Ohio has some of the worst rates of drug abuse in the United States. Even in some of the smallest and most rural communities, widespread drug addiction has caused absolute devastation. The main cause of fatal overdose in Ohio is opioids. Throughout the Buckeye State, substances such as heroin and fentanyl have become the number one drug threat. 

Here are some drug overdose statistics in Columbus, Ohio: In 2021, there were 521 drug overdose deaths in Franklin County, Ohio, where Columbus is located. Opioids were the leading cause of overdose deaths, accounting for 75% of all deaths. Fentanyl was the most common opioid involved in overdose deaths, accounting for 59% of all deaths. The age group with the highest number of overdose deaths was 25-44 years old. Men accounted for 67% of overdose deaths, while women accounted for 33%.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) listed Ohio as the #2 opiate hotspot in the country. Columbus, the state’s most populated city, accounted for nearly ⅓ of the fatal overdose deaths in Ohio. The state’s capital was one of eight Ohio cities identified as a heroin hot spot by the Ohio Department of Health. Widespread heroin use and opiate addiction throughout Columbus has absolutely devastated the city. 

The South End has changed dramatically over the past few decades. People who have lived there for their entire lives can attest to the damage that heroin has caused on their community. The rates of homelessness, theft, prostitution, and break ins have risen significantly in this area. Some of that crime has made its way into the historic German Village. Hundreds of reports were made over the past few years regarding home burglaries and car break ins. 

Columbus has taken various actions to help prevent and lower the number of opiate overdoses occuring in and around the city. All emergency responders now carry Naloxone, a life saving drug that can reverse the effects of an opiate overdose. Columbus has also made Naloxone available to the public in hopes it will help lessen the heartbreaking loss of life that is occurring through the city. 

Anyone in Columbus who struggles with heroin abuse or addiction issues should seek professional help from a detox or rehab center in Ohio. Without proper help those struggling will face a variety of issues, including intense physical pain and mental stressors. This is the deadly cycle of addiction. It takes time and some work to overcome these internal problems. A rehab center in Ohio can help those struggling find a new way of life.

Some of the rehabs in Columbus are dual diagnosis facilities. This means that the surface issue (substance abuse) is addressed as well as any underlying issues that may be present. Over 80% of people who entered a treatment facility in Columbus struggle with a mental health disorder. The most commonly diagnosed and treated issues are depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. If these problems go untreated the chance of that person turning back to their substance of choice after completing rehab will rise significantly. 

Columbus Ohio Alcohol Abuse Statistics

Operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (OVI) is illegal in Columbus, OH. The penalties for an OVI conviction in Columbus vary according to the level of intoxication. Anyone with a BAC at or below .17 percent is likely to face a low-level charge. They can be sentenced to at least three days behind bars and/or have to attend a driving class for three days. They may also be required to undergo a substance abuse assessment and enter a rehab center in Columbus. One can also be placed on probation for up to five years and a fine of up to $1,075 must be paid

Worst Drug Addiction Areas in Columbus

The neighborhoods of Columbus, OH are full of life, art, food, families, and friends. A vast majority of the city is a spectacular place to call home and raise a family. With a little something for everyone, there is diversity to spare. You have hipster areas, preppy areas, neighborhoods where school children thrive. Sadly there are also bad parts of our city, places where drugs and crime thrive, where walking alone at night is dangerous and where drug addiction is a serious problem. 

It seems like there’s a neighborhood in Columbus for everyone. While the city is consistently one of the best places to live in the country due in part to a strong economy and tons of entertainment. Sadly, there are areas throughout the city that have been widely impacted by substance abuse issues. Crack, meth, powder cocaine, and opiates have left a massive impact crater in some areas. 

Columbus’ population has exploded over the past 20 years. New jobs, new housing developments, and new schools have brought more and more people to call the city home. With the influx of new residents has come more drugs and more crime. Yet, there are still only a few drug rehabs and detox centers in Columbus, OH. Many of these treatment programs are overflowing and have long waiting lists. 

86% of fatal overdoses in Franklin county were heroin related

Columbus Public Health, Maryhaven, The Central Ohio Hospital Council, and Franklin County Public Health provide free naloxone training in which participants learn about the different types of opiates, signs and symptoms of opiate overdose and how to administer naloxone.

Young people, aged 17-25, are more prone to fall victim to the highly addictive properties of narcotic drugs. More than 50% of all Columbus, Ohio rehab admissions were for people in this age group.

Franklinton and the Hilltop are on the westside of Columbus. These are now areas of high crime filled with homeless people and widespread drug addiction issues. Crime rates here have risen by nearly 45% over the past 25 years.

The West Side and South End of Columbus has become a hotspot for fentanyl, crack, and meth. The streets are filled with litter, drug addicts wander the backroads where drug deals occur out in the open. Crime rates here are among the highest in the city. From Parsons Avenue all the way down west of South High Street, the impact of drugs here is evident.

Rehabs and Detoxes in Columbus, Ohio

Detoxes and rehab centers in Columbus, Ohio help both locals and people outside of city limits recover from a hopeless state of mind and body that substance abuse causes. Detox is the process in which the body repairs itself, but without medication and proper supervision one will face a variety of painful and mentally draining withdrawals symptoms. Getting through this vital step without proper help is not easy and can be quite dangerous. Thankfully, there are a variety of detoxes in Columbus that can help those struggling safely and comfortably overcome their issues. 

Detox is just one step on the road to recovery. These programs do little to help with the mental side of addiction, that’s what inpatient rehabs centers are for. The rehabs located in Columbus help those struggling with substance abuse disorder address the underlying issues that may have caused their use in the first place. These programs will also help identify triggers, teach clients how to handle cravings, and prevent a relapse from occurring in the future. 

If you would like to know more about our treatment center in Ohio or just have some questions regarding substance abuse, please do not hesitate to contact our toll-free line. One of our staff members is standing by ready to help you through this difficult time however they can. If you are not a good fit for our rehab, we will help you locate one that matches your specific needs. Calls are always free of charge and your conversation with us is completely confidential. 

Support Groups and Meetings in Columbus

One of the most important things one can do for their recovery is to become part of a sober support group and attend meetings. It’s probable that you’ve heard of Alcoholics Anonymous. AA is the largest and most well-known sober program in the world. It got its start right here in Ohio and has been around for over 75 years, but it is far from the only shop in town. Over the past two decades there have been other groups that have become well established throughout the United States. There’s SMART Recovery, Celebrate Recovery, and Refuge Recovery; just to name a few. 

Refuge Recovery is one of the newest and fastest growing support groups in the country. Refuge focuses on Buddhism, with strong attention on learning in mindfulness and improving one’s consciousness. SMART Recovery is a scientific and objective approach to drug abuse treatment. Meetings are increasingly prevalent across the country, especially in larger towns and suburbs. SMART Recovery, Celebrate, and Refuge all offer text and video chat rooms online meetings as well as meetings in person. Celebrate Recovery is a method of faith-based recovery and Bible-reading.

All of these groups are free and open to anyone looking to better their life and break free from the powerful grip of drugs and/or alcohol. Meetings take place daily throughout Columbus, during the morning, afternoon, and night. If you would like help locating a sober support group near you, you can either contact our toll-free line or visit your local intergroup website.

Free Resources in Columbus for Substance Abuse

The Columbus Public Health is working to address the opioid crisis in the city. The department has a number of programs and initiatives in place, including:

• A naloxone distribution program that provides naloxone kits to people who may be at risk of an overdose. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
• A 24/7 crisis hotline that can provide support to people who are struggling with drug addiction.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

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