Quick overview
Pennsylvania reported 4,719 overdose deaths in 2023, and state data show fatal overdoses declined to 3,341 in 2024. Help is free to reach: the PA Get Help Now helpline answers 24/7, county drug and alcohol offices arrange assessments and funding, and Pennsylvania Medicaid covers substance use disorder treatment statewide.
Fatal overdoses in Pennsylvania fell sharply in 2024, but substance use disorder still affects families in every county. Help is free to access through the state helpline, and treatment is available at many levels of care. A good first step is calling PA Get Help Now or your county drug and alcohol office.
What is Pennsylvania's overdose situation?
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 4,719 overdose deaths in 2023; 83% were opioid-related and nearly 77% involved fentanyl. The department's 2024 Data Brief shows that fatal overdoses then declined to 3,341 deaths in 2024, a rate of 2.6 deaths per 10,000 people, with more than half occurring at the person's own home.
Declines are encouraging, but more than 3,000 people still died in a single year. Treatment and naloxone remain essential, and emergency department visits for overdose stayed near their 2023 levels.
Does Pennsylvania Medicaid cover addiction treatment?
Yes. Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act in 2015. Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland data show that 10.7% of Pennsylvanians aged 18 to 64 were enrolled in the Medicaid expansion group as of December 2024. Pennsylvania Medicaid covers substance use disorder treatment, delivered through a network of licensed providers.
Eligibility and covered services can change. Your county drug and alcohol office can help you understand what your coverage includes and whether county funding can lower your costs.
How Pennsylvania's treatment system works
- The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) oversees addiction treatment and prevention statewide.
- County Single County Authorities (SCAs), also called county drug and alcohol offices, assess needs, make referrals, and help with treatment funding.
- PA Get Help Now, at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), is a free, confidential helpline open 24/7 by phone, chat, or text at 717-216-0905.
If there is an immediate medical emergency, call 911. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.
How to find treatment in Pennsylvania
- Call PA Get Help Now or contact your county drug and alcohol office for an assessment.
- Use SAMHSA's FindTreatment.gov locator to search by city, ZIP code, or service type and filter by payment options.
- Ask each program what levels of care it offers, including detox, outpatient, intensive outpatient, and residential.
To discuss what might fit your situation, call or text (800) 653-9376 or use the form below.
Overdose response and where to get naloxone
Naloxone reverses an opioid overdose. In Pennsylvania it is available to any resident at participating pharmacies under a standing order, and FDA-approved nasal sprays can be bought over the counter without a prescription.
If you suspect an overdose — unresponsiveness, slow or stopped breathing, or blue-gray lips — call 911 right away and give naloxone if you have it. Pennsylvania's Good Samaritan law protects people who call for help during an overdose.
Withdrawal: get medical supervision
If you have been drinking heavily for a long time, do not stop abruptly. Alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures and delirium tremens, which are life-threatening emergencies. Benzodiazepine withdrawal carries similar risk. Opioid withdrawal is rarely fatal on its own but is intensely uncomfortable and should be managed with support.
Paying for care and local wages
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Pennsylvania's unemployment rate at 4.1% in September 2025, and the state's average weekly wage was $1,325 in the second quarter of 2024. Many residents use Medicaid, private insurance, or county-funded programs that offer reduced-cost care.
Call or text (800) 653-9376 to ask which options fit your coverage and situation.
Treatment Centers by City in Pennsylvania
Explore city-specific treatment resources, local detox centers, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid guidance:
Allentown
Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Allentown, PA.
Altoona
Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Altoona, PA.
Bethlehem
Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Bethlehem, PA.
Erie
Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Erie, PA.
Harrisburg
Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Harrisburg, PA.
Johnstown
Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Johnstown, PA.
Lancaster
Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Lancaster, PA.
New Castle
Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in New Castle, PA.
Philadelphia
Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Philadelphia, PA.
Pittsburgh
Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Pittsburgh, PA.
Reading
Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Reading, PA.
Scranton
Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Scranton, PA.
Wilkes Barre
Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Wilkes Barre, PA.
Williamsport
Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in Williamsport, PA.
York
Local detox facilities, outpatient clinics, and Medicaid recovery options in York, PA.
Treatment by city and substance
- Alcohol Rehab and Detox in Philadelphia, PA
- Opioid Treatment and MAT in Philadelphia, PA
- Alcohol Rehab and Detox in Pittsburgh, PA
- Opioid Treatment and MAT in Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently asked questions
How do I get help for addiction in Pennsylvania?
Call the free, confidential PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), available 24/7 by phone, text, or chat. Your county drug and alcohol office can also assess your needs and help with funding.
Does Pennsylvania Medicaid pay for rehab?
Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act in 2015, and the program covers substance use disorder treatment. Your county Single County Authority can help determine what is covered and what it costs.
Where do I find naloxone in Pennsylvania?
Naloxone is available to any Pennsylvanian at participating pharmacies under a standing order, and FDA-approved nasal sprays are sold over the counter without a prescription.
How many people die of overdose in Pennsylvania?
The Department of Health reported 4,719 overdose deaths in 2023, and 83% were opioid-related. State data show 3,341 overdose deaths in 2024, a decline of roughly 29%.
Is alcohol withdrawal dangerous?
It can be. Stopping alcohol suddenly after heavy, prolonged use can cause seizures or delirium tremens, which are medical emergencies. Withdrawal should be managed with medical supervision.