Drug abuse in West Virginia
West Virginia has a population of 1,782,959 people. The most recent data from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 268,000 people over the age of 12 had abused illegal substances in the past month, around 15.03% of the population. 229,000 reported marijuana use in the past month and 312,000 in the past year. The report also found that 40,000 West Virginia residents had abused cocaine in the past year, 36,000 had abused meth, and 71,000 had abused prescription pain medication. 16,000 people over the age of 18 reported using heroin in the last year. Those reporting opioid misuse including heroin, painkillers, and fentanyl in West Virginia totaled 82,000 people.
Alcohol abuse in West Virginia
Alcohol misuse was also reported in West Virginia with 581,000 people over the age of 12 saying they had used alcohol in the last month and 278,000 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 714,000 people.
Overdose deaths in West Virginia
In 2021, West Virginia saw a total of 1470 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 315 or 17.7 per 100,000 people.
Addiction treatment in West Virginia
The NSDUH report also recorded the total amount of substance abuse disorders in West Virginia and those who currently require treatment. The report found that 291,000 were recorded as having a substance use disorder (SUD) and 161,000 had an alcohol use disorder. 77,000 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 147 people in West Virginia needed treatment for illicit substance abuse, 164,000 required treatment for an alcohol use disorder, and 249,000 needed treatment for a diagnosed substance use disorder.
How do I pay for rehab in West Virginia?
Paying for rehabilitation can be overwhelming, especially if you require inpatient treatment on long-term care for your sobriety.
But that shouldn't discourage you because there are many ways you can pay for the treatment without breaking your bank. If you can't pay in cash, you should get a private or public insurance plan like Medicaid to help cover some costs. If you are a veteran or military personnel, West Virginia rehab centers accept military insurance cover to cover treatment.
If you don't qualify for any of these insurance plans, you can reach out to the specific rehab center and find out if they have other payment options available. Some facilities offer free healthcare services, while others will agree to a payment plan so you can access treatment.
Government assistance for addiction treatment in West Virginia
The West Virginia Bureau of Behavioral Health (BBH) is a designated state authority tasked with dealing with mental health and substance abuse.
The BBH offers recovery resources to individuals battling addiction, and through the State Opioid Response (SOR), they provide free transportation and subsidized recovery services to West Virginia residents.
You can reach the BBH through their emotional strength line 877-HELP304