One of the hardest parts of accepting the fact that you’re dealing with a substance use disorder is finding treatment. This process can be terrifying, but it’s not hopeless. With the right help, those in Tacoma, Washington struggling with substance use disorder can get the resources they need.
Substance Use Disorder in the United States
Substance use disorder is a growing problem in the United States, with rates of addiction and overdose increasing every year. More than 48 million Americans aged 12 or older reported misusing illicit drugs or alcohol in the past year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 21 million individuals have a substance use disorder.
Substance use disorders can have a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. People with substance use disorders often suffer from physical and mental health problems as well as social consequences that can damage relationships between family members or friends. Substance abuse can also lead to financial difficulty, employment issues, and criminal activity.
Addiction in Washington State
In Washington State, addiction remains a major problem in 2022. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), addiction rates have been steadily increasing across the state since 2017. Drug overdose deaths are at an all-time high, with opioid addiction being one of the biggest contributors. Other substances like alcohol and prescription drugs are also having a major impact on addiction in Washington State.
Additionally, addiction is taking its toll on communities throughout the state. Law enforcement agencies have reported an increase in addiction-related crime, as well as increased homelessness and poverty due to addiction. Mental health services are inadequate for many struggling with addiction and access to treatment is limited.
Washington state has seen an increase in addiction-related issues in recent years. In the past decade, there has been an approximately 75% increase in drug overdose deaths related to addiction. This is a worrying statistic that shows just how serious addiction can be for those living in Washington state. In addition, addiction-related hospitalizations have also seen a major increase, with an approximate 50% jump.
In terms of addiction to specific substances, Washington state has particularly high rates of addiction to opioids such as heroin and prescription painkillers. Recently, more than 1,400 people died from opioid addiction in the state. Moreover, addiction to alcohol and marijuana is also a major issue in the state, with an estimated 200,000 people suffering from addiction to both substances combined.
Addiction in Tacoma, Washington
Washington state has seen a dramatic rise in addiction rates over the past decade, with Tacoma being one of the most affected cities. According to the Washington State Department of Health, addiction rates have skyrocketed by 33.3%. In 2018 alone there were more than 4,000 admissions for addiction treatment across the state of Washington, with Tacoma accounting for 15.6% of those admissions.
As addiction rates have risen, so too has the availability of addiction treatment services in the Tacoma area. There are now a number of addiction treatment centers providing specialized care to individuals suffering from addiction and their families. These services include counseling, group therapy, detoxification programs, and medication-assisted addiction treatment.
At the same time, various initiatives have been put in place to help those battling addiction in Washington state. These include expanding access to medication-assisted addiction programs, increasing funding for mental health and addiction services, launching campaigns to raise awareness about addiction and stigma, and providing support for those ready to seek help or return to the community after having been in addiction treatment.
What Addiction Resources are there in Tacoma, Washington for Addiction?
There are plenty of addiction resources available in Tacoma, Washington. Some of these resources include the following:
- Inpatient residential treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Medically assisted detox