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West Virginia is most well-known for its natural beauty. Many people are unaware that it is the only state that was admitted to the Union by proclamation. West Virginia was founded during the Civil War after breaking away from Virginia.
The state is rich in history: such as being the first in the US to commemorate Mother’s Day in 1914 and the origin of Golden Delicious apples. Many people are unaware that the state is fighting an opioid addiction epidemic of growing proportions, and a rising number of residents are searching for West Virginia alcohol and drug rehab centers.
West Virginia has just under 100 drug recovery institutions, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This figure includes more than 25 detox programs, more than ten short-term and long-term rehab facilities, and approximately 75 outpatient services.
Addiction treatment programs in West Virginia can assist people in learning how to control their addiction, achieve sobriety, and find comfort in recovery.
Anyone battling drug or alcohol misuse must locate the treatment programs that are best for them. Rehabs Of Armerica’ compassionate and trained staff can assist you in locating the drug rehab in WV that will fit your requirements and expectations.
You’ve come to the right site if you’re wondering where to begin the rehabilitation process. We have assisted many people in West Virginia in taking the first step toward recovery, and we can do the same for you.
Nearly 264,000 West Virginians – which is about 14.62 percent of the state population – use illicit substances in a given year, while another 69,000 – 3.82 percent of the state population – abuse alcohol.
As a result, between 2008 and 2017, drugs and alcohol were responsible for 7.1 percent of all deaths in West Virginia; however, this percentage was more than five percentage points below the national average for drug- and alcohol-related deaths, which was 12.71 percent during the same time period.
Over that time period, Huntington had the highest percentage of drug- and alcohol-related deaths, at 8.49 percent, while Morgantown had the lowest rate, at 5.85 percent.
This resource was created to help the many West Virginia residents struggling with substance misuse and addiction find low-cost therapy that will put them on the road to recovery. It is also intended to educate the public on the dangers of substance abuse in West Virginia.
If you need help finding a rehabilitation center in West Virginia, you can use our state-specific tools and professional navigators to find low-cost, high-quality care quickly.
Substance abuse of any kind may be a lethal struggle. West Virginia is no stranger to the drug epidemic, particularly the opioid epidemic. Throughout the previous decade, the state has had some of the highest rates of drug overdose deaths, from prescription opioids to heroin and fentanyl.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), West Virginia had 702 opioid-related fatalities, for a total of 42.4 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. This is far above the national average, and the state has been dealing with an inflow of drug overdose deaths for years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Soon after West Virginia’s prescription drug restrictions were tightened, many individuals turned to heroin as a less expensive alternative. Major drug trafficking organizations in neighboring states began delivering heroin to West Virginia, primarily in rural areas.
Private and commercial vehicles, passenger trains, and, on occasion, boats along inland waterways are among the most popular modes of transportation used to transport drugs within the state. Planes are less likely to be employed in drug trafficking schemes in West Virginia because the state lacks an international airport.
Another element in West Virginia’s heroin epidemic is the mining industry’s expansion and decline. Long known as “coal country,” the state’s mining activities are physically demanding and provide a high risk of injury. To treat injuries rapidly, doctors have administered high-dose or extended-release painkillers, which have a higher risk of addiction.
However, during the last few decades, mining jobs have begun to decline. As a result, unemployment is high, ranging from about 6.5 percent. A considerable degree of job loss has only exacerbated opioid and other illegal substance usages.
There is a strong link between substance use problems and mental health illnesses, as addressed earlier in this guide. When a person has both of these concerns at the same time, health professionals refer to it as co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, sometimes known as a “dual diagnosis.”
As a result, the prevalence of mental health difficulties in a specific state might assist us in determining the extent of substance usage.
In 2017-2018, 5.8 percent of adults in West Virginia aged 18 and up had a significant mental illness, compared to 4.6 percent nationally. 8.8 percent of adults in West Virginia experienced a major depressive episode in the previous year, which is much higher than the national prevalence of 7.1 percent.
Prescription drug misuse, particularly opioid abuse, has become an epidemic in the United States. While it is difficult to estimate how many people use these drugs as prescribed and how many abuse them, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has studied the variation in opioid prescriptions across states and found a direct link between an increased level of opioid prescriptions and a higher risk of dependence and abuse.
In 2017, physicians wrote 191 million opioid prescriptions in the United States, resulting in one in every four patients who begin long-term opioid therapy developing an addiction.
There are numerous approaches to treating addiction, and the science of studying addiction is continually developing and changing. However, the fundamental components of rehabilitation are often fairly similar.
