Alcohol and Drug Abuse Statistics in Meriden, CT
Like much of the rest of the country, Connecticut is struggling with the ongoing “opioid epidemic.” For that reason, Meriden and other cities are working to combat rising rates of addiction and overdose due to both prescription and street opioid substances, particularly the highly addictive and often lethal fentanyl and its illegally manufactured analogs.1 But Connecticut drug task forces are also grappling with an influx of rarely seen new drugs such as the animal tranquilizer xylazine.
Here are a few more statistics about drug and alcohol use in Meriden and surrounding areas:
The number of opioid-related overdose deaths in Meridien between January and November 2022 is at a three-year low.
In contrast to other areas of the country, Connecticut hospital admissions for cocaine and crack overdose declined in 2021.
Heroin and opioids accounted for about 42% of all substance-related hospital admissions in 2021.
Throughout the period, males had a higher mortality rate than females.
In 2021, 93% of overdose deaths involved opioid drugs.
In 2020, the percentage of overdose deaths involving fentanyl jumped by 85%.
In the same year, alcohol accounted for 37% of hospital admissions due to substance overdose.
How to Pay for Substance Addiction Treatment in Meriden, Connecticut
Private Insurance
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires all insurance providers to cover substance abuse treatment to some extent. Connecticut residents should contact their provider to learn about specific coverage, including required copays or deductibles.
Connecticut Medicaid
Medicaid is a government program that pays for health services for low-income individuals. The Medicaid programs in Connecticut are HUSKY A, HUSKY C, and HUSKY D. Children and their caregivers with a family income of less than 185% of the poverty level, as well as pregnant women whose income is less than 250% of the poverty level are eligible for HUSKY A. Individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled may be eligible for HUSKY C. Single adults whose income is below 56% of the federal poverty level may qualify for HUSKY D.2 Under these programs, Connecticut residents can receive coverage to pay for substance abuse treatment services.
Connecticut Medicare
Connecticut Medicare is the federal health insurance program that provides coverage for Connecticut residents who are 65 and older and for certain disabled residents. If you are eligible for Railroad Retirement or Social Security benefits, you qualify for Medicare. You can use this program to cover the cost of addiction treatment services, however, not all rehab facilities accept this method of payment.
Sliding Scale Rehabs
Sliding scale rehabs charge each Connecticut resident what they can afford based on their income. Proof of income is usually required to qualify. These options are not always advertised, so it’s important to inquire about them.
TRICARE in Connecticut
Connecticut TRICARE (East region) is a government program that offers health insurance coverage to military personnel, veterans, and their dependents. TRICARE coverage includes addiction treatment services, such as rehab and medication-assisted treatment.
IHS-Funded Drug Rehabs
Drug rehab services funded by the Indian Health Service provide free addiction treatment to Alaskan Natives and Indigenous people in the U.S.
Resources
- State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. (2022). Triennial State Substance Use Plan 2022.
- Department of Health and Human Services, City of Meriden. (2022). Opioid and Substance Abuse Prevention.
- Connecticut Department of Public Health. (2022). Drug Overdose Monthly Report 2019-2022.