June 16, 2025

Drug and Alcohol Rehab for City of Waukesha, Wisconsin

Historical City of Waukesha, Wisconsin and Substance Abuse

The City of Waukesha, located in southeastern Wisconsin, serves as the county seat of Waukesha County and is a key part of the greater Milwaukee metropolitan area. With a population of approximately 72,000, Waukesha offers a blend of small-town charm and urban opportunity. Its historic downtown features a revitalized riverwalk, local shops, galleries, and frequent community events such as Friday Night Live and the Waukesha Art Crawl. Anchored by Carroll University and Waukesha County Technical College, the city is also a hub for education and workforce development.

While the city is part of one of Wisconsin’s most economically stable counties, Waukesha has faced growing challenges in recent years related to substance use and behavioral health. Overdose-related emergencies have remained elevated, and the demand for mental health and addiction services continues to increase. Law enforcement agencies have seen a rise in drug-related activity, leading to expanded collaboration between police, public health departments, and local nonprofits. This includes not only enhanced crisis response and prevention efforts, but also improved access to life-saving interventions and treatment referrals.

Community members have identified alcohol and drug use as one of the top health concerns in recent surveys, with a notable number of residents reporting difficulty accessing services due to cost, stigma, or lack of local options. In response, the city has strengthened its partnerships with healthcare providers and treatment centers to address these gaps and support long-term recovery. Schools, churches, and civic organizations have also played a growing role in prevention and education efforts aimed at reducing risk among youth and vulnerable populations.

Despite these challenges, Waukesha continues to thrive as a safe, family-friendly community with strong public schools, active neighborhoods, and a high quality of life. The city’s commitment to addressing substance abuse reflects a broader vision of public health and community resilience. By investing in recovery resources and supporting early intervention, Waukesha aims not only to reduce harm but to ensure that all residents have access to the support they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

"The city of Waukesha has reported a horrific total of 220 deaths just from opioids since 2019. Overdose calls peaked at 143 in both 2020 and 2021, with 2023 recording 138 calls and a drop to 126 in 2024. "

Waukesha County HHS

Fortunately, there is hope. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you don’t have to fight alone. Wellbrook Recovery is an inpatient residential rehab located in nearby Brookfield, in Waukesha county. Reach out today to learn more and take the first step toward a full recovery.

Even if you’re not ready for rehab or you have lingering questions, you should still reach out to us. In the meantime, continue reading to learn more about the ongoing addiction crisis in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Table of Contents

Drug and Alcohol Rehab for City of Waukesha, Wisconsin

Substance Abuse In the City of Waukesha, WI Information

The City of Waukesha has experienced consistently high levels of substance-related incidents over the past several years, with overdose calls, drug seizures, and alcohol-related violations all pointing to an ongoing public health challenge. The city of Waukesha has reported a horrific total of 220 deaths just from opioids since 2019. Emergency overdose calls to the city’s police department peaked at 143 in both 2020 and 2021, with 2023 recording 138 calls and a drop to 126 in 2024. Despite the recent decline, overdose-related deaths remain high—29 suspected overdose deaths were recorded in 2024 alone. Meanwhile, Narcan deployments by police officers have increased sharply, from just 10 uses in 2020 to 30 in 2023, reflecting the growing urgency and frequency of life-threatening overdose events.

Drug enforcement activity also intensified in recent years. Fentanyl seizures surged from 267 grams in 2022 to nearly 1,387 grams in 2023, before dipping to 852 grams in 2024. Methamphetamine seizures followed an even more dramatic pattern—rising from 539 grams in 2022 to over 6,426 grams (more than 14 pounds) in 2024. Cocaine, heroin, and crack cocaine also saw consistently high buy and seizure rates. These figures highlight a shift toward synthetic and high-potency street drugs, with the Waukesha Police Department’s Narcotics Unit reporting record enforcement activity in 2024, including 171 drug buys and 99 defendants referred for prosecution.

Alcohol-related issues have also remained a significant concern. Alcohol and drug-related driving violations declined from 457 in 2021 to just 227 in 2024 -the lowest in over a decade, but non-traffic substance citations rose back to near pre-pandemic levels, reaching 1,186 in 2024. Community surveys reflect these concerns: 40% of residents in the 2023 Waukesha County Health Survey identified alcohol and drug use as a top health priority, and 3% reported an unmet need for treatment. Barriers included stigma, cost, and lack of local treatment options—underscoring the gap between need and access. Overall, while many recent metrics show improvement, the city continues to face entrenched substance use challenges that demand sustained intervention and expanded support systems.

Substance Addiction in Brookfield Vs. the State of Wisconsin

City comparisons for the state of Wisconsin are very difficult to obtain due to limited data and diverse variables. Comparisons are best observed on the county level.

