Drug Use in South Dakota

The US Department of Justice recently released a national study on the state-by-state trafficking and use of illicit substances. The following were highlights of the report’s finding on South Dakota:

• Meth is a huge problem is South Dakota, and is considered to be the most widely-used drug in the state.
• South Dakota meth is brought in across state lines and made in rural areas using homemade labs
• There is also a considerable marijuana problem in South Dakota, due in large part to the high-grade form of the drug that is smuggled illegally across North Dakota from the Canadian border.

Alcohol problems in South Dakota

One particular area of concern in South Dakota is alcoholism. Like North Dakota, the state ranks high in terms of Binge Alcohol Use in Past Month among Persons Aged 12 or Older by State according the US Department of Health and Human Services.

South Dakota Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers

South Dakota is home to a limited number of alcohol and drug rehab centers (due to the small population) but the facilities that are present are excellent and staffed by some of the most dedicated, caring professionals in the industry.

Important information about South Dakota rehab:

• The state has hundreds of residential and outpatient rehab centers. In residential rehab, South Dakota residents are asked to move into the facility for an extended period of time (usually thirty days) so that they can focus solely on their addiction recovery. Outpatient rehab gives individuals the freedom to maintain work and school responsibilities, and also provides a way to be close to their support structure (family and friends) during the process.
• Rehab is all about counseling. The most important aspect of rehab is counseling. Both residential and outpatient rehab feature individual and group counseling to help individuals:
  • Address the root causes of their addiction
  • Develop strategies for overcoming their addiction
  • Talk openly and honestly about their recovery
  • Make better decisions in the future regarding substance abuse
• Many South Dakota rehab facilities include alcohol or drug detox as an integral part of the program. Detox is the first step towards recovery. During detox (or “detoxification”) an individual will stop taking the drug(s) in question and give the harmful toxins a chance to leave their system. This is when withdrawal symptoms occur - which can lead to discomfort and anxiety for several days during the process.
• When rehab is complete, it is time for after-care. South Dakota Alcoholics Anonymous and South Dakota chapters of Narcotics Anonymous are both excellent examples of after-care programs. These programs, as well as follow up counseling, provide a means for staying on track - and keeping the promises made to oneself and one’s family during rehab.

For more information about South Dakota alcohol and drug rehab centers, contact our helpline at 877-345-3281. A professional is standing by to help you assess your treatment needs, and find an outstanding facility in your area.