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1,069 unintentional overdose deaths in Philadelphia in 2024 (PDPH). Philadelphia has 197 treatment facilities within 30 miles, including 32 medical detox programs. Here is how to navigate local care.
Last updated: Wed Oct 07 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Philadelphia is Pennsylvania's largest city and a consolidated city-county. Overdose deaths remain a major local public health problem even where totals are falling, and the metro has a measurable licensed treatment network. This guide covers the local numbers, who coordinates public care, and how to pay for it.
What the local overdose data show
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health reports 1,069 unintentional drug overdose deaths in 2024, an 18% decrease from 2023 and a 24% drop from the 2022 peak of 1,413. Opioids were detected in 77% (822) of 2024 deaths; stimulants in 70% (747); and both opioids and stimulants in 50% (532). Fentanyl was detected in 93% of opioid-involved deaths. Xylazine appeared in 34% of all overdose deaths, and medetomidine in 9% after testing began in May 2024.
Who provides treatment in Philadelphia
The SAMHSA treatment locator lists 197 facilities within 30 miles of downtown Philadelphia (ZIP 19107):
- 32 offering detoxification (withdrawal management)
- 39 with residential programs
- 168 offering outpatient services
Public-network anchors include Community Behavioral Health (CBH) for Medicaid behavioral health, the Behavioral Health Special Initiative (BHSI) for uninsured residents, and the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS). Prevention Point Philadelphia and city naloxone distribution support harm reduction. Confirm openings on FindTreatment.gov.
Substance-specific guides for this city:
Paying for treatment
Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Physical HealthChoices plans available in Southeast Pennsylvania (including Philadelphia) include Geisinger Health Plan, Jefferson Health Plans EverWell, Keystone First, UPMC for You, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. Behavioral health for Medicaid members is managed through Community Behavioral Health (CBH) - call 888-545-2600. Uninsured residents can contact BHSI at 215-546-1200. The statewide PA Get Help Now helpline is 1-800-662-4357.
Private plans are also required under federal parity rules to cover substance use disorder benefits on par with medical and surgical benefits when those benefits are offered.
How to start today
- If this is a medical emergency, call 911. For a crisis, call or text 988.
- Call or text (800) 653-9376 to talk through your options with a treatment specialist, or use this form:
Calling is free; the referral service is paid for by treatment providers, and we check your benefits before you commit.
- Search findtreatment.gov with ZIP code 19107, or use the local public-network contacts listed above.
- Ask any program whether they offer medical detox, residential care, or outpatient and intensive outpatient options that match your schedule.
Philadelphia has the scale of a major metro treatment market and public agencies that publish timely overdose data. The next step is one phone call.
Treatment by substance in Philadelphia
Questions about rehab in Philadelphia
How many people die of drug overdose in Philadelphia?
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health reports 1,069 unintentional drug overdose deaths in 2024, an 18% decrease from 2023.
How many addiction treatment centers are near Philadelphia?
The SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov locator lists 197 substance use treatment facilities within 30 miles of Philadelphia, including 32 offering detoxification, 39 with residential programs, and 168 offering outpatient care.
Does Pennsylvania Medicaid pay for rehab in Philadelphia?
Yes. Pennsylvania Medicaid covers medically necessary SUD treatment. In Philadelphia, physical HealthChoices plans include Geisinger, Jefferson Health Plans EverWell, Keystone First, UPMC for You, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan; behavioral health is through Community Behavioral Health (CBH) at 888-545-2600.
What should I do if I am uninsured in Philadelphia?
Community Behavioral Health (CBH) manages Medicaid behavioral health in Philadelphia (888-545-2600). Uninsured residents can call the Behavioral Health Special Initiative (BHSI) at 215-546-1200. PA Get Help Now is 1-800-662-4357. In an emergency call 911; for a crisis call or text 988.
Is it dangerous to stop opioids or alcohol suddenly?
Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal after heavy use can be dangerous and should be medically supervised. Opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening on its own but is extremely uncomfortable. Call 911 if someone is unresponsive or struggling to breathe, and call or text 988 for a mental health crisis.