Substance Abuse Stats for the State of Washington
Washington’s substance abuse statistics may surprise you. About 10 percent of the population report illicit drug use in the past month, while the national average is eight percent. Other eye-opening substance abuse stats from Washington State include:
- Deaths from synthetic opioids (mostly fentanyl) almost tripled from 59 in 2013 to 143 in 2017
- Arrests for methamphetamine increased from 2,931 in 2009 to 5,709 in 2018
- In 2018 1,302 people died of drug overdoses; almost 41 percent were meth-related
Choosing Between an Outpatient and Inpatient Rehab
When you’re seeking a treatment program in Washington State, options include outpatient and inpatient rehab. While the two aren’t mutually exclusive — many patients start with an inpatient program then move to outpatient — inpatient is usually the best choice.
Inpatient rehab programs offer stability and support 24/7. For most people, inpatient programs offer the best types of care.
In contrast, outpatient rehab offers an option for those who have to go to work or take care of children during recovery.
How Long Can Treatment at a Rehab Last?
All rehab programs are different, and individuals in recovery have different needs. But research shows that the most effective programs last at least 90 days, and preferably longer.
As a general rule, choose the longest treatment program you can. While shorter treatment options do exist, programs less than 90 days may put your recovery at risk.
Keep in mind that the best programs may last months or even years. Many people need indefinite treatment to recover.
What to Expect at Rehab
When you’re considering entering treatment, you may wonder what rehab is like. While there’s no one answer, most programs share some common features.
Many treatment programs start out with detox, or the medically managed process of clearing the body of substances. After detox, patients enter a treatment program designed to meet their unique needs.
Treatment addresses the behavior, psychological and social issues associated with addiction. In most cases, treatment will consist of:
- Individualized medical care
- Group and/or individual counseling
When Would You Need to Go to Detox?
Most people start the road to recovery by going to detox. Though it’s known as the most difficult part of treatment, it’s also key to recovery success.
Also known as medically managed withdrawal, detox involves medical care to help patients clear their body of substances. If you’re wondering whether you need to go to detox, ask yourself if:
- You are unable to stop using drugs or alcohol on your own
- You are addicted to substances
How Long is Detox?
Just like rehab, detox programs vary in length. Most last from three to 21 days, but they can take longer.
Factors that affect detox length include:
- The patient’s health
- The speed of the patient’s metabolism
- Type of substances used
- Amount of substances used
Heavy users and those who’ve been using for a long time tend to take longer to detox. Patients with slow metabolisms and those who are unhealthy also take longer.