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Substance abuse not only takes a major toll on a person’s life, it can end it as well. A 2016 report showed that deaths from substance abuse in Wisconsin have totaled more than 500 per year for 7 of the 8 years prior to the report.
Like the rest of the country, Wisconsin is facing an epidemic of nonmedical use of prescription drugs like opioids (OxyContin, Vicodin, etc.) and stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, etc.). In fact, between 2014 and 2015, Wisconsin matched the national average of people abusing painkillers like OxyContin and Vicodin, with 4% of residents 12 and older abusing these drugs.
These numbers can be extremely concerning when you consider the serious lasting physical and mental health consequences of substance abuse, not to mention the risk of deadly overdose. If you or someone you love is suffering from addiction to drugs or alcohol, don’t wait to seek help. It can mean the difference between life and death.
Wisconsin has harsh penalties for manufacturing, distributing or possessing a controlled substance. Drug charges are broken down into one of five schedules. Schedule I involves the riskiest drugs for dependency and entails the strictest penalties. On the other hand, schedule V consists of drugs that are least likely to be abused. Violations after the first offense typically doubles and involves more serious fines and prison time.
| Schedule | Substances Included | Potential Sentencing |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule I | Heroin, hashish, LSD and other hallucinogens | 5-40 years prison and/or $2,000,000 maximum fine |
| Schedule II | Opium, morphine, codeine, barbiturates, cocaine, amphetamines, phencyclidine (PCP) and other narcotics | 5-40 years prison and/or $2,000,000 maximum fine |
| Schedule III | Glutethimide, amphetamines, certain barbiturates and some depressants | Maximum of 5 years in prison and/or $250,000 maximum fine |
| Schedule IV | Chloral hydrate, certain barbiturates, benzodiazepines, some depressants and other stimulants | Maximum of 5 years in prison and/or $250,000 maximum fine |
| Schedule V | Codeine, dihydrocodeine, ethylmorphine, diphenoxylate, difenoxin and some stimulants | Maximum of 5 years in prison and/or $250,000 maximum fine |
Both the medical and recreational use of marijuana in Wisconsin is illegal. However, the state passed a medical cannabidiol (CBD) law which allows for the use of cannabis extracts that are high in CBD and low in THC. Currently, the only qualifying condition for medical CBD is seizure disorders.
Legal penalties for marijuana possession, sale or delivery varies based on the substance amount.
| Offense | Criminal Charge | Potential Sentencing |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | ||
| Any amount (first offense) | Misdemeanor | 6 months jail and $1,000 maximum fine |
| Any amount (subsequent offense) | Felony | 3.5 years jail and $10,000 maximum fine |
| Sale or Delivery | ||
| 200 g or less | Felony | 3.5 years jail and $10,000 maximum fine |
| 200 – 1,000 g | Felony | 6 years jail and $10,000 maximum fine |
| 1,000 – 2,500 g | Felony | 10 years jail and $25,000 maximum fine |
| 2,500 – 10,000 g | Felony | 15 years and $50,000 maximum fine |
Sometimes, first offenders are eligible for a conditional release with probation terms rather than serving time in jail. Upon successfully completing probation requirements, criminal charges will be dropped.
However, repeat offenders may face additional penalties depending on the court's orders.
Wisconsin offers an array of policies and programs that help educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse and addiction. Referred to as harm reduction laws, these policies provide individuals, family members and friends with information about drug abuse, treatment options and other resources.
Some of the key harm reduction laws in Wisconsin are:
Passed in January 2014, Wisconsin's 911 Good Samaritan Law urges witnesses of a drug overdose to call for emergency medical assistance. Roughly 85 percent of all drug overdoses have at least one witness. However, the fear of being arrested or facing legal consequences often prevents people from calling 911 in an emergency situation.
Overdose fatalities can occur within one to three hours after use of the drug, leaving a limited amount of time to call for help. With the 911 Good Samaritan Law in place, those who contact emergency aid in the case of an overdose are protected from criminal prosecution.
Additionally, the law allows access to naloxone in the event of an overdose. Naloxone, a medication administered to reverse the harmful effects of an opioid overdose, can be obtained without a prescription. Several organizations also offer naloxone training for family members and friends. Between 2012 and 2014, the number of individuals trained in administering naloxone increased by 123 percent in Wisconsin.
