Addiction Statistics and Middletown, Ohio Substance Abuse Rehab Resources
Middletown is a large town located in Southwestern Ohio that currently has a population of just under 49,000 people. It is situated about halfway between Cincinnati and Dayton and is located adjacent to I-75. Across many other cities in Ohio, drugs have become a serious threat to public health and safety over the last few years, and Middletown is no exception. In addition to a high prevalence of drugs in Middletown, there is also a high and steadily increasing number of drug overdoses in the city. Because of the widespread availability of drugs in Middletown, the increasing number of overdoses, and crime associated with drug activity in the city, entering a drug and alcohol detox center can help someone escape the bondage of drug addiction and begin to change their life.
Substance Abuse In Middletown
The city of Middletown is a smaller satellite of Dayton and Cincinnati, and the proximity to these major cities and the ease of access to them via I-75 has made Middletown a major drug hotspot in southwest Ohio. In 2019, there was a major drug bust, as the Middletown Police Department, Butler County Sheriff’s Office, and several Federal law enforcement agencies made several high-profile arrests for a drug ring that reportedly supplied nearly half of Middletown with heroin and other drugs. That is merely the most recent but is far from the only large drug trafficking operation that has been uncovered in Middletown, as the drug threat the city faces is severe.
The amounts of heroin around Middletown have been fairly stable in recent years, although it remains widely available. That being said, there are some new and concerning cutting agents being used in heroin found in Middletown, including fentanyl, diphenhydramine, xylazine, tramadol, and acetaminophen. Another concerning fact is that fentanyl has seen a significant increase around Middletown in recent years as well. While the availability of heroin has remained fairly stable and prescription opioids have become harder to find, fentanyl has been used more frequently in place of these other opioids. Also, crystal meth and marijuana have increased in availability in recent years as well, with meth being one of the most widely used drugs in the area.
In 2017, Middletown saw a staggering 1,082 hospital emergency room visits that were due to drug overdoses. Considering that the population of Middletown is just under 49,000, this equates to just over 1 out of every 49 people in Middletown experiencing a drug overdose that required hospitalization in 2017. While Middletown has seen a decrease in the number of opioid overdose deaths in recent years, crystal meth overdoses are on the rise due in large part to the increased availability of methamphetamine around Middletown. In 2016, the Middletown Police seized 196 grams of crystal meth, but in 2020 they seized a staggering 21,457 grams which help to illustrate the meteoric rise of meth use in Middletown over just 4 years.
Middletown’s Response To Substance Abuse
While Middletown has been hit extremely hard by drug use, drug trafficking, and drug overdoses in recent years, the community itself has been mounting an effective response, although more is certainly needed. There are local, state, and federal funds being appropriated for the cities fight against the drug epidemic, and there are dozens of community-based organizations that are leading the charge as well.
Just a few of the organizations that are providing help, support, and care to those struggling with addiction in Middletown include:
- Butler County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Services Board: A government-funded organization, their website provides links to addiction treatment service providers in Middletown.
- Warren County Help For Addiction: A helpful website that provides links to local, low-cost, and government-funded drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers in Middletown.
- Butler County Coalition: A drug overdose prevention and support organization, their website provides several helpful links to further recovery resources.
- Ohio CARES – Butler County: A government site that provides links and access to a variety of mental health and addiction recovery services in Butler county.
- State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy: A searchable database that lists pharmacies throughout Ohio that provide naloxone without a prescription. There are currently 9 pharmacies listed in Middletown between Butler and Warren counties.
Drug and Alcohol Detox & Rehab in Middletown
Drug and alcohol addiction is dangerous enough through use, but some drugs and alcohol can produce dangerous and potentially fatal complications during withdrawal if someone does not have medical assistance. If someone is struggling with drugs or alcohol and wants to quit, it is highly recommended that they enter a rehab center to minimize the risks. Ohio Addiction Recovery Center has a Middletown drug and alcohol detox center that can provide medical monitoring, medication management, and supportive care to help someone make it through the detox and withdrawal process in the safest, most comfortable way possible.
Addiction Recovery In Middletown
During our treatment programs at Ohio Addiction Recovery Center, we encourage our clients to make new friendships and connections in local recovery communities and meetings. These new relationships can help someone during the sometimes scary transition from treatment back into their lives, and provide support and guidance if things become especially difficult. There are many different types of recovery fellowships around Middletown, including 12-step recovery programs along with other types as well. There is no correct path to recovery, and different people will respond to different approaches. Finding the one that works for you is what is important. Just a few of the 12-step recovery fellowships around Middletown include:
- Alcoholics Anonymous: The Dayton AA Intergroup website currently lists 3 AA meetings per week in Middletown.
- Narcotics Anonymous: The Hamilton & Middletown NA Meeting Directory currently lists 4 NA meetings per week in Middletown.
Aside from 12-step groups, there are other types of recovery meetings near Middletown as well. Some of these are more religiously focused, while others are spiritually oriented. Finding the right group and approach to recovery for you can make all the difference in the world. Some of the non-12-step recovery fellowships around Middletown include:
- Recovery Dharma: This Buddhism-oriented recovery fellowship currently has no in-person meeting near Middletown, although they do have virtual meetings every day of the week.
While there are many recovery groups for people who have struggled with substance abuse themselves, there are also groups for the friends and families of people who struggle with substance abuse and addiction as well. It can be a very difficult experience to see someone you love battle with substance abuse and meeting others who have seen someone they care about go through this difficult ordeal can be very helpful and encourage healing. Some of the support groups around Middletown for the loved ones of people who have struggled with addiction include: