Washington experiences its own problems with drug and alcohol abuse just like anywhere else in the U.S., but considers methamphetamine and heroin its most serious drug threats. Overdose deaths in Washington caused by these two illicit drugs have skyrocketed in recent years — making the need for drug rehab a top priority for those whose loved ones struggle with addiction. If you live in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, or any other city in the Evergreen State and need help fighting addiction, understand that you’re not alone, and that drug rehab can help you achieve long-term abstinence from any substance.
Here are drug and alcohol abuse statistics for Washington, and where to find accredited, effective treatment for substance use disorders and addiction.
Drug Abuse Statistics for Washington
- Washington suffered 692 opioid overdose deaths in 2015, which is a rate of 9.7 deaths for every 100,000 residents.
- Heroin overdose deaths in Washington increased more than 5-fold from 2010 to 2015, with 60 deaths in 2010 and 303 deaths in 2015.
- In 2015, Washington healthcare providers wrote 68.2 opioid prescriptions for every 100 people, which equates to 4.88 million prescriptions.
- The rate of babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome in Washington increased more than 6-fold from 2000 to 2013 — equating to a rate of 7.9 cases for every 1,000.
- About 11.4% of Washington teens report past month illicit drug use, which is higher than the national average of 9.1%.
- Over 5% of Washington teens report misusing painkillers, which is above the national average of 4.7%.
- Only 10.5% of people in Washington who suffer from illicit drug use disorders receive treatment at drug detox and rehab.
- Fentanyl-related overdose deaths in Washington increased by 32% from 2015 to 2016.
- Methamphetamine-related deaths in Seattle and King County increased more than 7-fold from 2008 to 2017.
- Opioids, including heroin and fentanyl, were involved in 69% of drug overdose deaths in 2017 in Seattle and King County.
Alcohol Abuse Statistics for Washington
- An estimated 6.6% of Washington residents suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence, which is slightly higher than the national average of 6.5%.
- Only 9.4% of people in Washington who suffer from alcohol dependence receive professional treatment at alcohol detox and rehab.
- About 17% of Washington adults report binge drinking regularly.
- About 2.1% of people in Washington report driving after abusing alcohol within the last 30 days, which is higher than the national average of 1.9%.
Resources for Drug Rehab in Washington
Finding the right treatment center can be overwhelming when you’re not sure where to start looking, and when you’re concerned about your safety throughout the treatment process. Look for licensed, accredited drug and alcohol rehab centers that offer evidence-based treatments including medical detox, behavioral therapy, and dual diagnosis therapy for co-occurring mental illnesses. Also, look for rehab centers that customize its treatment programs for each individual, and that use a “whole person” approach to addiction treatment.