Wisconsin

Wisconsin is thought of as one of America’s most wholesome states. Yet, in 2009-2010 the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that Wisconsin was one of the top ten states for rates of illicit drug dependence or abuse among persons 12-17. While state resident’s past-month drug use is close to the national average, the number of drug-induced deaths in Wisconsin is below the national average. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) provides national and state-level data on the use of tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs (including non-medical use of prescription drugs), and mental health in the United States. In the most recent Survey, 7.77 percent of Wisconsin residents reported using illicit drugs in the past month. The national average was 8.82 percent. Additionally, 3.71 percent of Wisconsin residents reported using an illicit drug other than marijuana in the past month (the national average was 3.6 percent). As a direct consequence of drug use, 641 persons died in Wisconsin in 2009. This is compared to the number of persons in Wisconsin who died from motor vehicle accidents (589) and firearms (457) in the same year. Wisconsin drug-induced deaths (11.3 per 100,000 population) were lower than the national rate (12.8 per 100,000). Legislation authorizing a Wisconsin state Prescription Drug Monitoring Program was enacted in May 18, 2010. The legislation directs the Pharmacy examining board to “require a pharmacist or practitioner to generate a record documenting each dispensing of a prescription drug [controlled substance] and to deliver the record to the board.” The PDMP is not yet operational and regulations are currently pending.

Treatment Episode Data Set reported that marijuana was the most commonly cited drug among drug rehab admissions in Wisconsin during 2011; accounting for nearly one-third of all Wisconsin drug rehab admissions that year. Following marijuana was other opiates, heroin, cocaine/crack and stimulants. The need for drug rehab centers for the residents of Wisconsin is obvious. The state continues to see drug problems grow with each passing year and more and more addicted persons needing help but not receiving it. Wisconsin drug rehab programs help with physical and emotional problems brought on by drug addiction. When you enroll into a drug rehab program you will begin the process of recovering from drug addiction. Initially, drug rehabilitation programs help you get off drugs by going through a detox and withdrawal process. You will then go through therapy and/or counseling to address the internal emotional issues that drove you to abuse drugs. When you have worked on yourself from the inside out you will be able to learn effective tools and techniques to prevent returning to drug use once you complete treatment. Many programs will also work with you on legal and court related problems that have developed as a result of your drug addiction. The purpose of drug rehab treatment is to assist you in getting off drugs and alcohol while learning how to live life drug-free as a productive member of your community. These goals are achieved by having you follow the program’s step by step process of addiction recovery. Failing to remain in treatment or not applying the fundamentals of the drug rehab you have attended will put you in jeopardy of relapse.