Assessment: This stage focuses on customizing a treatment plan for each individual patient depending on the type, length, and intensity of his or her addiction, as well as the unique challenges that they confront (such as co-occurring mental disorders and mental abuse).
Detox: The goal during this phase is to reduce your body’s dependence on the substance(s) and manage withdrawal symptoms.
Therapy: The third stage identifies and treats the underlying cause(s) of the addiction, as well as provides addicts with the tools they need to overcome their addiction.
Aftercare: The goal of the last phase is to enable the transition into programs that will aid in the continuation of the lifelong process of recovery by building on the therapy received in the previous steps and preventing relapses.
According to the CDC, West Virginia was among the bottom ten states in 2017 for veterans who binge drank, with 9.6 percent of veterans in the state engaging in the dangerous activity that is commonly associated with PTSD. This figure is among the lowest of all 50 states; Hawaii had the highest rate of veterans’ binge drinking at 21.5 percent, while Utah had the lowest at 9.1 percent.
West Virginia veterans should contact their local VA medical center to learn more about drug abuse treatment, including the possibility of a VA-based substance use disorder (SUD) program in their state. They can also get information about substance abuse treatment services from the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance.
Treatment is offered in West Virginia for veterans suffering from a substance use disorder. As of 2017, 20 substance misuse treatment clinics in West Virginia specialized particularly to veterans, accounting for 19.6 percent of all treatment centers.
Between 2017 and 2018, 6.3 percent of West Virginia teenagers aged 12-17 reported using marijuana in the previous month, similar to the national average of 6.6 percent. In West Virginia, 9.7 percent of teenagers aged 12-17 used alcohol in the previous month, which is somewhat higher than the national average of 9.4 percent.
Furthermore, in 2017, 1.6 percent of people enrolled in a substance misuse treatment program in West Virginia were aged 12 to 17. In some instances, various treatment centers provide care for adolescents with specific programs designed to aid young people overcome substance abuse and adapt more successfully to the circumstances that gave rise to their addiction.
Additional Resources for Parents and Teachers
We Are WV, a program aimed at preventing and reducing underage substance misuse, is funded by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). Prevention Coordinators are assigned to counties throughout the state to facilitate and implement the program.
Check out the We Are WV coordinator contact information to find a Prevention Coordinator near you. On the DHHR Bureau for Behavioral Health website, you may also learn about substance addiction treatment and recovery services for adolescents.
Co-Occurring Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment
Substance misuse and mental health problems frequently coexist – the formal phrase is “co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.” According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 45.6 percent of people with a substance use disorder had a mental health issue in 2017, while 18.3 percent of persons with a mental health disorder had a substance use disorder.
In 2017, 35.9% of adolescents with a substance use problem also had a major depressive episode, whereas 10.7% of those with a major depressive episode also had a substance use disorder.
Mental Health Resources & Treatment
If you or someone you care about is suffering from a mental health problem, such as depression, PTSD, eating disorders, or severe anxiety, there are numerous options available to assist you.
Per MentalHealth.gov, there are several ways to get immediate assistance:
Emergency Services: If your life (or the life of someone else close to you) is in danger, always contact 911 for rapid access to emergency response.
Suicide Prevention: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 800-273-8255. You can also start a private online live conversation.
Here are two additional methods for locating a mental health care provider in West Virginia:
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources: The DHHR website has a section devoted to assisting the general public with mental health issues, as well as sections devoted to mental health initiatives for adolescents and veterans.
Stigma-Free WV: This website explores and attempts to remove the stigma associated with behavioral health illnesses such as mental illness in West Virginia.
Individuals suffering from both substance abuse and mental health issues may benefit from dual-diagnosis treatment centers.
Detoxification Programs
Detox is critical since it is frequently the initial step in a person’s recovery. According to the SAMSHA list, West Virginia has 28 detox programs. When a person has completed the detox phase, they can proceed to the major part of their treatment program.
Short-Term Residential Treatment
In some circumstances, short-term inpatient treatment can be quite successful. Such programs often last 28 days or less and can provide an addict with exactly what they need to conquer their addiction. West Virginia drug rehabs have among them 12 facilities that provide short-term residential treatment, according to SAMSHA.
Long-Term Inpatient Treatment
Long-term residential treatment is a typical type of treatment. Its duration varies according to the services required, although it usually lasts three to six months. According to the SAMSHA list, West Virginia has 11 long-term treatment choices. Long-term rehab in West Virginia, as elsewhere in the nation, has been shown to improve outcomes for those with severe substance use disorders.
