Drug use is a growing concern in Delaware, like in all U.S. states, affecting individuals, families, and communities. Understanding the facts and figures can help raise awareness and encourage those in need to seek help.
This page break downs what drug use means and shares some Delaware drug statistics to give you a clearer picture of the situation in The First State. You will also discover how to connect with compassionate care.
Drug Use Definition
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Drug use refers to the consumption of substances that have the potential to alter a person’s physical or mental state. This includes legal substances like alcohol, tobacco, and prescription medications, as well as illegal drugs such as heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, and meth.
Drug use can range from occasional recreational use to regular misuse, where a person takes substances in a way that is harmful or not prescribed by a healthcare professional. Misuse often develops into addiction (substance use disorder).
Many people start by using a prescription painkiller to manage pain, but over time, they may take higher doses or use it more frequently than advised, leading to dependence. Research shows that over 80% of those who use heroin first used opioid painkillers.
Similarly, using illegal drugs even once can set off a chain of addiction, as these substances are often highly addictive and dangerous. Drug misuse doesn’t just affect the individual physically either – it can lead to psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, or paranoia, and cause damage to relationships, work, and other aspects of daily life.
Drug addiction is a chronic condition that involves an uncontrollable urge to seek out and use the substance, despite adverse outcomes. This compulsive behavior is often driven by changes in the brain that occur with repeated drug use, making it difficult for the person to quit without assistance. Identifying the signs of drug misuse early can help prevent addiction and minimize the damage it can cause.
Delaware Drug Use Statistics | Heroin
The DEA reports that heroin is the biggest drug problem in Delaware, with more and more cases of abuse reported each year. This ongoing issue is caused by several factors, such as the availability of cheap and pure heroin, and the fact that many people who misuse prescription opioids are switching to heroin because it’s less expensive or because they can no longer obtain prescription opioids.
In Delaware, the percentage of people aged 12+ who used heroin in the past year rose from 2017 to 2019. 1.3% of residents in Delaware – around 10,000 people – reported using heroin in the previous year. This rate was much higher than the national average of 0.3%.
Delaware Drug Use Statistics | Meth
Crystal meth is easy to find in Delaware and is often brought in from Mexico through parcel shipments or hidden in vehicles. In 2019, meth seized in Delaware was found to be very pure, with an average purity of 98%. Data from 2018 showed that methamphetamine and amphetamine made up about 7% of the drug samples analyzed in the state.
Small, hidden meth labs, known as one-pot labs, are occasionally found in Delaware. These labs usually make just enough meth for personal use or small-scale selling to cover costs. In Sussex County, motorcycle gangs make and sell meth at a lower price than the meth from Mexican labs.
Delaware Drug Use Statistics | LSD
LSD, a hallucinogenic drug, is not among the most commonly abused substances in Delaware, with the state’s drug challenges being mainly driven by opioids, heroin, and meth. Specific statistics on LSD use in Delaware are less frequently reported – the state’s focus remains on combating the more prevalent and dangerous opioid crisis, which has seen significant increases in overdose deaths over the years. Efforts and resources in Delaware are chiefly directed towards addressing these more pressing drug issues. Keep in mind that LSD is a Schedule I drug and any use is dangerous and potentially deadly.
Facts About Mortality Rates in Drug Use in Delaware
Opioid overdoses have become the leading cause of the rise in drug overdose deaths in the U.S. Back in 2000, opioids were responsible for 48% of overdose deaths, but by 2021, this figure had jumped to 75%.
The national opioid crisis initially surged due to increased deaths from prescription opioids in the early 2000s, followed by a rise in heroin-related deaths about ten years later. This was soon eclipsed by a spike in deaths from synthetic opioids. Although there was a brief period of improvement in opioid death rates between 2017 and 2018, these rates skyrocketed during the pandemic, especially due to the spread of illicit fentanyl. Meth combined with fentanyl is now driving the fourth wave of the crisis.
450 people in Delaware died from opioid overdose deaths in 2021, making up 88% of all drug overdose deaths in the state. Nationally, opioids accounted for 75% of all drug overdose deaths that same year.
From 2011 to 2021, the age-adjusted death rate from opioid overdoses in Delaware rose from 13 per 100,000 people to 48 per 100,000. For the U.S. overall, the rate increased from 7 per 100,000 to 25 per 100,000 during the same period.
Delaware Drug Abuse | FAQs
How do I know if I am abusing drugs or addicted to them?
You might be abusing drugs if you’re using them frequently or in higher doses to achieve the same effect, while addiction is characterized by an inability to stop despite negative consequences.
How can I find a good treatment center in Delaware?
To find a reputable treatment center in Delaware, look for accredited facilities that offer personalized treatment plans, positive reviews, and a range of therapy options suited to your needs. Start by asking your healthcare provider for advice and referrals.
If I am addicted to alcohol, does that count as drug abuse?
Yes, alcohol addiction is considered a form of substance abuse, as alcohol is a psychoactive substance that can lead to dependence and similar harmful effects as other drugs.
Find the Perfect Addiction Treatment Center at Addiction Hotline
Many people who need addiction treatment but don’t know how to go about this find that calling a substance abuse helpline is a helpful first step.
Hotline staff are available 24/7 to answer your questions on addiction and the recovery process. Call toll-free and speak in complete confidence with a compassionate expert.
If you are ready to start addressing drug addiction right away, hotline staff can refer you to medical detox centers, outpatient rehabs, and inpatient treatment centers throughout Delaware.
Call today to get help for addiction and begin your recovery journey 855-701-0479.