Mcallen Treatment Centers

McAllen, Texas, is home to approximately 106,414 people. It is found in Hidalgo County, and is around 120 miles from Laredo and 59 miles from Brownsville. During the 1990s, the city's population grew by about 27%. Today, it continues to grow, with an annual rate of around 2.9%. McAllen is known for its incredibly low cost of living and high standard of education. However, it is also home to a significant drug and alcohol abuse problem. This is also reflected in the fact that levels of property crimes are higher than the state average. That said, levels of violent crimes are lower.

Statistics on Substance Abuse in McAllen, TX

McAllen officials have completed a number of pieces of research into rates of drug and alcohol abuse. What they found in terms of young people aged between 12 and 17, was that:

• 10.6% of males used illicit drugs, compared to 9.4% of females.
• 8.3% of males used cannabis, compared to 6.3% of females.
• 2.8% of males abused prescription medication, compared to 3.5% of females.
• 2.4% of males abused prescription painkillers in particular, compared to 2.9% of females.

In response to these statistics, McAllen authorities have put a number of intervention efforts in place. First of all, they are providing young people with healthy alternatives to substance abuse. Secondly, they have started a widespread drug giveback program, to make it more difficult for young people to access substances.

Looking at substance abuse across the entire population aged 12 and over, officials have found that 8.6% of all people in McAllen abuse substances of some sort, which is consistent with the rates of substance abuse in young people. There is a significant concern, therefore, that young people who start to abuse substances become lifetime users.

Treatment in McAllen, TX

McAllen is keen to ensure that those who do fall into the trap of dependency and addiction are given the help that they need. To achieve this, they have invested heavily in the Hidalgo County Drug Court. These courts enable nonviolent offenders with a substance abuse problem to seek treatment through detox and rehab, thereby avoiding a prison sentence. At the same time, the city authorities understand that many substance abusers do not get in contact with the law, and that they require a different form of intervention.

There are numerous detox and rehab facilities available in and around McAllen, some of which are state sponsored, and others that are private. The city has focused strongly on signposting to these facilities, which include both residential and outpatient services. The city has aimed to remove barriers to access to treatment, including financial barriers.

Lastly, McAllen is focusing heavily on prevention. They want to ensure that the next generation is a drug free generation. To achieve this, they have launched a number of educational and outreach programs that involve the community as a whole. Healthy alternatives are provided to young people, and parents are encouraged to communicate about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse with their children.