Outpatient Treatment
When it comes to substance abuse treatment, most people find that outpatient treatments are more accessible. When selecting the outpatient option, programs may include intensive outpatient therapy, outpatient detoxification, or even regular outpatient treatment.
Substance abuse treatment programs in West Virginia can range in price depending on a variety of criteria, including the length of the program and the type of insurance accepted.
Many drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs are covered by health insurance, and without it, treatment can be prohibitively expensive. Other options for persons who cannot afford drug treatment include state-funded treatment programs, Medicaid, sliding scales, and much more.
According to SAMHSA:
Residents of West Virginia are served by the federal government’s healthcare Marketplace. The state regulates which plans are made available to residents. Individuals can get cost-sharing reductions or subsidies through the marketplace to assist them to pay for their premiums or deductibles. If your income is lower than the standards of the marketplace, you will be sent to Medicaid for coverage.
West Virginia rehabs continue to expand Medicaid coverage, resulting in some of the lowest rates of uninsured persons in the country when compared to other states. With 84 Medicaid-accepting programs among West Virginia drug rehabs, it is advantageous that over 190,000 residents are enrolled in Medicaid as of mid-2021.
Private health insurance coverage is another way to pay for drug and alcohol treatment treatments. Private health insurance policies frequently cover a significant percentage of the costs involved with substance abuse treatment programs.
Programs that collaborate with these health insurance providers are often of superior care and quality throughout all levels of care in the addiction treatment continuum. Though a health insurance coverage may pay costs, it may limit what programs are covered, and the patient may still incur some out-of-pocket fees. The health insurance company will be able to clarify all of the policy’s benefits as well as which programs are covered.
The following insurers are available in West Virginia, according to the state’s health marketplace:
While Medicaid and private health insurance provide the most coverage for drug users, many people lack both. There are certain self-pay or cash-pay options accessible if no finances or health insurance are available. Drug rehabs in West Virginia may also offer sliding scale payment plans, for those who are committed to recovery but unable to cover financial obligations.
These drug rehab facilities typically provide a sliding scale where the cost of the program is determined by your income. This can help patients afford the care they require, and it is usually easy to divide the price into payments. Rehabs Of Armerica is here to assist you to sort through the various programs, fees, treatment options, and so forth.
Substance addiction aftercare treatment is sometimes disregarded, yet it is a critical stage in the rehabilitation process. Individuals who attempt to continue their lives without getting further treatment in an aftercare setting significantly increase their chances of relapsing following rehab.
For recovering addicts, several types of aftercare are offered, including follow-up visits for continuous therapy, group therapy, and sober living homes. According to recent studies, prolonged participation in some form of aftercare program greatly improves the overall results of an individual’s recovery.
The 12-step approach was developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for persons recovering from alcohol addiction, and today there are numerous additional 12-step groups for other addictions and disorders — Narcotics Anonymous (NA) being only one example.
Sober living houses (also known as recovery residences) are group homes that assist recovering addicts in transitioning from treatment institutions to independent living while maintaining their sobriety.
A quality sober living environment can be particularly beneficial for clients who lack a caring or positive setting to live in after finishing inpatient care.
Residents in sober living homes can stay for a few months to several years if they follow house rules and avoid relapse, as these facilities often have a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy.
In nearly all sober living homes, clients are also required to get at least minimal chores done, regularly attend support meetings, and pay the agreed-upon rental costs for their room or living space.
Possession of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) in West Virginia carries substantial criminal consequences. Legal consequences are usually determined by the type of drug and the quantity. Subsequent violations usually result in severe consequences, such as increased jail time or fines.
West Virginia has a conditional discharge provision in place for first-time drug offenders. Conditional discharge allows you to serve your sentence on probation rather than in jail. Following that, your legal charges will be dropped.
Possession of a narcotic drug is often a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Sentences for non-narcotic drug offenses are less severe, ranging from one to five years in prison plus a predetermined fee.
In West Virginia, both recreational and medical marijuana is outlawed. You will face harsh legal consequences if you are caught possessing, distributing, or manufacturing marijuana. First-time offenders, on the other hand, can choose probation over jail term. The charge will be removed from your criminal record once you have successfully completed your probation terms.
Other sanctions apply if you tamper with a drug screening test or sell drug paraphernalia. Attempting to manipulate a drug screening test in any way, for example, is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $10,000 fine.
