Delaware drug abuse overview

Delaware has a population of 1,003,384 people. The most recent data from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 172,000 people over the age of 12 had abused illegal substances in the past month, around 17.14% of the population. 158,000 reported marijuana use in the past month and 195,000 in the past year. The report also found that 27,000 Delaware residents had abused cocaine in the past year, 19,000 had abused meth, and 38,000 had abused prescription pain medication. 27,000 people over the age of 18 reported using heroin in the last year. Those reporting opioid misuse including heroin, painkillers, and fentanyl in Delaware totaled 38,000 people.

Alcohol abuse in Delaware

Alcohol misuse was also reported in Delaware with 475,000 people over the age of 12 saying they had used alcohol in the last month and 222,000 reporting binge drinking. The perceived risk of people over 12 years of age indulging in problematic alcohol use (5 or more drinks twice a week) in a month was 414,000 people.

Overdose deaths in Delaware

In 2021, Delaware saw a total of 503 recorded drug-related overdose deaths. This includes those that were accidental or unidentifiable but excludes those that were related to suicide or homicide. The total number of alcohol-related deaths (including overdose and all other causes) was 150 or 14.9 per 100,000 people.

Substance use disorder treatment in Delaware

The NSDUH report also recorded the total amount of substance abuse disorders in Delaware and those who currently require treatment. The report found that 172,000 were recorded as having a substance use disorder (SUD) and 119,000 had an alcohol use disorder. 26,000 people were recorded as having an opioid use disorder including those with painkiller, heroin, and other opioid-based drug use disorders. There are also many who have been diagnosed with or reported a substance, illicit drug, or alcohol use disorder that require rehab treatment and are not receiving it. The report found that 73 people in Delaware needed treatment for illicit substance abuse, 116,000 required treatment for an alcohol use disorder, and 161,000 needed treatment for a diagnosed substance use disorder.

What treatment options are available in Delaware?

For Delaware residents, you can get substance and alcohol addiction treatment in rehab centers and facilities. Some are private institutions, and the Delaware government funds others to provide healthcare services and treatment to persons suffering from addiction. 

While these facilities offer inpatient, outpatient, detox centers, faith-based treatment, therapies, and support groups, it is up to the individual to complete the program to see the results. 

Listed below are Rehab centers in Delaware where you can get these addiction treatment services:

Delaware rehabs that accept Medicaid/Medicare or other state assistance

Delaware addiction treatment facilities that accept military insurance

Addiction treatment programs for seniors in Delaware

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in Delaware

Addiction & detox centers in Delaware for teens and young people

How do I pay for rehab in Delaware?

High rehab costs are one of the primary reasons why most people don’t seek treatment for their addiction. It’s even more costly if you don’t have insurance.

Most rehab facilities offer payment plans that you can take advantage of to pay for your treatment. Some even provide financial scholarships to help reduce the cost of long-term care.

If you are uninsured and can’t afford to pay in cash, state-funded rehab facilities offer treatment at a lower cost or free to low-income individuals.

As expensive as rehabilitation treatment seems, it is an investment in your health to ensure that you are a productive member of the community in the future.

Local government assistance in Delaware

The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health focuses on promoting the recovery of addicted individuals by providing members of society with quality prevention and treatment for substance abuse and gambling conditions.

To this effect, they provide public drug and alcohol treatment services for adults through contracts with private agencies. These services include opioid treatment, screening, and outpatient counseling.

The division also provides alcohol and drug abuse prevention programs to address the state's high-risk population and geographical areas. They also offer gambling prevention services like education,  awareness activities, and a 24-hour helpline to help persons with compulsive gambling issues and their families recover from this addiction. 

You can reach them at (800)652-2929 for Northern Delaware or (800) 652-2929 for Southern Delaware.