The State of Substance Abuse Treatment in Wilmington, DE
Wilmington, Delaware, is renowned for both its beautiful and bookish attractions, including Brandywine Creek and the Hagley Museum and Library. Unfortunately, the city is slowly becoming better known for a public health challenge — drug addiction. This follows a similar trend across Delaware, with more people developing substance abuse disorders in the state every year. In 2017, the state saw 11,097 addiction treatment admissions, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
With so many people struggling with an addiction, there is a significant need for high-quality, reputable drug and alcohol rehab in the state of Delaware. Unfortunately, the resources currently in place are sparse. For most clients, the most effective way to address a substance use disorder is by working through multiple levels of treatment as part of a full continuum of care, including detox, residential and outpatient treatment. According to SAMHSA’s National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS), Delaware had 47 drug treatment facilities in 2016. Of these, a meager twelve offered detox, and only nine provided residential care.
Substance abuse treatment in the Wilmington, Delaware area is also limited. As of 2018, there were only seven substance abuse treatment centers in the area, with only one center administering residential care, according to SAMHSA’s facility locator. However, while there aren’t many options for comprehensive care in Wilmington, there are a significant number of facilities across the country that provide the full continuum care for addiction treatment.
761 Cuthbert Boulevard Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
856-890-9449
Commonly Abused Drugs in Wilmington, DE
Like much of the population of Delaware, Wilmington’s residents struggle with a variety of substances. Heroin currently presents the largest problem, with over 5,000 individuals admitted to treatment programs in 2017, according to SAMHSA. Other substances that are commonly abused in the Wilmington area include:
Wilmington, Delaware Alcohol Rehab Centers and Drug Centers
While about 22.5 million Americans misuse illicit drugs or alcohol, only a small number of those people receive treatment. Yet, studies have shown such treatment, followed by regular attendance at 12-step or other fellowship meetings, can result in long-term sobriety for many patients. To be effective, treatment should address the unique problems of the individual, who may have other health problems in addition to the addiction. Treating the whole patient is the best solution. To determine the best course, talk about your options with an expert.
When you’re ready to take the first steps toward sobriety, a residential treatment program often is the ideal way to treat the whole patient and all his or her health needs. Residential treatment is a full-time immersive experience in which the patient’s medical, psychological and behavioral needs receive care, as the patient receives constant monitoring. It’s most effective when treatment is at least three months long, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and it may last as long as 27 months. Treatment may include medications that ease the patient off the illicit drugs or help with other problems such as anxiety or depression. Behavioral or motivational therapy, as well as family or marriage therapy, may be in an individual or group setting. Other medical needs such as malnutrition resulting from the addiction will also receive care, and the patient undergoes monitoring to help lessen the chances of a relapse.
For some patients, partial hospitalization may be a more cost-effective or time-conscious solution. Instead of living full-time at the treatment facility, the patient goes to treatment for six or more hours a day to receive similar drug counseling, medical attention and cognitive or behavioral therapy to what he or she would encounter during full hospitalization. It costs less since the patient isn’t living at the facility, and it allows some time for school or work. If the patient has good support at home that encourages sobriety, this can be an effective option.
In a third treatment consideration, patients live in their homes, with time for work or school, and have regularly scheduled medical and counseling sessions for drug or alcohol rehabilitation. Cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as individual and group sessions and strategies (both medical and psychological) for staying sober are a part of outpatient treatment as well. For patients who have support to monitor them for misuse, and who need the flexibility and a less costly approach, outpatient treatment can be the ideal choice.
Whichever treatment course is best for the individual patient, it can be the start to a new, healthier life of sobriety, especially when followed up by recovery meetings. If you’re ready to make the first brave step toward a life free from misuse, know that your journey may begin with detoxification for drugs or alcohol. Reach out to a rehab center to learn more.
Detox Centers
There are several drug detox centers in Wilmington, but the most appropriate for you may in fact be elsewhere, perhaps at a national facility. Detox will include medically supervised withdrawal, which is different for each drug and can be physically as well as emotionally taxing. Patients should not attempt detox without medical supervision. In addition to cravings, symptoms might include fatigue, insomnia and anxiety, nausea and sweating, increased heart rate and blood pressure and the tremors (DTs) for which alcohol withdrawal is famous. During detox, medical professionals may prescribe drugs to ease symptoms, supervise your vital signs and offer therapy to help with psychological changes brought on by stopping the drugs or alcohol. Herbal teas and broth may help with dehydration, and the patient’s nutrition receives care with vitamins and minerals. Once detoxification is complete, the patient moves on to a more complete treatment program with the goal of continued abstinence.
