Substance Abuse in Rural Communities: Challenges and Solutions

Here’s a look at the specific challenges, relevant statistics, and solutions available through clinics like AmberMed.

Substance use disorders (SUD) are a growing concern in rural areas. Higher rates of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use, combined with limited access to treatment and increased stigma, make substance use particularly challenging for rural communities.

Prevalence and Types of Substance Use in Rural Areas

Rural adults and youth face distinct substance use challenges compared to their urban counterparts. For instance, alcohol, tobacco, and methamphetamine use are notably higher among rural adults, and rural youth report higher rates of alcohol and methamphetamine use than their urban peers, with usage increasing in more remote areas. Rural communities also experience more alcohol-related deaths than urban areas, with rates 18% higher for males and 235 higher for females. Rural youth are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors, such as binge drinking and driving under the influence, compared to urban youth.

Challenges in Accessing Treatment

Limited resources and geographic barriers make accessing treatment difficult for rural residents:

• Shortage of Treatment Centers: Only 14% of behavioral health outpatient treatment centers are located in rural communities, meaning individuals often have to travel far for help. Due to this scarcity, rural residents are 4.5 times more likely than urban residents to be admitted to treatment through court orders or law enforcement, as there are fewer accessible, voluntary options.
• Medication Shortages: Medications like buprenorphine, crucial for treating opioid use disorder, are nine times less available in rural areas than in urban ones, leaving residents with fewer medically assisted treatment options.
• Stigma and Isolation: The close-knit nature of rural communities can heighten the stigma around substance use and mental health, discouraging people from seeking support for fear of judgment.

Factors Contributing to Substance Use in Rural Areas

Economic hardship and geographic isolation drive substance use in many rural communities. High poverty rates, limited job opportunities, and lower educational attainment create a challenging environment where substance use becomes a coping mechanism. Additionally, the physical and social isolation common in rural areas can lead to loneliness, increasing the likelihood of substance use as a way to cope.

Solutions and Support

Despite these challenges, rural residents have effective options for treatment through services like those offered by AmberMed. In partnership with CKF Addiction Treatment, AmberMed provides accessible telehealth sessions, allowing individuals to receive counseling and participate in group therapy from home, minimizing the need to travel. This setup ensures people in isolated areas can get consistent support while maintaining privacy.

AmberMed’s offerings also include addiction assessments, one-on-one counseling, and connections to additional resources within the community. Through this comprehensive approach, AmberMed addresses both immediate needs and long-term recovery, while also working to reduce stigma and raise awareness about substance use treatment through educational programs.

Steps for Getting Help Through AmberMed

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, here’s how to start the recovery process with AmberMed:

1. Visit the AmberMed Clinic: Start with an initial assessment to determine the best treatment options.
2. Connect with CKF Addiction Treatment: Call CKF at 785-825-6224, mentioning AmberMed to access specialized addiction resources.
3. Participate in Online or In-Person Sessions: AmberMed’s telehealth options allow participation in counseling from home, alongside access to group therapy and one-on-one sessions.

By taking these steps, individuals in rural areas can access AmberMed’s addiction treatment services, beginning their path to recovery in a supportive, accessible environment.