Within Waukesha county, the city of Waukesha, while seeing great positive improvement, is suffering terribly from the horrific toll of opioids. Being the most populous city in the county, the City of Waukesha accounts for the bulk of all substance abuse related statistics.

Waukesha county as a whole, when compared to statewide trends, has consistently reported lower opioid-related death and ER visit rates, particularly in the post-COVID years. In 2023, Wisconsin’s overdose death rate stood at 2.40 per 10,000—nearly a full point higher than Waukesha’s 1.50. The same gap is evident in emergency room data, with the state’s opioid related ER visit rate at 4.35 per 10,000 compared to Waukesha’s 2.93. Although Waukesha County was not immune to the pandemic-driven surge in opioid misuse, its outcomes have remained below state averages, indicating relatively stronger local performance in harm reduction or access to care. Nonetheless, the enduring presence of opioid overdose deaths and ER visits highlights the need for continued prevention and treatment efforts.

How Waukesha, WI Fights Substance Abuse & Promotes Recovery

The City of Waukesha addresses substance abuse through a coordinated strategy involving law enforcement, crisis response, and community support. The Waukesha Police Department’s Narcotics and Vice Unit conducted over 140 drug buys in 2023 and seized significant quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other illicit substances. Officers are equipped with and trained to administer Narcan, which was deployed 30 times by police in 2023 alone. In partnership with Waukesha County Health & Human Services, the city operates a Crisis Response Unit (CRU)—pairing police officers with licensed crisis clinicians to respond in real time to substance-related and behavioral health emergencies, offering de-escalation, support, and voluntary transport to treatment.

Beyond emergency response, the city supports proactive education and harm-reduction efforts. The Addiction Resource Council of Waukesha County plays a key role by offering free Narcan kits and training, as well as substance use prevention education throughout the community. Officers also engage in public outreach through the Citizen’s Police Academy and school presentations focused on drug impairment, mental health, and safe choices. These combined efforts reflect Waukesha’s commitment to a comprehensive, community-based approach to addiction—one that balances enforcement with compassion, treatment access, and education.

Waukesha county as a whole has trained over 5,000 individuals in the use of Narcan over the past few years, including over 1,000 police officers and dozens of fire fighters. A key pillar in this work is the Waukesha County Heroin Task Force, operated in partnership with Elevate, which unites law enforcement, healthcare, peer-support networks, and other community stakeholders to reduce stigma, increase access to medication-assisted treatment, track overdose trends, and coordinate naloxone distribution—see their mission and community impact here  https://elevateyou.org/waukesha-heroin-task-force. To provide immediate alternatives to emergency department visits, the county collaborates with Centers for Independence (CFI) to operate a 24/7 Crisis Resource Center offering walk-in crisis stabilization, peer support, psychosocial groups, and trauma-informed care in a home-like setting—more details about this service are available here https://cfihope.org/programs-services/crisis-resource-centers/.

Drug and Alcohol Addiction Statistics For Waukesha City and Waukesha County, Wisconsin

Year	Waukesha Opioid ER Visits	Waukesha ER Visit Rate per 10k	WI Opioid ER Visits	WI ER Visit Rate per 10k	Waukesha compared to WI
2015	135	3.41	2135	3.69	–
2016	140	3.52	2410	4.16	–
2017	173	4.32	3060	5.26	–
2018	165	4.1	2426	4.15	–
2019	133	3.29	2550	4.35	–
2020	168	4.14	3027	5.15	–
2021	151	3.71	3134	5.31	–
2022	129	3.16	2530	4.28	–
2023	120	2.93	2575	4.35	–

Year	WI Alcohol Deaths	Waukesha Alcohol Deaths	WI Death Rate per 10k	Waukesha Death Rate per 10k	Waukesha vs WI
2019	2652	159	4.57	3.88	–
2020	3128	192	5.39	4.68	–
2021	3231	193	5.57	4.71	–
2022	3331	202	5.74	4.93	–
2023	3197	183	5.51	4.46	–
2024	1017	60	1.75	1.46	–

Year	Overdose Calls	OD Investigations	OD Deaths (Police Estimate)
2020	143	82	34
2021	143	94	42
2022	119	65	34
2023	138	63	34
2024	126	47	29

Year	Fentanyl Seized (g)	Heroin Seized (g)	Meth Seized (g)	Drug Buys	Defendants Referred
2022	267	7	539	146	65
2023	1386	0.5	1865	155	55
2024	852	9.4	6426	171	99

	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
OWI Cases (driving under influence)	426	410	408	354	337	382	367	457	342	276	227

Alcohol & Drug Rehabilitation in the City of Waukesha, Wisconsin by Wellbrook Recovery

At our Waukesha, WI drug rehab, we incorporate both evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches to ensure that each client receives the most effective care. We specialize in treating substance use disorder, alcohol addiction, and co-occurring mental health issues.

