Opioid Treatment and MAT in Wheeling, WV

Ohio County's overdose deaths fell from 32 in 2023 to 20 in 2024, and Wheeling's street-level numbers improved even faster - but fentanyl was still present in 60% of county overdose deaths. This page explains MOUD access around Wheeling and how to start.

How bad the opioid problem is here

The West Virginia Office of Drug Control Policy's Ohio County At-A-Glance 2025 profile reports:

  • 20 overdose fatalities in 2024, down from 32 in 2023
  • Fentanyl present in 60% of those deaths; methamphetamine in 55%; other drugs in 45%; other opioids in 20%; alcohol and cocaine in 15% each
  • Opioid prescription dispensing down 66.7% from 2014 to 2024

Wheeling Police Department data show city overdose deaths falling from 28 in 2021 to 14 in 2024 and into single digits in 2025, with a Crisis Response Unit connecting people to treatment after overdoses.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) near Wheeling

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are the three FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder.

Within 30 miles of downtown Wheeling (ZIP 26003), the SAMHSA locator lists:

  • 32 treatment facilities total
  • 4 federally certified opioid treatment programs
  • 19 facilities that prescribe buprenorphine
  • 20 offering outpatient methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone treatment

Northwood Health Systems anchors local outpatient and IOP care at 1819 Wood Street. Counts change as programs open and close, so confirm current options on the locator.

Naloxone and harm reduction

Naloxone reverses an opioid overdose and cannot hurt someone who is not overdosing. West Virginia has a statewide standing order that lets pharmacists dispense naloxone without a prescription. If someone is unresponsive, breathing slowly, or has pinpoint pupils, call 911 and give naloxone if you have it.

Paying for opioid treatment

West Virginia Medicaid covers MAT and other medically necessary substance use disorder services under its 1115 SUD waiver, with most members served through Mountain Health Trust. Because Ohio County lacks a CCBHC, uninsured residents should ask providers about sliding-scale fees and call HELP4WV at 1-844-435-7498.

How to start today

  1. If someone is overdosing, call 911 now and give naloxone. For a crisis, call or text 988.
  2. Call or text (800) 653-9376 to speak 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.

  1. Search findtreatment.gov with ZIP code 26003 and filter for medication-assisted treatment or buprenorphine.
  2. Call Northwood or HELP4WV if you need a same-week assessment.

Opioid use disorder is a treatable medical condition, and the medications that treat it are covered here. The hardest part is usually the first call, not the treatment itself.

Call or text (800) 653-9376 Get help online