Drug and Alcohol Statistics in Lakewood
In 2021, fentanyl was involved in 55 drug-related deaths between January and June.2
Youth in Lakewood are misusing drugs and alcohol just like adults. For example, 6% of tenth graders reported heavy drinking within thirty days prior to the survey. Heavy drinking means consuming alcohol at least three days in a row and five or more drinks each time. Other data shows:3
11% of 8th graders report drinking and driving or riding with someone who has been drinking
33% of 10th graders receive alcohol from their parents with permission
34% of 8th graders get alcohol from parents without permission
17% of 10th graders have used marijuana
52% of 10th graders get marijuana from a friend
Substance abuse continues to be a problem for adults and youth in Pierce County with:1
940 adult alcohol-related arrests
956 adult drug-related arrests
21 alcohol or drug-related arrests among 10 to 14-year-olds
Levels of Substance Abuse Treatment
Washington residents have varying needs for substance abuse treatment. Multiple levels of addiction treatment are available to meet those needs.
Detox
The detox process safely clears your system of all drugs and alcohol. This initial step takes place in a hospital or inpatient setting, where medical personnel can supervise and make you comfortable during withdrawal.
Residential or Inpatient
Residential treatment typically involves group and individual therapy, family therapy, medication, and other recreational therapy methods. Participants receive these treatments while living at a facility under 24/7 supervision.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)</h3 > PHPs are less intensive than inpatient, because you only remain at the facility during treatment times. Methods of treatment usually involve some of the same methods used in residential care.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
IOPs provide several hours of treatment spread throughout the week. This often includes individual and group therapy. Washington residents may transition to IOPs after completing a residential or PHP program.
Standard Outpatient
Standard outpatient programs involve two or three hours of care per week. This treatment typically takes place at an outpatient clinic or at a therapist’s office. This level of care is appropriate for individuals who are highly motivated and have strong support systems.
Aftercare
Aftercare includes supportive, ongoing treatment such as 12-step groups, transitional housing, or other accountability groups. The aim of this support is relapse prevention.
How to Pay for Drug Rehab in Lakewood, Washington
Private Insurance
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires all insurance providers to cover substance abuse treatment to some extent. Since each plan differs regarding specific coverage, Washington residents must check with their provider to confirm exactly what is covered under their plan.
Washington Medicaid
Washington Medicaid is a government program for low-income residents that provides health coverage for individuals and families whose income is below specific levels. To use this program, residents must qualify and apply for Medicaid coverage, and the treatment facility must accept Medicaid as a method of payment.
Washington Medicare
Medicare is a government program that provides health insurance coverage for Washington residents aged 65 or older and individuals with certain disabilities. Not all rehab facilities accept Medicare as a payment method, so it’s important to research each program to determine if Medicare benefits will apply to their services.
Sliding Scale Rehabs
Sliding scale rehabs allow Washington residents to pay only what they can afford for treatment, based on their income. To qualify, residents must usually provide proof of income.
TRICARE in Washington
TRICARE in Washington (West region) provides health insurance coverage for U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their families. This coverage includes addiction treatment services, but not all plans offer the same amount of coverage.
IHS-Funded Drug Rehabs
Indian Health Service (IHS) rehabs provide free or low-cost treatment for Native Americans and Native Alaskans. This program is available even if the individual has other methods they could use for payment.
Accredited drug rehabs in Lakewood offer free and low-cost treatment options for anyone struggling with addiction. Whether you need detox, inpatient, or outpatient services, there are centers that can provide the help you need.
Travel to and Within Lakewood
Drug and alcohol rehabs in Lakewood are easily accessible. If you are traveling from a different city or state, you may want to fly into the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Upon arrival, you will find multiple ground transportation options to help you get to Lakewood. For example,4
- App Ride Shares Lyft, Uber, Wingz
- Door to Door shuttles
- Hotel and courtesy shuttles
- Public Transits Bus and Rail
- Rental cars
- Taxis
Once in Lakewood, you can add the Pierce Transit systems bus, vanpool, paratransit, or micro-transit services for more ways to get around town.5
If you don’t plan to enter inpatient drug rehab in Lakewood, you can choose from hotels, motels, Air BnBs, VRBOs, bed and breakfasts, inns, campgrounds, and RV parks. You will have many opportunities to explore and enjoy Lakewood when not in treatment. You can engage in activities alone or with loved ones who visit:6
- Culturally diverse centers
- Adventure parks
- Movies and theaters
- Historical museums, parks, and gardens
- Golf and mini-golf
- Shopping centers
- Farmer’s markets
Volunteering and giving back can positively influence recovery. Lakewood has several options for volunteering:7
- City events, like Parks Appreciation Day and Adopt-a-Street
- Cleaning waterways and natural habitats in Flett Creek Stewardship events
- Senior activity center
- Parks and recreation
You may also want to volunteer at or attend local AA or NA meetings held each week. The drug rehab in Lakewood can help you create a treatment plan involving activities like these and much more.
Washington Drug and Alcohol Laws
Laws in Washington include the following regulations regarding substance use and misuse:1,2,3
Drug Courts: Washington residents who are charged with a first-offense, non-violent substance-related crime that does not involve DUI may be eligible to attend court-ordered rehab instead of serving jail time.
Good Samaritan Law: Washington’s Good Samaritan Law is designed to encourage people to call for medical assistance during an overdose. The law protects those who call 911 from prosecution for minor drug-related charges.
Naloxone Access: Washington state laws allow anyone at risk of drug overdose or who may be in a position to help someone experiencing an overdose to obtain and administer naloxone. Additionally, doctors may prescribe naloxone directly to an organization such as a homeless shelter, and some pharmacies can dispense naloxone to individuals without a prescription.
DUI Laws: In the state of Washington, the following drug paraphernalia is illegal, and possession of it is considered a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Cocaine spoons or vials
- Scales and balances
- Hypodermic needles or syringes
- Equipment used to test strength and purity
- Kits to process or manufacture illicit substances
- Chemicals used for cutting or diluting illicit substances
- Mixing devices
- Packaging equipment
- Pipes
Marijuana Laws: Marijuana is legal for both medical and recreational use in Washington. Adults 21 years and older can legally possess up to one ounce of cannabis, 16 ounces of marijuana-infused solid product, or 72 ounces in liquid form. All marijuana must be purchased from a state-licensed facility and consumed on private property. Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal and punishable by jail time, license suspension, a $3,500 fine, insurance premium increase, and ignition interlock requirements.
Resources
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. 2022. Risk and Protection Profile for Substance Abuse Prevention in Pierce County.
- Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. 2021. Opioid Poisoning Rates Increase in Pierce County, Following State and National Trends.
- Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. 2021. Healthy Youth Survey Fact Sheet for Pierce County, Washington.
- Seattle Tacoma International Airport. 2022. Ground Transportation.
- Pierce Transit. 2022. Getting Around.
- Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. 2022. Attractions, Places to Stay, Things to Do.
- City of Lakewood. 2022. Volunteer Opportunities.
