Drug and Alcohol Detox Guide For Green Bay, Wisconsin
But to write Green Bay or Wisconsin off as a lost cause is simply not an option. Detox has already helped save thousands of lives, and it can still save many more. Local clinics like Midwest Detox are making it easier than ever to begin the recovery process in a safe, comfortable inpatient facility.
If you or a loved one are struggling to overcome the obstacles of addiction, just remember that you’re not alone. You can reach out to us for help or even seek out assistance from programs in your local community. In the meantime, it’s important to understand exactly how drug and alcohol abuse shapes the lives of people in Wisconsin. Continue reading to learn more about substance abuse in Green Bay and the rest of Brown County.
The Ongoing Substance Abuse Crisis in Green Bay
Green Bay has a population of roughly 107,000 people, making it the third-largest city in the state. It is the county seat of Brown County, which has a population of just over 269,000. This is important because most substance abuse data is collected and analyzed at the county level. While this still provides an accurate picture of the ongoing crisis in Green Bay, it also means that much of the information related to addiction in the city includes data from nearby cities like Howard, Bellevue, and Hobart.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Brown County recorded 105 alcohol-related deaths in 2022. This marked a substantial reduction in deaths, as the numbers peaked during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic; Brown County saw 126 deaths and 114 deaths from alcohol in 2020 and 2021, respectively. [1]
However, deaths are not the only factor to consider when evaluating the prevalence of substance abuse. Many large cities may report lower rates of alcohol-related deaths than suburban or rural areas, often because they offer easier access to healthcare and detox facilities. This is largely true in Green Bay, which has recorded high rates of alcohol-related hospitalizations over the past few years. In 2021, Brown County saw approximately 1,615 emergency room visits and 1,541 inpatient hospital visits as a direct result of binge drinking. [2] These numbers suggest that, while not as many people are dying of alcohol poisoning or overdose in Green Bay, many are still requiring urgent care for alcohol abuse.
One can see similar patterns in opioid abuse. Brown County recorded just 40 deaths from opioids in 2021. While this number has grown since 2014 (when there were just 12 deaths), it still represents a relatively small percentage when compared to the total number of overdoses requiring emergency or urgent care. This is especially true of the past two years. In 2019, there were just 50 emergency room visits involving opioid overdose. This figure spiked to 107 in 2020 and 197 in 2021. Though 2022 estimates indicate that opioid hospitalizations have decreased slightly, they are still substantially higher than the figures recorded before the pandemic. [3]
Alcohol and opioids account for more than 80% of all overdoses in Green Bay. But there are also other substances that have an impact on the city and the rest of Brown County. Both cocaine and crystal meth cause dozens of overdoses and deaths throughout the city. Additionally, it’s important to consider that a large number of deaths are caused by multiple substances being used at the same time. In fact, the data indicates that multi-drug overdoses account for more deaths than cases that only involved cocaine, meth, or heroin. [4]
But remember, these figures include all of Brown County. And while more than half of overdoses and deaths in the county originate in Green Bay, it’s important to consider exactly how the data looks in the city itself. Based on coroner’s reports and data provided by the county, Green Bay sees at least 83 alcohol-related deaths and 26 opioid-related deaths each year.
How Green Bay Compares to the Rest of Wisconsin
With easy access to healthcare and anti-drug initiatives at the county level, Green Bay has relatively few alcohol and drug-related deaths compared to the rest of the state. For instance, Wisconsin estimates that 55 out of every 100,000 residents die as a result of alcohol abuse; the same data shows that this number is just 43.7 in Brown County. However, hospitalizations for alcohol-related events are far higher in Brown County, which accounts for about 4.5% of all alcohol hospitalizations in the state.
The ratio of state-to-county overdoses is similar with opioid abuse. At the state level, Wisconsin sees an average of 24.6 opioid-related deaths per 100,000 residents, while Brown County sees just 15.3 per 100,00 residents. The opposite is true of opioid hospitalizations. Wisconsin has an average of 53.7 opioid-related hospitalizations per 100,000 residents, while Brown County sees an astounding 75.1 opioid-related hospitalizations per 100,000 residents. Brown County has some of the highest rates of alcohol and drug-related emergency room visits of any other county in the state.
Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Efforts in Green Bay
It is evident that Green Bay and Brown County treat substance abuse differently than many other places in Wisconsin. Though Green Bay officials have been unable to reduce the prevalence of addiction, they have helped create an environment in which people at risk of overdose can get quick and easy access to help. For example, the Brown County Coalition for Change and the Brown County Drug Alliance are two local organizations that try to provide resources to treat and prevent substance abuse.
Wisconsin also offers various programs to help the people of Green Bay and the rest of the state. The State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (SCAODA) provides education, particularly to younger residents, to help inform locals about the threat of addiction.
However, the rising number of hospitalizations shows that these efforts are only partially effective. Though Green Bay can boast low death rates from alcohol or drug overdose, it cannot completely eradicate substance abuse in the city. As a result, many residents of Kenosha turn to private detox facilities like Midwest Detox or inpatient recovery facilities like Wellbrook Recovery for help.
Drug and Alcohol Detox in Green Bay, Wisconsin
The reality is that Green Bay is still in the midst of a substance abuse crisis. Even though the rate of deaths has plateaued, more and more people are turning to drugs and alcohol. But just because the situation seems bleak doesn’t mean that it’s hopeless.
At Midwest Detox, you can detox comfortably, under the care of a team of trained professionals. With high-quality, comprehensive care, you can begin your addiction treatment with confidence. All you have to do is decide that you want to change your life for the better.
There is no time like the present, so if you or someone you love is in need of drug or alcohol detox, reach out to Midwest Detox today and begin your journey to recovery.