If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, then finding a detox center in Mississippi is often the best first step toward recovery. There are 25 detox treatment providers in Mississippi. These centers are spread evenly across the state. With the exception of the southwest corner of the state, there is a center within an hour or two of anywhere in Mississippi.
Depending on the substance someone used, a certain type of provider may be advised. For certain prescription drugs and alcohol detox, a medical detox center is often the best choice. Detox from most other drugs can be undergone at an inpatient or outpatient facility. There are 15 outpatient detoxes compared to 7 inpatient detox centers in Mississippi. The cities of Jackson, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, and Meridian have several detoxes each.
Once a detox program is complete, it is highly recommended to seek aftercare and further addiction treatment services. There are 87 SAMHSA-approved substance abuse treatment providers in Mississippi. There are 70 rehab facilities that provide outpatient treatment and 30 residential treatment programs. There are also 7 inpatient treatment rehab programs in Mississippi. Entering one of these drug or alcohol rehabs can greatly increase your chances of recovery.
Dual diagnosis mental health issues are also significant contributors to substance use disorders. People in Mississippi experience more mental health issues than people in most other states. A 2020 study by Mental Health America ranked Mississippi in 2nd place out of states with the highest prevalence of mental illness. They also ranked Mississippi at 49th place for access to mental healthcare. These are two poor rankings, and when combined they create a serious lack of mental healthcare in the state. This is just the general population too.
The rates of mental health issues are much higher among people struggling with addiction. Getting dual diagnosis care for these issues can be critical for someone's successful recovery. Mississippi has 60 dual diagnosis drug rehab centers that specialize in treating these issues. These treatment centers provide more diverse treatment options to deal with mental health issues. This can include behavioral therapy and additional mental health services. Getting comprehensive care for behavioral health issues can greatly improve someone's chances of achieving short-term recovery and long-term sobriety.
Drug Abuse in Mississippi
Mississippi enjoys a reputation as a laid-back and relaxed state, although ever since the opioid crisis it has been a hotbed for illegal drug activity. This has been an escalating trend over the last few years. Most recently in 2021, a combined federal, state, and local law enforcement operation made 33 arrests in Neshoba County. Prior to these arrests, this same operation seized 85 pounds of methamphetamine, over 11 pounds of cocaine, 270 pounds of marijuana, and a variety of other substances.
Further back in 2019, the Department of Justice indicted a Chinese national for manufacturing fentanyl and distributing it throughout the US. The man who was indicted owned a facility that was capable of manufacturing ton-quantities of fentanyl. There are also several Mexican cartels that use Mississippi as a major drug trafficking corridor. The main organizations involved are the Sinaloa and Gulf cartels. As far as local drug distribution is concerned, the Gangster Disciples and Sureños perform local distribution on behalf of the cartels.
While the presence of drugs has been increasing in Mississippi in recent years, there is still help available. If you or a loved one is struggling but wants to break free from addiction, then reach out for help. There are multiple drug and alcohol detox centers all across Mississippi that can help.
