Delaware increases services for addiction

Governor Markell announced details of his plans to help those struggling with addiction.

185 Delawareans died in 2014 from suspected overdose. That equals about one overdose death every other day.

“Across our state, families are worried that if their loved ones aren’t soon connected to treatment, any single day could be their last,” said Gov. Jack Markell as he announced expanded addiction services Monday morning. “When somebody is ready for treatment, they shouldn’t be told there is not a bed available for them.”

Markell’s plan would double the number of sober living residential beds statewide from 60 to 120. Those facilities allow individuals in the early stages of recovery to live in a secure dwelling away from drugs and alcohol. 

The plan would also double the number of residential treatment beds for young people starting a recovery from opiate addiction. 

Markell’s latest proposal adds on to the effort to help addicts launched last year that included the creation of the prevention assistance website HelpIsHereDE.com. 

This plan will be part of Markell’s budget proposal which he will present to lawmakers on Thursday. That proposal includes $4.5 million to fund these expanded services.