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.
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.