Delaware has seen a steady increase in drug overdose deaths over the past few years, mainly fueled by opioids such as heroin and fentanyl. Rates of cocaine abuse remain high, and deaths related to cocaine abuse recently increased. In fact, after a decline between 2012 and 2014, cocaine-related deaths in Delaware rose 44.8% from 2014 to 2015.
Past-year heroin use in Delaware for people aged 12 and older declined from 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, from 1.12% to 1.05%. However, this rate was far above the national average for these years (0.3% and 0.33%, respectively).
Drug-related overdose deaths in Delaware increased from 2012 to 2015, from 172 to 228. In 2016, the number increased again, to 308. In 2015, opioid overdose deaths made up 67% of all overdose deaths in the state.
Past-year cocaine use and past-month alcohol use among residents age 12 and older were also above the national average in 2015.
Encouragingly, the number of people enrolled in substance abuse treatment in single-day counts went from 4,607 in 2011 to 10,327 in 2015.
With a higher-than-average rate of substance abuse, Delaware views addiction as a grave problem. These statistics highlight how serious the issue has become in Delaware:
Many of Delaware's drug laws have underlying exceptions and subjective circumstances that can completely change the course of a person's punishment. Because of this, it can be difficult to predict exact penalties for certain drug crimes.
Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) is the blanket term used to classify, regulate and monitor prescription drugs and substances in Delaware. Generally, possession for personal use of any CDS is considered a misdemeanor. CDS possession misdemeanors are divided into three categories:
Category | Maximum Penalty |
---|---|
Class A misdemeanor | Up to one year of prison time, fine up to $2,300 or other penalties as determined by a judge |
Class B misdemeanor | Up to six months of prison time, a fine up to $1,150, restitution or other penalties |
Unclassified misdemeanor | Punished determined by terms of pertaining law; if no specific penalty, up to 30 days of jail time, a fine up to $575, restitution or other penalties as determined by a judge |
However, if the CDS crime has any aggravating factors, the judge may determine a more severe punishment. An aggravating factor exists if:
Penalties for possessing marijuana can overlap with CDS punishments. For example, possessing between one ounce and 175 grams of marijuana is treated as an unclassified misdemeanor. The maximum fines of possessing more than 175 grams are up to the court to decide.
Possession Amount | Penalty | Maximum Sentence | Maximum Fine |
---|---|---|---|
Up to 1 oz. | Civil penalty | None | $100 |
1 oz. to less than 175 grams | Misdemeanor | 3 months | $575 |
175 grams to less than 1,500 grams | Felony | 3 years | Court's discretion |
1500 grams to less than 3,000 grams | Felony | 5 years | Court's discretion |
3,000 grams to less than 4,000 grams | Felony | 8 years | Court's discretion |
4,000 grams to less than 5,000 grams | Felony | 15 years | Court's discretion |
5,000 grams or more | Felony | 25 years | Court's discretion |
The state has been rolling out more services to address addiction in an effort to get help to those who need it. Delaware offers a comprehensive support plan through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Promoting Optimal Mental Health for Individuals through Supports and Empowerment program. This program works with private treatment providers to assist those with substance abuse and mental health issues.
Also through SAMHSA, Delaware is focusing on prevention strategies like early-intervention training and education to reduce addiction and substance abuse or prevent them before they begin. These programs also include presenting addiction-reduction strategies at events such as health fairs, as well as offering training programs to become a certified prevention specialist.
One of the biggest problems facing Delaware families who are ready to help their loved ones get into a drug addiction treatment program is the lack of resources.
There are fewer than 50 drug rehab programs in Delaware, according to SAMHSA, and some of them have long waiting lists and too few resources. Additionally, more than 63 percent of these organizations depend heavily upon funding from government agencies, and as state, local and federal budgets tighten, drug addiction treatment programs are often dropped.
Only 12 programs in the entire state of Delaware even offer a residential treatment program and only four offer methadone as an option for those in recovery from opiate addiction treatment. Wait lists are long everywhere and, once enrolled, many patients find that there are too few personalized therapy sessions and too many other patients fighting for access to available resources. The lack of appropriate care options may be a big part of the reason why rates of unmet need for treatment in Delaware are far higher than the national average.
The first step to recovering from addiction is to make the decision to get help. The next step is to figure out which type of program is best for you. Inpatient or residential programs include 24/7 supervision and medical care. Outpatient programs allow you to live at home and visit the treatment center for group and/or individual therapy.
