Drug abuse statistics in Nebraska

Nebraska has a population of 1,963,692 people. The most recent data from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 225,000 people over the age of 12 had abused illegal substances in the past month, around 11.46% of the population. 200,000 reported marijuana use in the past month and 280,000 in the past year. The report also found that 30,000 Nebraska residents had abused cocaine in the past year, 33,000 had abused meth, and 55,000 had abused prescription pain medication. 14,000 people over the age of 18 reported using heroin in the last year. Those reporting opioid misuse including heroin, painkillers, and fentanyl in Nebraska totaled 55,000 people.

Alcohol abuse in Nebraska

Alcohol misuse was also reported in Nebraska with 924,000 people over the age of 12 saying they had used alcohol in the last month and 458,000 reporting binge drinking. The perceived risk of people over 12 years of age indulging in problematic alcohol use (5 or more drinks twice a week) in a month was 684,000 people.

Overdose deaths in Nebraska

In 2021, Nebraska saw a total of 180 recorded drug-related overdose deaths. This includes those that were accidental or unidentifiable but excludes those that were related to suicide or homicide. This puts the overdose death toll in Nebraska at 9.2 people per 100,000. The total number of alcohol-related deaths (including overdose and all other causes) was 356 or 18.1 per 100,000 people.

Addiction treatment statistics in Nebraska

The NSDUH report also recorded the total amount of substance abuse disorders in Nebraska and those who currently require treatment. The report found that 303,000 were recorded as having a substance use disorder (SUD) and 221,000 had an alcohol use disorder. 48,000 people were recorded as having an opioid use disorder including those with painkiller, heroin, and other opioid-based drug use disorders. There are also many who have been diagnosed with or reported a substance, illicit drug, or alcohol use disorder that require rehab treatment and are not receiving it. The report found that 122 people in Nebraska needed treatment for illicit substance abuse, 205,000 required treatment for an alcohol use disorder, and 252,000 needed treatment for a diagnosed substance use disorder.

What treatment options are available in Nebraska?

Treatment options will vary depending on the facility you choose, what you are addicted to, and the kind of help you need. 

Nebraska rehabs offer treatment options like outpatient, intensive care, long-term residential care, 12-step programs, detox programs and behavioral therapy. 

Some Nebraska rehabs have programs that offer treatment to senior citizens, military personnel, adolescent teens, LGBTQIA individuals, and professionals battling their addictions. 

Here are the Nebraska rehab centers that provide addiction treatment:

Residential rehab centers in Nebraska

Alcohol and drug detox centers in Nebraska

Nebraska outpatient alcohol and drugs treatment centers

Addiction treatment centers for teens and young people

How do I pay for rehab in Nebraska?

While there are plenty of rehab centers in Nebraska, the challenge comes when it’s time to pay. Rehab costs are high, but they provide effective services delivered by trained professionals to give you the help you need.

You can get assistance paying for your rehab from your family, friends, and relatives through crowdfunding. If this isn’t a viable option for you, there are private and public insurance plans that cover addiction treatment. 

With the increase in addiction rates in the state, Many rehab centers now have a sliding scale program that allows you to pay based on your income and split up the amount into installment payments.

Government assistance for addiction treatment in Nebraska

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is committed to the treatment and recovery of individuals dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. 

Through the Division of Behavioral Health, the department offers crisis response and inpatient care services to help individuals get the help they need. If a resident of Nebraska doesn’t have insurance, they could be eligible for Division of Behavioral Health funding to access treatment. 

In 2020, the State of Nebraska also accepted federal funding to expand Medicaid. Now more people can have health insurance and get treatment for their substance or drug addiction.

You can reach the Division of Behavioral Health at (402) 471-7860