The construction of the Miami and Erie Canal was approved in the 1820s, followed by the expansion of the Wabash and Erie Canal. Towns decided to be the end of the canal, and Port Lawrence and Vistula combined in 1833 to become more successful. It was named Toledo, the resulting city. The newly established city was not chosen as the final terminus site, but as a sidecut position in front of the terminus. During its first 20 years of settlement, Toledo’s growth was sluggish and the future of the city was unsure. The population of the city, however, continued to grow, and its boundaries extended during the mid to late 1880’s.

As railroads began to replace canals throughout the country, Toledo became a center of transportation and attracted other industries, including some major furniture makers, glass manufacturers, and breweries. These industries caused an influx of immigrants to move to Toledo in search of honest work. They began to take on factory jobs, the population of the city began to grow even more; by the end of the 1800s and was one of the state’s largest towns.

Toledo, Ohio is located on the western tip of Lake Eerie, and is part of Lucas County. It has a population of just under 277,000, which makes it one of the most populated cities in the state. The city has a population density of over 3,500 people per square mile with a total area of over 84 square miles. The most common age group in Toledo is 26-44 and make up over 26 percent of the population. About one-quarter of the population is between 45 and 64 years of age and 24 percent is under 18 years of age; around 13% are over 64. The population consists of 51.6% of women and 48.4% of men and nearly 20% of the population is currently living below the federal poverty line.

Crime Rates in Toledo Ohio

The city has seen an increase of violent crimes. The city was ranked one of the country’s most dangerous cities in 2013. Crime rates are often fueled by drug use, because where drugs are commonly used and sold crime is common. Drugs have remained a serious issue throughout the city for several decades. Back in the 1980s the primary substance of choice for Toledo residents was cocaine, both powdered and crack cocaine. These substances became extremely prevalent, especially in poorer communities. 

While cocaine is still being used in Toledo, it is nowhere near as serious of an issue when compared to opiates. Prescription painkillers, heroin, and particularly fentanyl has posed a massive threat to all of the country, especially Ohio. In 2017, there were just under 5,000 fatal opioid related overdose deaths in Ohio. More than 70% of which were directly related to opioids, mainly the deadly synthetic opioid, fentanyl. 

Opioid Use and Drug Overdose Statistics

Fentanyl wasn’t a problem in Ohio a decade ago, but recently it has become the most prominent drug threat to the Buckeye State. As influx of prescription pills ran dry in the late early 2010s heroin became more and more popular among those who were physically and mentally addicted to opioids. Drug dealers in Toledo and the rest of Ohio began mixing fentanyl with heroin, leading to a massive increase in deaths from overdose, this was done to keep their profits high while still selling a highly potent substance. 

In the beginning, the people who were buying heroin never realized it was heroin mixed with fentanyl or carfentanil that they were actually getting. Far more potent that pure heroin, fentanyl is an extremely deadly substance that can be over 100x stronger than heroin. Those who used heroin without realizing fentanyl was in it, leading to a staggering increase in overdoses.

Drug overdoses in Toledo, Ohio have been on the rise in recent years. In 2021, there were 296 drug overdose deaths in Lucas County, Ohio, where Toledo is located. This is an increase from 261 deaths in 2020.

Opioids were the leading cause of overdose deaths, accounting for 72% of all deaths. Fentanyl was the most common opioid involved in overdose deaths, accounting for 56% of all deaths.

The age group with the highest number of overdose deaths was 25-44 years old. Men accounted for 69% of overdose deaths, while women accounted for 31%.

The City of Toledo is working to address the opioid crisis. The city 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 substance abuse treatment directory that lists treatment providers in Lucas County.
• 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)

The City of Toledo is also working to raise awareness about the dangers of drug addiction and to promote prevention efforts. Anyone who is struggling with substance abuse issues should seek out professional help from a detox center or rehab center in their area. Without proper help it is very difficult to break free from the powerful grip of drug addiction. If you need help locating a detox or inpatient program near you, or if you would just like to know more about substance abuse, please call our toll-free line at any time. Our staff is here to help you through this difficult time however they can. Calls are free of charge and completely confidential.

Rehabs and Detoxes in Toledo

Those who are seeking help for substance abuse issues should always start their journey of recovery in a detox center. Detox is the first and one of the most important steps on the road to recovery. A detox program in Toledo will help the struggling individual get their body back to normal, allowing them to safely and comfortably overcome withdrawals in a medically supervised environment. 

Once one completes detox it is time to move on into either an inpatient rehab center in Toledo or an outpatient center. Most addiction professionals agree that inpatient is the best option for anyone who is fully committed to doing whatever it takes to overcome their substance abuse issues. Inpatient programs are typically 30-60 days in length, but the actual time spent in the program will vary from person to person and is determined on a case to case basis by the treatment center. 

Outpatient rehabs in Ohio are best suited as a continued form of care, but can also be used as a first line of defense for people who are unable to enter an inpatient facility. Outpatient programs typically meet 2-3 days a week for a few hours each time. Beyond that, clients will live a normal life, either at home or in some type of halfway house.

Meetings and Support Groups in Ohio

One of the most important things someone in recovery can do is attend meetings and develop a strong support group. Going to meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery. These meetings help people stay on the right track and to continue to grow in their recovery and as an individual. There are a variety of meetings available throughout the state and they take place every single day in Toledo.

 Alcoholics Anonymous is the most well known and well established support groups in the world. It actually started right here in Ohio in the town of Akron. Over the past 75+ years it has grown to have over 2 million members worldwide, but it is far from the only option for recovering addicts and alcoholics. There is now SMART Recovery, Celebrate Recovery, and Refuge Recovery; just to name a few. SMART is a science and fact based approach to substance abuse, Celebrate was created around the teachings of the Bible and Jesus Christ, Refuge is based around Buddhist principles. Each of these groups host meetings that are free to attend and open to anyone looking to better their lives.

If you are unable to attend a meeting in person, all of these groups host meetings online and on various social media sites. If you would like to know more about support groups in Toledo, please contact our toll-free line. We are happy to help you in any way that we can. Over the phone consultations are provided at no cost and your conversation with us is completely confidential.

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