Virginia
It should be noted that these Virginia drug abuse statistics are not intended as an academic reference. The data collected is from State and Federal sources.
Virginia Addiction Treatment Statistics
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2009, there were 30,119 people admitted into drug and alcohol addiction treatment facilities in Virginia. In 2009, there were 196 drug and alcohol rehabs in operation. At last count, 42 facilities offered residential care but only 20 facilities were able to treat opioid addiction.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2009 there were 30,119 people admitted into drug and alcohol addiction treatment facilities in Virginia.
18-25 year olds are among the largest demographic in Virginia with unmet treatment needs. In 2008, the last year of published data, 12 million prescriptions were collected in Virginia which fell under Schedule II, III, and IV drugs.
Alcohol Addiction in Virginia
Of all the substances used for people seeking addiction treatment, alcohol and alcohol combined with a secondary drug remained high, though statistics indicated a decrease in the numbers of alcohol only admissions. In 2009, there were 5,639 people admitted for alcohol abuse as a primary substance and an additional 6,681 people admitted for alcohol dependence combined with a secondary drug.
Commonly Abused Drugs in Virginia
Since 1992, the number of people suffering from mental health disorders and substance abuse has tripled from 9% in 1992 to 30% in 2004.
There were 2,513 individuals who entered drug rehab for smoking cocaine in 2009. An additional 928 people went to drug treatment for cocaine addiction who ingested cocaine by means other than smoking it.
Heroin was the third most commonly abused drug for people entering drug rehab in 2009. 2,426 individuals entered drug treatment for heroin addiction, of that number 60.4% were men and 39.5% were women. There has been an ongoing increase over the last decade of heroin addiction.
Marijuana
Marijuana was the most commonly abused drug for those who were admitted for treatment in 2009. 6,284 people went into drug treatment for marijuana addiction in Virginia. 12-17 year olds and 21-25 year olds were the two largest demographics entering drug addiction treatment in 2009. Males consisted of 74.9% of all receiving treatment.
Other Opiates
In 2009, 2,426 people entered drug treatment for addiction to opiates other than heroin. The largest demographic entering treatment for opiates other than heroin were the 26-30 year olds with 60% of that number being male.
Other Drugs
4,100 people were admitted for drug rehab for other drugs in 2009. This category includes hallucinogens, inhalants, amphetamines and all other drugs including steroids, ecstasy, etc.
Virginia Drug Overdose Statistics, Fatalities, Injuries
- 713 persons died in Virginia as a consequence of drug overdose compared to 1,081 people who died as a result of motor vehicle accidents and 825 people who died as a result of firearms incidents.
- There were 539 drug-related arrests in 2006 down from 640 arrests in 2005.
- In 2006, the DEA seized 16 meth labs in Virginia. That figure was down from 640 seizures in 2004.
- In 2007, there were 19,726 arrests for marijuana offenses making Virginia 25th in the nation for these arrests. Based upon first time offenses, Virginia ranked 49th in the nation. Marijuana possession arrests accounted for 89% of all marijuana arrests in 2007.
- There were 10,696 arrests for opiates/cocaine in 2007.
Virginia Drug and Alcohol Addiction Resources
- Alcoholics Anonymous (go to the AA main page, click on find a meeting, follow link to state pages, click on Virginia)
- Narcotics Anonymous
- Alanon and Alateen Family Group