Furthermore, conducting an unlawful drug paraphernalia company is a misdemeanor punishable by six months to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine. Water pipes, bongs, roach clips, cocaine freebase kits, scales, and other equipment used in the production or manufacture of illegal narcotics are examples of drug paraphernalia.
In an effort to decrease the negative impact of substance misuse on individuals and society, a number of U.S. states, including West Virginia, have implemented harm reduction laws.
Instead of ordering people to stop using drugs or alcohol, harm reduction laws assist them to protect their health and safety. Syringe exchange programs (SEPs), naloxone legislation, 911 Good Samaritan laws, prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), and methadone clinics are just some examples of laws.
West Virginia has one of the highest hepatitis C rates in the country. The growing number of heroin users is partly to blame for the pandemic. Sharing infected needles is one of the most popular methods to spread hepatitis C.
In September 2015, the West Virginia syringe exchange program (SEP) began. The program’s goal is to decrease the spread of blood-borne infections including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C, which are widespread among injecting drug users (IDUs).
West Virginia now has four needle exchange programs: Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, and Vienna. Legislators are asking counties across the state to implement similar initiatives in their towns.
Syringe exchange programs (SEPs) in West Virginia allow injectable drug users (IDUs) to exchange used needles for clean, sterile ones. SEPs also provide referrals for treatment, workforce options, and affordable housing to individuals who are ready to seek support.
West Virginia lawmakers have made naloxone available to first responders as part of Senate Bill 335. Naloxone is a life-saving drug that can help reverse the negative consequences of an opioid overdose. The bill, which was passed in 2015, allows first responders to deliver naloxone in emergency situations.
Following the success of first responders in administering naloxone, the West Virginia legislature passed a bill in March 2016 allowing pharmacists to dispense naloxone without a prescription.
Beginning June 10, 2016, residents throughout the state were always able to obtain naloxone. Family members, friends, and others can now carry naloxone, which is likely to save many lives in the case of an overdose.
The Good Samaritan Law is a concept that is frequently used in discussions about substance abuse. This word mainly refers to the law that protects anyone who dials 911 while experiencing a drug overdose. As a result, these persons are not charged with possessing controlled narcotics.
West Virginia has a terrible addiction epidemic, which is why it was one of the first states to implement this Good Samaritan drug law.
As a result, anyone who is overdosing or who is in the vicinity of someone who is overdosing can seek substance misuse treatment in West Virginia without fear of being prosecuted for possession of illegal narcotics.
Illegal narcotics are trafficked in a variety of ways via West Virginia. Several West Virginia counties are participating in the Appalachia High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program in an effort to disrupt significant drug trafficking groups.
Multiple authorities – local, state, and federal – collaborate on various strategies to combat significant drug activities through the program.
As vital as it is to seek therapy regardless of your financial situation, it is also critical to ensure that the institution with which you are working is trustworthy.
Ideally, any facility claiming to treat drug misuse should be licensed by the state substance abuse agency, in this case, the Division on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse within the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau for Behavioral Health.
In an ideal world, facilities will also have trained mental health specialists who are licensed by the state mental health department. Medical detox providers should also be licensed by the state department of health. CARF and The Joint Commission are two more important voluntary accreditations.
The West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction & Prevention Professionals also offers a voluntary certification (WVCBAPP).
The number of West Virginia alcohol and drug rehab centers has steadily increased. While many rehabilitation institutions are privately owned and run, the Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities is in charge of seven state-owned facilities.
Many West Virginia drug rehab facilities accept private insurance plans; however, monetary assistance is available to people who cannot afford rehab or do not have insurance.
Consider both in-state and out-of-state facilities when researching your treatment alternatives. Traveling for treatment has several advantages, including access to specialist therapies and a wider range of services and activities.
Making a list of the services that are most essential to you will help you narrow down your options when deciding on a treatment choice, and be sure to share this with our recovery representatives when you phone so that we know which of our top treatment centers would be the best fit for you or your loved one. Call us today, and we’ll help you locate the most effective centers for you or your loved one, quickly and confidentially!
Edward lives and works in South Florida and has been a part of its recovery community for many years. With a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Massachusetts, he works to help Find Addiction Rehabs as both a writer and marketer. Edward loves to share his passion for the field through writing about addiction topics, effective treatment for addiction, and behavioral health as a whole. Alongside personal experience, Edward has deep connections to the mental health treatment industry, having worked as a medical office manager for a psychiatric consortium for many years.