Inpatient programs are usually a good fit for people who have more severe addictions, have relapsed before, or do not have a supportive home environment.
When looking for a rehab facility in Delaware, there are many things to consider. Inpatient programs are more structured and intensive than outpatient programs, and allow a person to focus on growth and healing. To make an informed decision, consider the following:
Different treatment centers in Delaware provide different programs and services. Although offerings vary, there are some essential components of quality care. People may benefit from more than one of these services:
Choosing an effective, high-quality drug rehab program is the most important consideration for anyone seeking recovery from an addiction, as well as for their family and friends who support them. The top things to look for in an inpatient addiction treatment center include a behavioral-healthcare specialization and qualified staff.
Substance use disorders and mental health issues have historically been treated as separate conditions. Modern behavioral healthcare seeks to understand the connection between multiple areas of behavior and health.
According to the National Institutes of Health, behavioral healthcare includes both prevention and recovery services, addressing both the behavior of the individual as well as any mental health issues underlying the addiction.
From detoxification specialists and certified addiction treatment counselors to qualified medical staff, addiction treatment draws on several disciplines to create one overall strategy that works. Inquire about the staff involved in treatment and check for appropriate licensing and professional qualifications.
Because people experience substance abuse and addiction in different ways, personalized treatment programs are available to ensure therapy is effective.
Many people who experience addiction also suffer from a mental health disorder like depression, PTSD or even schizophrenia. This co-occurrence of disorders is known as a dual diagnosis, and an effective addiction treatment program will include mental health therapy in addition to behavior therapy. Comprehensive treatment of both the addiction and any other mental health issues constitutes the core of dual diagnosis treatment.
Some programs are designed for working adults who do not want to endanger their employment or career but who also need to end an addiction. This intensive program offers treatment specifically designed to meet the needs of professionals, allowing privacy and flexibility in addition to effective therapies.
Originally designed for mental health treatment, dialectical behavior therapy is highly effective for those who have substance use disorders. Dialectical behavior therapy utilizes change and acceptance strategies to positively influence behavior.
The recovery process can be greatly aided by complementary treatments like yoga and mindfulness meditation, both of which can help to combat anxiety and give patients more control over their mental and emotional states. Other therapies offered might include acupuncture, journaling or art therapy.
Even sports and outdoor activities like horseback riding and hiking can provide opportunities for clients to enjoy simple pleasures and gain a new appreciation for life. A quality inpatient drug rehab program in Delaware should take advantage of the state's natural beauty and offer both complementary therapies and outdoor activities.
Drug and alcohol detox programs may last a few days to a few weeks, depending on the substance and severity of the dependency. Many addiction treatment programs last for 30 days. However, high-quality recovery programs are designed for long-term sobriety and often last 60 days, 90 days or even longer.
After an inpatient addiction treatment program is completed, an outpatient program may follow. Outpatient addiction treatment programs help the client stay focused on sobriety through a support network and continuation of the therapeutic relapse-prevention principles learned in the inpatient program.
As you determine the cost of rehab in delaware, look at the expense as an investment in your future. Most rehabilitation centers are able to take partial payment through any company or private insurance plan you have. If you wish to discuss your eligibility and the price of treatment in DE, call our hotline, at no cost to get clear and truthful answers to your questions.
Whether your DE inpatient-residential illicit and prescription drug addiction recovery with take four weeks or three months, calling our treatment hotlline improves your odds of becoming and staying healthy. Choosing a rehab center that can address your needs before you ever begin rehab can also help considerably. When you're ready to book treatment, our phone line advisors can help you find the right spot so you can move on to getting healthy.
The cost of attending treatment in DE will depend on a number of factors including the center's location, your length of stay, the type of treatment you receive, and the kind of amenities offered at the facility. If you want the personal comforts of a private room, gourmet meals, access to a pool or gym, exercise equipment, or nature, you may end up paying more than standard treatment.
Keep in mind that a higher price tag doesn't necessarily mean higher quality. Just because a place is more expensive, you should still do your research to make sure it uses evidence based treatments and employs physicians and therapists that are licensed and trained in addiction treatment.
To cover the costs of treatment you can:
Many programs accept private insurance as payment. If you don’t have insurance, or your insurance doesn’t cover rehab, you can look into alternative payment options.
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