As of 2016, only 25.6 percent of all Delaware treatment facilities offered detox services. According to SAMHSA’s facility locator, only three centers with detox services are available in the Wilmington area as of 2018. Of these, only one also offered residential care options.
Finding the Best Drug or Alcohol Rehab Program for You
With so many factors to consider when choosing the best rehab center for you or a loved one, it can be hard to know where to start or to accurately evaluate if a prospective facility has what you need for a successful recovery.
Here are some questions to ask when considering a rehab facility or treatment program:
- What programs are available – detox, residential treatment or outpatient care?
- What state and national accreditations does the center have?
- Does the facility treat mental health conditions that co-occur with addiction?
- What is the average length of stay for each program?
- What individual, group, family or behavioral therapies are utilized during treatment?
- Are aftercare services provided to help clients transition to life after treatment, like aftercare programs or sober living homes?
Recovery Meetings Near You in Wilmington
Recovery meetings are an important part of most aftercare plans. Through groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and SMART Recovery, people in lifelong recovery can receive continued support and develop accountability outside formal treatment. Friends and family members of those in recovery can also benefit from Al-Anon and Nar-Anon meetings, where they learn how to best support their loved ones, while also taking care of themselves.
AA is a 12-step support group for people in recovery for alcohol addiction. Founded in 1935, this organization has helped millions of people from all around the world find solace and serenity in lifelong recovery. The Northern Delaware Intergroup of AA hosts several AA meetings per week in Wilmington and the surrounding cities in New Castle County.
Wilmington Group
Grace Methodist
903 W. St.
Wilmington, DE 19801
Northeast Blvd. Meeting
2901 Northeast Blvd.
Wilmington, DE 19802
Pioneer Group
St. Andrew’s Church
719 N. Shipley St.
Wilmington, DE 19801
Using the same twelve steps as AA, NA meetings center around recovery from prescription or illicit drug addiction. Founded in 1953, NA currently offers meetings in over 139 countries. The Small Wonder Area of Narcotics Anonymous holds NA meetings every day of the week in Wilmington.
People’s Settlement
408 E. 8th St.
Wilmington, DE 19801
Bethel Church
604 N. Walnut St.
Wilmington, DE 19801
Saint Joseph’s Church
1012 N. French St.
Wilmington, DE 19801
Self-Management for Addiction Recovery Training, or SMART Recovery, offers a secular alternative to 12-step groups. Using a 4-point system, SMART Recovery encourages self-reliance and evidence-based management techniques for destructive behaviors. While SMART Recovery meeting options are limited in the Wilmington area, the program offers virtual support groups and other activities through their online portal.
Studio 34 Yoga
4522 Baltimore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19143
Al-Anon and Nar-Anon meetings offer support for the family members and friends of people grappling with addiction. Through a 12-step model similar to AA and NA, people can learn how to best help their loved ones in recovery. A wide selection of Al-Anon and Nar-Anon meetings are available in the Wilmington area.
Al-Anon
Concordia Lutheran Church
3003 Silverside Rd.
Wilmington, DE 19810
Al-Anon
Immanuel Church Highland
2400 W. 17th St. Ste. A
Wilmington, DE 19806
Exploring Treatment Options Near Wilmington
While some drug and alcohol treatment facilities are available in the Wilmington area, looking beyond the city — or even the state of Delaware — dramatically increases your options. This can open up your search to centers that may offer specialized treatments and therapies to promote long-term health, wellness and recovery.
Holy Rosary Church
3200 Philadelphia Pike
Claymont, DE 19703
Exploring Treatment Options Near Wilmington
While some drug and alcohol treatment facilities are available in the Wilmington area, looking beyond the city — or even the state of Delaware — dramatically increases your options. This can open up your search to centers that may offer specialized treatments and therapies to promote long-term health, wellness and recovery.