition to voice calls, it can receive calls from deaf or hard-of-hearing persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD).

• How do I find a DUI school near me?

There are numerous DUI schools across the state. For help in finding one near you, call the ReachOut 24-hour toll free line, 800-522-9054. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use your TDD to make the call.

• What do I have to do to get my driver's license back after DUI charges?

You must first get an ADSAC assessment. The ADSAC Assessment fee is set at $175 by law and assessment must be completed by an assessor certified by the Department of Mental Health and Substances Abuse Services specifically for the purpose of reinstatement of driver’s license. Client must follow and complete all recommendations made by the certified assessor and any additional requirements made by the Department of Public Safety before driver’s license will be reinstated. Upon completion you will be provided a completion certificate to present to DPS. You must meet all statutory requirements to be reinstated. To find an assessor call 800-522-9054.

• How can I become certified as an alcohol/drug counselor in Oklahoma?

Professional certification of substance abuse counselors is administered by the Oklahoma Drug and Alcohol Professional Counselors Association (ODAPCA). You can contact this organization for requirements and application procedures: ODAPCA, 9301 S. I-35 Service Road, Moore, OK 73160, telephone 405-793-1545. You can also visit the organization's website: www.odapca.org.