Number of DEA Drug Arrests, Delaware, 2003-2007

ONDCP Clearinghouse

As the above chart demonstrates, Delaware has a relatively low rate of drug abuse and drug-related crimes. The National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (NSSATS) states the amount of treatment facilities in Delaware went from a low of 42 in 2002, peaking at 47 in 2003. In 2006, there were 43 treatment facilities; 27 were private for nonprofit; 11 were private for-profit with the rest being owned and ran by federal, state, or local governments.

Delaware places a well-deserved emphasis on outpatient care, with 34 of its 43 facilities offering this program in 2006; 12 centers offered residential care; 4 included methadone treatment in their detox program; and 24 physicians were certified to deliver buprenorphine treatment. In 2006, Delaware received federal and local assistance for 27 facilities, while 23 facilities had contracts with managed care establishments to help with the administration of substance abuse treatment services.

The 2006 NSSATS survey showed Delaware’s one-day total of treatment admissions to be 4,042; 3,754 were receiving outpatient patient; and 261 were below 18 years old. Since 2002, the yearly amount of admissions in Delaware treatment centers steadily increased from 5,121 in 2002 to 8,227 in 2005.

The past 14 years has seen a constant decline in the admissions requiring alcohol treatment; the same can be said for marijuana and heroin. Admissions requiring alcohol-only treatment decreased from over 42 percent in 1992 to slightly above 10 percent in 2005. However, drug-only admissions rose from 25 percent in 1998 to 41 percent in 2005.

Individuals requiring treatment for alcohol or substance abuse but did not receive specific treatment in the year prior are classified by the NSDUH as “unmet treatment need”. Delaware remains below the national rate in “unmet treatment need” for alcohol abuse for all ages. In 2005-2006, Delaware’s rates were ranked among the 10 lowest for all ages, except individuals 12-17. However, for individuals who required drug-only treatment but did not receive it in the year prior, Delaware ranks consistently higher.

Regardless of whether the patient seeks marijuana treatment or help with cocaine addiction, there are often psychological issues to contend with. The abuse of drugs and alcohol can change a person’s character and thought process, often leading to damaging consequences. For example, a meth addict may have suicidal tendencies.

In 2006, Delaware ranked among the 10 States with the lowest rate of serious psychological distress (SPD) for individuals age 18 and older, and 18 to 25. Delaware’s rates of past year major depressive episodes (MDE) have stayed at or below the national average with the exception of individuals age 12 to 17.

Drug addiction is a national problem–federally and on a state level. Most of Delaware’s drug and alcohol statistics has shown consistency by not peaking to alarming heights. However, the data proves that there is still work to be done.

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Resource: www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov