Addiction doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone, regardless of your age, race, location, or socioeconomic status. Yet alcohol and drug addiction in rural America remains particularly strong. There are numerous health challenges in rural areas, and drug and alcohol abuse remain near the top. But why are alcohol and drug abuse in rural areas so common, and what can be done to stem the tide?
Alcohol and Drug Addiction in Rural America
While you may picture drug and alcohol addiction as more of an inner-city issue, the reality is more complicated. Alcohol and drug addiction in rural America occur, too. In fact, rates of drug overdose deaths in rural areas have surpassed those in urban areas, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As drug addiction and alcoholism in rural areas persist, the fallout leaves its mark. According to Rural Minds, substance use in rural America has led to the following:
- About 30% of rural youth reported using alcohol in a 2021 national survey, shares the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
- The same 2021 survey found that over 18% of rural Americans reported illicit drug use.
- The opioid overdose rate is 45% higher per capita in rural communities than in urban areas, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.
- An Indiana University study found that addiction stigma is greater among people living in rural America compared to urban areas.
With a smaller population and less resources, addiction health challenges in rural areas can often make a greater negative impact in the community, such as:
- Increased crime and violence
- Vehicular accidents caused by driving while intoxicated
- Spreading of infectious diseases
- Risky sexual behavior
- Fetal alcohol syndrome
- Homelessness
- Unemployment
SOURCE: Rural Health Information Hub
Contributing Factors to Alcohol and Drug Addiction in Rural America
Why are rural drug abuse and alcoholism so prevalent today? What’s driving alcohol and drug addiction in rural America?
Part of the issue is simply the lack of helpful resources available to people in rural communities. Addiction treatment facilities are more common in larger population centers and consequently may be harder to find in rural America. Or if they do exist, their services, staffing, and availability are much more limited. Those struggling with co-occurring disorders (such as PTSD and alcohol addiction) often need access to the best dual diagnosis treatment centers, requiring those in rural areas to travel long distances for more specialized care.
Specifically looking at the opioid crisis in rural America, labor-centered jobs can cause more chronic pain issues. The ensuing result, however, has led to overprescribing of opioid medications. The harsh economic realities of many rural communities today have also created more widespread stress and anxiety, increasing the likelihood of residents seeking substances like alcohol and drugs to cope.
The tight-knit community of rural America can also become a barrier to seeking addiction help. As the old saying goes, everyone knows everyone in a small town, and it’s often true. Consequently, rural residents may choose not to get addiction treatment out of fear of being found out, shares the Rural Health Information Hub. With addiction stigma high in rural areas, becoming associated with substance abuse and its treatment may lead to community ostracization and employment challenges.
What Can You Do If You’re Struggling?
With the addiction challenges rural communities face, what should you do if you’re one of those struggling? What if you suspect someone you love is abusing substances? It’s first important to either be honest with yourself or your loved one. Share your concerns in a caring way without judgment.
If you or your loved one is ready to quit substances, the best way to do so is to partner with a comprehensive, evidence-based addiction treatment program. You can’t overcome addiction through willpower or self-discipline alone. Your brain behind the scenes has developed a chemical dependency on the dopamine provided by addictive substances, so you need professional help in order to heal. The right addiction treatment program will also utilize trauma-informed care to address any underlying past trauma that’s driving your substance abuse.
Living in rural America, you may have to travel to get the comprehensive help you actually need in order to heal (such as visiting rehabs in Vermont like ours at Sana at Stowe). However, seeking out of state rehab facilities can also bring an added layer of privacy to your recovery journey in its early stage, allowing you to wholly focus on your healing away from distractions.
Holistic Addiction Treatment in New England
If you’re struggling with substance abuse, know that you don’t have to be another rural America addiction statistic. True recovery is possible. At Sana at Stowe in Stowe, Vermont, our compassionate, expert team is here to help you reclaim your life, overcome any co-occurring challenges, and stay healthy long-term. To learn more about your treatment options, call us today.
