Midland Treatment Centers

Midland, Texas, is known for two things. Firstly, it is famous the world over for its gas and oil development. Secondly, it is the Bush family's home town. In fact, George W. Bush himself lived there for quite some time, working within its gas and oil industry. What Midland is not known for, however, is its drug and alcohol abuse problem. But that does not mean that it doesn't have such a problem.

Statistics on Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Midland, TX

• 83% of people know someone in Midland who uses marijuana.
• 49% of people first used dangerous substances when they were aged between 18 and 25.
• 60% of people feel it is easy to obtain cocaine.
• 90% of people believe there is a growing meth problem.
• 79% of people believe there is a growing problem with prescription medication abuse.
• 27,406 people in Midland are known to be heavy drinkers, to levels that are considered problematic.
• 10,620 people in Midland currently abuse illicit substances, of which 1,678 also consume alcohol to dangerous levels.
• 1,604 people use cannabis.
• 1,349 people use heroin.
• 1,346 people use crack or powder cocaine.

What these statistics show is that the heroin epidemic has not spared Midland either. All over the country, there has been a significant rise in the number of people who have turned to heroin, since prescription opiates are increasingly difficult - and expensive - to access.

What the research also showed was that 77% of people in Midland believed that the solution to the substance abuse problem was to make detox and rehab treatment more available for people who suffer from an addiction.

The Midland Response

Midland has put four main initiatives in place in order to address the problem of drug and alcohol abuse:

1. They have set up various intervention programs targeted specifically at young people and their families. It is hoped that these programs will teach people about the inherent dangers of substance abuse, while at the same time providing them with healthy alternatives.
2. They have invested in state-sponsored detox and rehab facilities, focusing on both outpatient and residential rehab.
3. They have invested in significant aftercare programs, so that those who have gone through the process of detox and rehab to deal with their addiction are supported in continuing on the road to recovery, thereby avoiding relapse.
4. They have started various drug courts, with the motto "Life Skills in the Making". Uniquely, Midland is also home to a teen drug court. Drug courts exist to order people into treatment and, if they complete their treatment, their criminal charges will be dropped. This has had very good success rates, particularly because there is a strong focus on skill building as well.

Midland, TX, aims to combat its drug and alcohol problem in full, working towards a drug free city. To date, their efforts have been reasonably successful. Most importantly, treatment is available for those who need it. This ensures that they can regain the health and happiness they deserve, while at the same time becoming contributing members of society.