The State of Substance Abuse Treatment in Wilmington, DE
Wilmington, Delaware, is renowned for both its beautiful and bookish attractions, including Brandywine Creek and the Hagley Museum and Library. Unfortunately, the city is slowly becoming better known for a public health challenge —drug addiction. This follows a similar trend acrossDelaware, with more people developing substance abuse disorders in the state every year. In 2017, the state saw 11,097 addiction treatment admissions, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
With so many people struggling with an addiction, there is a significant need for high-quality, reputable drug and alcohol rehab in the state of Delaware. Unfortunately, the resources currently in place are sparse. For most clients, the most effective way to address a substance use disorder is by working through multiple levels of treatment as part of a full continuum of care, includingdetox,residentialandoutpatienttreatment. Accordingto SAMHSA’s National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS), Delaware had 47 drug treatment facilities in 2016. Of these, a meager twelve offered detox, and only nine provided residential care.
Substance abuse treatment in the Wilmington, Delaware area is also limited. As of 2018, there were only seven substance abuse treatment centers in the area, with only one center administering residential care, according toSAMHSA’s facility locator. However, while there aren’t many options for comprehensive care in Wilmington, there are a significant number of facilities across the country that provide the full continuum care for addiction treatment.
Commonly Abused Drugs in Wilmington, DE
Like much of the population of Delaware, Wilmington’s residents struggle with a variety of substances. Heroin currently presents the largest problem, with over 5,000 individuals admitted to treatment programs in 2017, according to SAMHSA.Other substances that are commonly abused in the Wilmington area include:
Whichever treatment course is best for the individual patient, it can be the start to a new, healthier life of sobriety, especially when followed up by recovery meetings. If you’re ready to make the first brave step toward a life free from misuse, know that your journey may begin with detoxification for drugs or alcohol. Reach out to a rehab center to learn more.
Detox Centers
There are several drugdetoxcenters in Wilmington, but the most appropriate for you may in fact be elsewhere, perhaps at a national facility. Detox will include medically supervised withdrawal, which is different for each drug and can be physically as well as emotionally taxing. Patients should not attempt detox without medical supervision. In addition to cravings, symptoms might include fatigue, insomnia and anxiety, nausea and sweating, increased heart rate and blood pressure and the tremors (DTs) for which alcohol withdrawal is famous. During detox, medical professionals may prescribe drugs to ease symptoms, supervise your vital signs and offer therapy to help with psychological changes brought on by stopping the drugs or alcohol. Herbal teas and broth may help with dehydration, and the patient’s nutrition receives care with vitamins and minerals. Once detoxification is complete, the patient moves on to a more complete treatment program with the goal of continued abstinence.
As of 2016, only 25.6 percent of all Delaware treatment facilities offered detox services. According to SAMHSA’s facility locator, only three centers with detox services are available in the Wilmington area as of 2018.Of these, only one also offered residential care options.
Finding the Best Drug or Alcohol Rehab Program for You
With so many factors to consider when choosing the bestrehab centerfor you or a loved one, it can be hard to know where to startor to accurately evaluate if a prospective facility has what you need for a successful recovery.
Here are some questions to ask when considering a rehab facility or treatment program:
- What programs are available – detox, residential treatment or outpatient care?
- What state and nationalaccreditationsdoes the center have?
- Does the facility treat mental health conditions that co-occur with addiction?
- What is the average length of stay for each program?
- What individual, group, family or behavioral therapies are utilized during treatment?
- Are aftercare services provided to help clients transition to life after treatment, like aftercare programs or sober living homes?
Exploring Treatment Options Near Wilmington
While some drug and alcohol treatment facilities are available in the Wilmington area, looking beyond the city — or even the state of Delaware — dramatically increases your options. This can open up your search to centers that may offer specialized treatments and therapies to promote long-term health, wellness and recovery.
