Bellingham is the county seat of Whatcom county in Washington state. Although it is smaller than nearby cities, Bellingham offers many natural and cultural attractions for residents and tourists. In this article we will study the challenges and possible solutions for Bellingham drug treatment.
Challenges facing Bellingham
Even small cities like Bellingham have problems related to substance abuse. According to SAMHSA, in 2008 the illicit drug use was much higher in Whatcom County (9.9%) than the national average (8.1%). Illicit drug use in Whatcom County involves alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, pain relievers, and other toxic substances.
Substance abuse is quite prevalent among teenagers from Whatcom county. The statistics from the 2014 Healthy Youth Survey show that, as in Washington state, the most popular drug among teens in Whatcom County is alcohol (35%). Thus, this percentage is significantly higher than the state average (23%). Also, 51% of 12th grade students were using illicit drugs other than alcohol, tobacco and marijuana.
Therefore, according to CDC data, the number of drug-related deaths in Whatcom County increases over time. Also, the mortality rate from 2012 to 2015 is much higher than in the period 1999–2011.
A study made by University of Washington shows that in 2013 Whatcom’s opiate death rate (8.5 per 100,000) is lower the state average (8.6 per 100,000). Also, Whatcom has lower opiate mortality rate than Clallam, Snohomish, Mason, Cowlitz, and Jefferson counties. However, in Whatcom there are more opiate involved deaths than in Okanogan, Grant, Yakima, Walla Walla, and Franklin counties.
Bellingham Drug Treatment Solutions
The good news is that Bellingham and Whatcom County are working hard to reduce and prevent substance abuse. Furthermore, the Whatcom County Prevention coalition organizes many events to prevent drug abuse and to build healthy communities.
According to SAMHSA, the US Government has allocated around $200,000 to help fund drug and alcohol treatment programs and other related activities. The grant programs aim to prevent and reduce substance use among teenagers. Therefore, the program staff aims to review the city policies related to youth substance use. This way, these programs strengthen the community against substance use.
Treating and breaking free from an addiction is possible, and the help you need is close at hand. To help, Get Treatment has ranked several Bellingham Drug Treatment facilities and rehab centers to help you recover.
Furthermore, you can find listings with rehab facilities for individuals with private insurance. Also, we have our hand selected medicaid-accepting facilities for the underinsured or uninsured.
Our addiction counselors are always available at (855) 638–9268 to conduct free assessments and insurance verifications. They are always there to help you choose the best Bellingham Drug Treatment facility and type of treatment you need. Don’t hesitate, call us and we’ll help you get your sobriety back!
Sources:
http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1497
http://adai.uw.edu/wastate/HYS/2014%20Whatcom.pdf
http://adai.uw.edu/pubs/infobriefs/ADAI-IB-2015-01.pdf
https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/NCHS-Drug-Poisoning-Mortality-County-Trends-United/pbkm-d27e
https://www.samhsa.gov/grants-awards-by-state/details/Washington
http://whatcompreventioncoa.wixsite.com/whatcompreventioncoalition
CARA (Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act)
