Because of its close proximity to major cities and drug smuggling routes, Delaware often ends up getting a lotof the drugs that are meant for other states. Dealers and smugglers that are looking for less law enforcement and untapped markets are looking more closely at the state of Delaware. The state is well above national average in terms of the number of people addicted to drugs and alcohol.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues At-A-Glance, Delaware
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), December 2008
In 2008, there were almost nine thousand admissions to Delaware’s drug and alcohol treatment centers. Of all of those, over 2,000 were for heroin, 2,100 were for alcohol, and about 1,600 were for marijuana use. Of course, cocaine is a major problem for Delaware, but the abuse of prescription drugs like Percocet and Vicodin is a huge concern as well. The young people of Delaware are also heavy users of so-called “club drugs” like ketamine, ecstasy and GHB, as well as the old standbys- marijuana and alcohol. The club and party scene in Delaware makes all kinds of illegal drugs available to teens in the state.
Many parents naively believe that their children’s schools don’t have a problem with drug abuse, but nothing could be further from the truth. As of 2006, almost seven percent of people that are being treated for drug abuse in Delaware’s rehab centers were under the age of eighteen. Many of Delaware’s students admit to using drugs, especially inhalants.
To fight against this problem, there are (as of 2006, the last year for which we have data) 43 drug and alcohol treatment centers in Delaware. In 2008, Delaware spent over $100 million on addiction help and mental health services. Many of Delaware’s drug treatment centers operate on an outpatient basis, but there are some residential centers as well. Only three of the drug treatment centers in Delaware are owned by the state, and the rest are privately owned. These centers give Delaware’s drug addicts choices when they decide to seek treatment- but people should choose carefully because not all services are offered by all clinics.
Heroin is a big problem in Delaware, but only four programs in the state offered methadone therapy as of 2006. Only 24 doctors in Delaware were able to provide buprenorphine, a drug used to treat opiate addiction. Those who are in Delaware and seeking drug or alcohol treatment should find a program that will suit all their needs. An addict shouldn’t let embarrassment keep them from getting help. Over sixty percent of Delaware’s drug and alcohol treatment centers receive public funding, so people have options.
To successfully combat a drug or alcohol problem, the addict needs a program that encompasses detox, behavioral modification, and counseling. If the addiction is severe enough, the person may need to be admitted to a residential treatment facility. There is life after addiction, and seeking help is the first step.
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