Quick answer
CDC's provisional data count 351 drug overdose deaths in Milwaukee County in the 12 months ending December 2025, down from 426 a year earlier. Within 30 miles of Milwaukee, FindTreatment.gov lists 52 substance use facilities, including 11 offering detoxification. Here is how to start treatment.
Last updated: Thu Oct 08 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Milwaukee is Wisconsin's largest city on Lake Michigan. Within 30 miles of downtown Milwaukee (ZIP 53202), the federal treatment locator lists 52 substance use facilities. This guide covers the local overdose numbers, where to call for help, and how to pay for care.
What the overdose data show
CDC's provisional county-level overdose data count 351 drug overdose deaths in Milwaukee County in the 12 months ending December 2025, down from 426 in the 12 months ending December 2024. These are provisional counts as of July 2026 and may be revised.
Statewide, CDC's provisional overdose counts show 980 drug overdose deaths in Wisconsin in the 12 months ending December 2025, down from 1,167 the year before.
Treatment near Milwaukee by the numbers
The SAMHSA treatment locator lists 52 substance use facilities within 30 miles of downtown Milwaukee (ZIP 53202):
- 11 offering detoxification (withdrawal management)
- 8 with residential programs
- 46 offering outpatient services
- 9 federally certified opioid treatment programs (methadone clinics) and 36 that prescribe buprenorphine
- 34 that administer or prescribe medication for alcohol use disorder
Counts change as programs open and close, so confirm current openings by phone.
Where to get help in Milwaukee
The SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 is free and confidential and gives referrals to local treatment, including programs for people without insurance.
You can also search findtreatment.gov from ZIP code 53202 and filter by level of care, medication, and payment option.
Levels of care to expect
Care is matched to the person, usually after an assessment. Depending on what is available near Milwaukee, options range from medically supervised detox and residential treatment to intensive outpatient programs, regular outpatient counseling, and medication for opioid or alcohol use disorder. Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can be dangerous, so ask about medical withdrawal management before stopping heavy use.
Paying for treatment
Wisconsin has not adopted the ACA Medicaid expansion, but BadgerCare Plus (Wisconsin Medicaid), administered by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, covers adults with incomes up to the federal poverty level. It covers medically necessary substance use disorder treatment, including medications for opioid use disorder; confirm covered levels of care and prior authorization with your plan.
If you have private insurance, federal parity rules require your plan to cover substance use treatment on terms comparable to medical care; ask about in-network programs and prior authorization. See our Medicaid and rehab guide for how coverage works.
How to start today
- In a medical emergency, call 911. For a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988.
- 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.
- Call the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357), or search findtreatment.gov to compare programs.
- If someone uses opioids, keep naloxone (Narcan) on hand. Pharmacies can dispense it without a prescription.
Peer support in Milwaukee
Mutual-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and SMART Recovery can support treatment and recovery. Search our meeting finder for in-person and online meetings near Milwaukee.
Treatment by substance in Milwaukee
Questions about rehab in Milwaukee
How many addiction treatment facilities are near Milwaukee?
The SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov locator lists 52 substance use treatment facilities within 30 miles of downtown Milwaukee (ZIP 53202), including 11 offering detoxification, 8 with residential programs, and 46 offering outpatient care. Counts change as programs open and close.
How many people die of drug overdoses in Milwaukee County?
CDC's provisional county data count 351 drug overdose deaths in Milwaukee County in the 12 months ending December 2025, down from 426 a year earlier. Counts are provisional and may be revised.
Who do I call for addiction help in Milwaukee?
Call the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) for help finding treatment. For a crisis, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911.
Does BadgerCare Plus cover rehab in Milwaukee?
Yes, for eligible members. BadgerCare Plus (Wisconsin Medicaid) covers medically necessary substance use disorder treatment and medications. Confirm network and prior authorization with your plan.
Is alcohol or opioid withdrawal dangerous?
Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause seizures and delirium tremens and should be managed with medical supervision. Opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening on its own, but the risk of overdose after a break is high, so start with a plan for medication and naloxone. Call 911 if someone is unresponsive or struggling to breathe.