For people who inject drugs (PWID), sharing needles increases the chance of contracting blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. Cities across Wisconsin offer needle exchange programs where people can receive a new, sterile syringe in exchange for an old, used syringe.
While the primary reason for needle exchange programs is to help reduce the number of new HIV and hepatitis C cases, they also provide other services. Different services may be offered in varying locations, but many assist with:
From 2013 to 2014, four percent of people aged 12 and older used prescription painkillers in a non-medical way:
Any non-medical use of prescription drugs is considered drug abuse. Prescription painkiller abuse can lead to addiction, overdose and, in many cases, can transition to heroin use.
A growing number of Wisconsinites are dying as a result of opioid abuse. In 2016, Wisconsin's rate of opioid-related overdose deaths was higher than the nation's, at 15.8 deaths per 100,000 people and 13.3 deaths per 100,000, respectively.
Since 2010:
As reported by the Wisconsin Epidemiological Profile on Alcohol and Other Drugs, 2016, state-level past-year illicit drug abuse was equal to national levels:
Every region of Wisconsin has been impacted by methamphetamine. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, from 2010 to 2015 the number of people receiving county-funded treatment for methamphetamine has more than doubled, rising from 331 to 706 people.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has issued warnings on severe bleeding that can occur after using synthetic cannabinoids. From March 30 through early July of 2018, 44 total cases were reported to the Division of Public Health. Thirty-three of these were confirmed. Confirmed cases were in Dane, Milwaukee, Outagamie, and Rock counties.
Wisconsin substance abuse prevention and outreach programs work to reduce drug abuse at all ages.
Healthiest Wisconsin 2020: This 10-year state plan seeks to improve the lifetime health of Wisconsin residents. One of 23 focus areas is committed to decreasing alcohol and drug abuse through prevention, screening and intervention.
Wisconsin Good Samaritan Law: In 2014, this law was changed to offer greater protection for individuals who witness a drug overdose, better enabling these individuals to seek help.
Statewide Standing Order for Naloxone: This statewide standing order allows pharmacies to dispense naloxone, a life-saving opioid overdose antidote, to people at risk of overdose or those who could help in this situation.
As you search for treatment, consider the following questions:
You might want to first call your insurance and ask about what is covered before attempting to find a program, so you’ll have realistic expectations when searching for treatment.
If you’re not sure where to begin looking and sorting through program listings seems overwhelming, you can call us for help any time of day to speak confidentially to a rehab placement specialist.
Given the increasing number of substance abuse problems in Wisconsin, there is an urgent need for effective treatment programs and preventive education. The AODA system works to help state residents find the resources they need. When researching rehab programs, consider:
Wisconsin drug and alcohol rehab programs likely offer different services. Understanding these services helps families find the right facility. Some worth knowing include:
High-quality addiction treatment programs look at the unique challenges a person is facing and create a treatment plan that can help them overcome these obstacles. Each patient's personal struggles, ambitions and health concerns should be evaluated and taken into account to create a customized treatment plan. With this personalized focus comes a greater chance of personal growth, sobriety and long-term recovery success.
The following addiction treatment services can help Wisconsin residents build and maintain a sober life:
A professional interventionist works with those who are close to the person experiencing addiction to design an intervention. An intervention outlines the toll that substance abuse has taken on the person and the people who love them and outlines an appropriate treatment plan, with the goal of motivating them to seek help.
Without professional help and medical support, withdrawal symptoms and cravings can push a person to relapse. A medical detox program provides 24/7 medical support while a person's body begins to heal. This treatment helps protect a person from relapse and prepares them for the next stage of treatment.
To help a person be more comfortable and to reduce or prevent withdrawal symptoms and cravings, medications may be administered as needed. Due to potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms, individuals addicted to alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids should consider a detox program.
After a person has completed any necessary detox, it's time to address the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction in an inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.
Wisconsin inpatient drug rehab programs offer a residential setting and intensive therapies that help a person address the social, mental, emotional and even spiritual impact of addiction. These tailored therapies help a person to adopt the relapse-prevention and sober-living skills that work best for their needs.
