Athens County, Ohio Drug Rehab & Addiction Services

Athens County’s drug abuse and addiction statistics place the county as one of low concern Ohio. Nevertheless, many residents deal with persistent, chronic drug and alcohol misuse in the form of opioids, methamphetamine, cocaine, and prescription drugs.

Within this region of Ohio, all behavioral health recovery services are overseen by the Athens-Hocking-Vinton Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, also referred to as the 317 Board.

But while residents around the city of Athens do have access to local rehab centers, there may be situations in which other treatment providers, like Ohio Recovery Center of Van Wert, are a better fit for an individual’s specific needs.

Substance Abuse Resources In Athens County, Ohio 

The 317 Board plans, funds, and evaluates a community-based system of care for drug and alcohol addiction treatment and other mental healthcare services. 

The local board provides a variety of resources for residents of Athens County related to substance abuse intervention, recovery, and prevention, including:

• crisis phone lines, available on the 317 board’s homepage
• the 317 Board’s LocalHelpNow mobile application, with links to crisis lines and providers offering support in Athens, Hocking, and Vinton counties
• A directory of community partners, including providers for mental health and substance use disorder treatment, recovery/sober living housing, and peer support group meetings

As an Athens County resident, you can also call the national SAMHSA helpline, a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service available in English and Spanish. 

You can also use the SAMHSA online treatment locator to search for substance abuse treatment providers and view location, services, acceptable forms of payment, and contact information.

Ohio Recovery Center

Ohio Recovery Center (ORC), located in Van Wert (around three hours northwest of Athens), is a drug and alcohol rehab facility staffed with experienced and compassionate medical and psychiatric nurse practitioners, case managers, clinicians, counselors, and coordinators.

At ORC, we offer comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation services like medical detox, dual diagnosis treatment, medication-assisted treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, and aftercare.

Athens County Substance Use & Overdose Data

From 2015 to 2020, Athens County reported the 79th lowest rate of age-adjusted accidental drug overdose deaths in Ohio, which has 88 counties in total. This averaged rate was 15.8 per 100,000, compared to 37.4 per 100,000 for Ohio as a whole during this period.

However, in 2020, the overdose rate for Athens almost doubled to 30.2 per 100,000, representing a significant increase in yearly overdose deaths (from 9 deaths in 2019 to 17 in 2020).

This was likely attributable to the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the high-levels of fentanyl in circulation in this area.

According to the Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring Network (OSAM), the most common drugs available in the Athens region are: 

• heroin/fentanyl blends
• methamphetamine
• crack cocaine
• powder cocaine
• ecstasy
• prescription drugs, including stimulants, opioids, and benzodiazepines

Alcohol & Drug Rehab Options In Athens County, Ohio

According to SAMHSA, there are at least two inpatient treatment facilities and four outpatient treatment centers operating in Athens County, with all six located in or nearby the city of Athens.

This network of drug rehab centers collectively offers a wide-range of treatment services for Athens County residents, including the following levels of care:

Medical Detox

Medically assisted detoxification is a professional treatment service that helps those who have become dependent on drugs or alcohol safely withdraw from them while under the guidance and supervision of trained medical professionals.

Inpatient Treatment Programs

Inpatient/residential treatment provides a supportive and highly focused environment for addressing addiction and contributing emotional and mental health issues. 

Residential care is likely the best treatment option for those with severe substance use disorders, secondary mental health issues, or a history of relapse.

Outpatient Treatment Programs

Outpatient recovery programs exist to help participants recover from addiction, mental health issues, and other health problems without fully removing them from their home life and loved ones. 

Between regular and intensive outpatient services, outpatient programs can be a good fit for a wide-range of different people at varying stages in their recovery journeys.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment programs (MAT) are a type of rehab program that incorporates the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat either opiate use disorder (OUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD). 

MAT can be effective in reducing cravings and other withdrawal symptoms, as well as rates of relapse in those who opt to use it.

Payment Options Accepted In Athens County, Ohio

The payment options accepted at addiction treatment programs in Ohio vary depending on the center and their policies. Common options may include:

• private health insurance benefits
• military insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.
• self-payment using cash, check, or credit card
• sliding scale (income-based fees)
• other financial aid resources

If you have questions about your insurance coverage or benefits, contact Ohio Recovery Center today. You can also learn more about our evidence-based treatment services and how they can fit into your personalized treatment plan.