Wellbrook Recovery believes in treating the whole person, not just the addiction. Our services go beyond detox and inpatient care to ensure a complete recovery process:

Mental Health Support: Addiction often co-occurs with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD. Our team of mental health professionals works closely with clients to treat both the addiction and any underlying mental health issues.
Behavioral Therapy: We utilize proven behavioral therapies such as CBT, DBT, IFS, EMDR, Biofeedback, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, among other advanced therapies to help individuals address the root causes of addiction, develop coping skills, and make lasting changes in their lives.
Support Groups: Our support groups provide individuals with the opportunity to connect with others who are going through similar struggles. Peer support is an essential part of the recovery journey.
Family Programs: Addiction impacts not only the individual but also their loved ones. Our family programs educate and support families, helping them to rebuild relationships and provide ongoing support.
Alumni & Aftercare: We have a network of our close-knit alumni community, with events and support to stay in touch with your recovery and “battle brothers & sisters” from your time in treatment.

Personalized Drug and Alcohol Rehab in the City of Waukesha, WI

We understand that addiction affects everyone differently, which is why we offer a range of treatment options designed to meet your individual needs. Our treatment center provides the following programs:

Drug & Alcohol Detox: Detoxification is often the first step in recovery. Our facility provides medically supervised detox to help clients safely manage withdrawal from drugs or alcohol in a supportive environment.
Inpatient Drug Rehab: Inpatient treatment offers a structured environment so clients can focus on recovery free from distractions. It’s ideal for those at the beginning of their recovery journey who need intensive, around-the-clock care to overcome addiction.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): As clients transition from inpatient care to a more independent lifestyle, PHP gives them the support they need as they continue on their road to recovery. By spending much of the day in rehab, clients reinforce the life and recovery skills they learned during inpatient treatment.
Outpatient Treatment Programs: For those who need more flexibility, outpatient programs allow clients to continue living at home while attending treatment on a part-time basis.

Wellbrook Recovery substance abuse recovery by the numbers

2-4 hours of private, one-on-one therapy per person per week – well above the average
Over 35 hours a week of various types of group therapy
High staff-to-client ratio of 1:1.5

Wellbrook Recovery Addiction Treatment Center Wisconsin Highlights:

Our well-equipped facility not only provides effective treatment but also fosters an environment of comfort, support, and healing. Take advantage of Wellbrook Recovery’s comforts and conveniences, including the following:

Private detox rooms with full-size beds and personal en-suite bathrooms
Beautiful, clean lobby and multiple lounge areas
Exercise room
Gourmet nourishing meals by our in-house chef
State-of-the-art kitchen and grill for both chef and private use
Fully-stocked 24-hour snack room
Free iPads with streaming entertainment
Smoking areas
Outdoor area with a portico
Weekly visits to the local YMCA, featuring a full gym, pool, and sports activities
Regular trips and fun outings
Personal electronic mobile devices allowed
Transportation

Why the City of Waukesha, WI Chooses Wellbrook Recovery Drug Rehab?

When you choose our the City of Waukesha rehab center, you’re choosing a team of professionals who are passionate about helping individuals reclaim their lives. Our facility provides:

Expert Addiction Specialists: Our addiction rehab specialists are experienced in treating all forms of addiction, including alcohol and drug abuse.
Extensive Treatment Programs: We offer a full continuum of care, including detox services, inpatient drug rehab, outpatient programs, and more.
Holistic Approach: We treat the whole person by addressing physical, emotional, and mental health needs through individualized treatment plans.
Beautiful rehab center: Our, clean, fresh, beautiful facilities are designed to provide comfort & dignity while you focus on your mission of recovery & change.

How to Pay for Drug and Alcohol Rehab in the City of Waukesha, WI

We understand that financial concerns can be a barrier to seeking addiction treatment. Our treatment facility works with a variety of health insurance providers to ensure that you receive the care you need. Wellbrook Recovery accepts any commercial or employer-based insurance and can help you verify your coverage. If you don’t have insurance or need assistance, we offer flexible payment options and work with clients to make treatment more accessible. The following are some of the common insurances we work with:

United Healthcare
Cigna
UMR
GEHA
Aetna
Anthem
BCBS
GEHA
Dean
Medica
Quartz
MultiPlan
Centivo
Network
WPS
Health Partners

Some of the Wisconsin Areas Our addiction program Regularly Serves:

Your New Beginning Starts Here

If you or a loved one is ready to take the first step toward recovery, Wellbrook Recovery is here to help. Contact our Wisconsin drug rehab today for a free consultation with one of our addiction specialists. We’re ready to provide you with the support you need to begin your journey to sobriety.

We offer compassionate care to ensure that you have the support you need to beat addiction for good. If you or someone you love is struggling, Wellbrook Recovery is just a phone call away.

Don’t let addiction control your life. Take the first step towards a better future by contacting Wellbrook Recovery today.