Living on-site at a treatment facility gives each client the chance to be immersed in a therapeutic community. Throughout the course of their day, residents have the chance to build meaningful relationships with staff and fellow treatment participants. These bonds both enhance and inform the recovery process.
A variety of individualized inpatient addiction treatment programs are available, both religious and secular. Twelve-step programs provide traditional addiction treatment for those who might wish to involve spirituality into their recovery. On the other hand, a growing number of alternatives to 12-step programs exist that pair evidence-based therapies with transformative treatment methods.
While traditional outpatient and intensive outpatient programs do provide standalone services for addiction treatment, these programs are often more valuable when used to support inpatient rehabilitation.
In this capacity, an outpatient program can help a person adjust to sober living after treatment. As a step-down service, outpatient programs help a person to successfully adjust to lifestyle changes associated with sober living.
Wisconsin aftercare and alumni support services can help a person to stay inspired and focused on their recovery goals.
Aftercare and alumni services in Wisconsin may include:
In many cases, patients in drug rehab experience better results when they receive medication-assisted treatment. This integrated approach blends medications with behavioral therapies.
The benefits of these programs hold especially true with individuals working to build sobriety from an opioid or alcohol addiction.
Medications that may be used to prevent withdrawal and deter substance use include:
Many people feel they can better relate to a gender-specific addiction treatment program. Some individuals prefer LGBTQ-friendly treatment options that recognize and address the specific challenges these community members often face in recovery.
Mental illness can make a person more vulnerable to substance abuse. Substance abuse can also make the symptoms of mental illness worse. Individuals who have a dual diagnosis of both a mental health disorder and substance use disorder need specially designed treatment plans that integrate treatment for both disorders. Many Wisconsin addiction treatment centers provide treatment for co-occurring disorders.
Psychotherapies form the foundation of addiction treatment programs. This therapy format is used to help people identify and address harmful thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are connected to substance abuse.
Research-based behavioral therapies that may be offered in an individual, group or family setting include:
While these research-based therapies can be effective on their own, many people experience the greatest benefit when they're supported by alternative or holistic therapies.
Complementary therapies in Wisconsin may include:
Healing the body from addiction continues after the initial detox stage. To achieve this goal, many high-quality programs offer nutritional education and exercise programs that help their clients build greater health and well-being.
To give a person the greatest number of treatment options, and to make any personal financial contributions go the furthest, it's important to outline a clear financial payment plan for treatment.
In Wisconsin, the following health insurance companies may help a person pay for treatment:
Each person's coverage limits, copays and deductible may vary depending on the insurance benefits of their specific plan.
In addition to insurance, the following options may help a person finance addiction treatment:
In addition to the severity of the addiction, a person's medical and mental health needs should influence the treatment length. Due to the cost of treatment, career responsibilities or family obligations, some people may only be able to select a short-term, 30-day program. Beyond this, a person may also enroll in treatment for 60 days, 90 days, 120 days, or up to a year or longer.
Research supports long-term care options. Studies have shown that most people have better success in a program that is 90 days or longer.
Regarding the price of rehab in wisconsin, look at the expense as an investment in your life and the lives of your family. Most treatment programs are able to take partial payment through any insurance plan you have. If you wish to review your eligibility and the price of treatment in WI, contact us at at no cost to get all the answers to your questions.
Whether your WI inpatient-residential prescription and illicit drug recovery with take 28 days or 90 days, calling to get treatment improves your chances of getting and keeping healthy. Determining a treatment center that can suit your needs before you ever get started can also help immeasurably. When you're ready to book treatment, our hotline advisors can help you get properly placed so you feel comfortable.
The cost of rehabs in WI will be determined by factors like duration of stay, amenities, and type of program. It may take some effort to determine an appropriate plan to cover the cost, but there are ways for you to do so. Many rehabs take insurance, offer financing, and utilize sliding scales. You may also look into healthcare credit cards or loans to offset the burden of paying the full cost upfront.
You have a lot to lose by continuing to live in active addiction—don't let the financial cost let you forget the personal cost of not getting the help you need.
Sometimes the prospect of finding and paying for treatment can be overwhelming but remember that the cost is nothing compared to the price of living with addiction. You might not think you can afford to get addiction treatment, but there are usually options for you to get the help you need. These include:
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