Drug and Alcohol Detox Guide For New Berlin, Wisconsin
Tucked within the beautiful views of Waukesha County, Wisconsin, New Berlin is a charming city and truly a sight to behold. The suburb is near to Milwaukee and boasts a unique tapestry of family-oriented neighborhoods, beautiful nature trails, waterfalls, and attractive public parks. Since its founding in 1836, New Berlin has grown into a bustling city and one of the most popular areas for families in the region.
New Berlin also stands as one of the best cities for economic opportunities in Waukesha County. Currently, average household incomes outpace many similarly-sized cities throughout the state. And, with a poverty rate of 2.6% and a relatively low crime rate, New Berlin is considered a very safe and prosperous city for families and individuals alike.
But, like any city in the United States, New Berlin grapples with its own set of challenges. Substance abuse and addiction, for instance, remain persistent issues affecting many residents within this small city. Fortunately, it’s not all bad news for the people of New Berlin, Wisconsin. Many local residents do struggle with drug and alcohol addiction, but there are resources to get help. When you’re fighting the battle against addiction, you need to know that you’re not alone. You also need to know that detox is one of the best ways to jumpstart your recovery. If you or a loved one is currently in need of help, consider reaching out to the experts at Midwest Detox in nearby Brookfield.
In the meantime, it’s important to understand exactly how addiction affects your community. Continue reading to learn more about substance abuse in New Berlin, Wisconsin, and the resources available to help you on your journey to a sober life.
The Ongoing Substance Abuse Crisis in New Berlin
New Berlin has a population of just over 40,000 people, which accounts for a little less than 10% of Waukesha County’s 408,000 people. However, nearly all of New Berlin’s substance abuse statistics are collected at the county level. As a result, the best way to understand how substance abuse is affecting New Berlin is to first understand how it is impacting the county at large.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Waukesha County recorded between 191 and 192 alcohol deaths each year in 2020, 2021, and 2022. This is a particularly useful statistic, as most other counties throughout the country saw a substantial reduction in alcohol-related deaths following the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. By all indications, the alcohol abuse crisis in New Berlin is at an all-time high, with no signs of slowing down. [1]
Opioid deaths in Waukesha County are equally troubling, albeit for slightly different reasons. While alcohol deaths have remained high and constant over the past few years, opioid deaths are climbing at an alarming rate. Between 2019 and 2021, Waukesha County saw a spike in annual deaths related to opioids, from 50 in 2019 to 99 in 2021 — nearly doubling in a span of just 2 years. [2]
Alcohol and prescription opioids are not the only substances posing a threat to the residents of New Berlin and the rest of Ozaukee County. The county also saw relatively high instances of cocaine and heroin deaths, as well as deaths involving two or more substances. However, other drugs like crystal meth have become less common in Ozaukee County over the last decade. [3]
It’s important to note that the statistics for Ozaukee County are much higher than those in the city of New Berlin. As previously mentioned, New Berlin accounts for just under 10% of the population of Waukesha County. However, local coroner’s reports indicate that New Berlin contributes nearly 20% of the substance abuse deaths recorded at the county level. Consequently, New Berlin appears to be in a far worse situation than the surrounding cities.
How New Berlin Compares to the Rest of Wisconsin
On average, New Berlin tends to see worse statistics than many other parts of Wisconsin, particularly when it comes to alcohol and opioids. This is especially troubling considering that Wisconsin is one of the worst states in the nation for binge drinking, with about 25% of the adult population engaging in binge drinking on a regular basis. [4]
In 2021, Wisconsin recorded an annual average of 55 deaths that could be attributed to alcohol per 100,000 residents, compared to 47.8 in Waukesha County. While this looks slightly promising on the surface, previous years indicate that the problem in the county is getting worse at a faster rate than many other counties in Wisconsin.
Deaths are not the only important factor to consider either. The same year, Waukesha County saw 1,387 emergency room visits as a direct result of alcohol abuse, making it the 4th worst county in the state for alcohol-related emergency room visits. Similarly, the county recorded 2,041 inpatient hospital visits related to alcohol, making Waukesha the 3rd worst county in the state for this particular statistic. Both of these figures show that, while alcohol deaths may not be that high in Waukesha, especially when compared to nearby counties like Milwaukee, the number of people seeking emergency medical help for alcohol abuse is incredibly worrying. [5]
The situation does not look any better when accounting for opioids. In 2021, the state of Wisconsin recorded an annual average of 24.6 deaths attributable to opioids per 100,000 residents, compared to 24.7 in Waukesha County. Strangely, the number of opioid-related emergency room visits in Waukesha County was far lower. In the same year, Wisconsin recorded an average of 53.7 opioid emergency room visits per 100,000 residents, compared to just 37.2 in Waukesha County. However, these ratios are reversed when looking at inpatient hospital stays. In 2021, Wisconsin recorded an average of 19.2 inpatient hospital stays caused by opioid abuse per 100,000 residents, compared to 24.9 in Waukesha County. These statistics indicate that the opioid crisis is still a major problem in New Berlin and the rest of Waukesha County, though many residents choose to seek out residential treatment options. [6]
As you can see from this data, Waukesha County is struggling to combat substance abuse. But it is equally important to look at the specific numbers coming out of the city of New Berlin. So, here are some of the most recent findings related to overdoses and deaths in New Berlin, Wisconsin:
- Annual Overdoses: 139
- Alcohol-Related Deaths: 36
- Opioid-Related Deaths: 18
- Non-Opioid Drug-Related Deaths: 4
Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Efforts in New Berlin
New Berlin and Waukesha County work together to provide a plethora of resources to local residents seeking treatment for addiction. Some of the most common resources are support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Additionally, Waukesha County provides drop-off boxes for prescription drugs in the following locations:
- City of New Berlin Police Department
- City of Hartland Police Department
- Mukwanago Police Department
- City of Muskego Police Department
- City of Oconomowoc Police Department
- City of Pewaukee Municipal Court Building
- Village of Pewaukee Police Department
- Sussex Public Safety Building
- Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department Lobby
- City of Waukesha Police Department
As a complement to these county programs, Wisconsin runs the State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (SCAODA), which manages dozens of programs and initiatives across the state. Many New Berlin residents seek out help from quality inpatient rehab clinics like Wellbrook Recovery, as well as nearby detox clinics like Midwest Detox.
Drug and Alcohol Detox in New Berlin, Wisconsin
New Berlin is a very promising community, with high employment rates and a relatively low cost of living compared to larger cities in the region. However, if the current trends of addiction are not curbed, the quality of life in New Berlin will begin to deteriorate. Ever year, dozens of people die as a direct result of substance abuse, and despite the best efforts of public organizations, these statistics will probably get worse in the coming years.
But it doesn’t have to continue this way. If you live in New Berlin, you probably know someone who is struggling with substance abuse. Whether it’s you or someone you love, you can get help and begin your journey to recovery with Midwest Detox. Since detox is often the first step when recovering from substance abuse, it is best to put your trust in the hands of trained professionals.
At Midwest Detox, we offer a safe, comfortable, and discreet environment where you can cleanse your mind and body of toxic substances. Our trained staff will work with you to develop a comprehensive recovery plan — one designed to keep you sober for life.
When it comes to addiction, 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.