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More than 100,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in the yearlong period ending in April 2022, driven by the pandemic. It is the first time the number of U.S. overdose deaths has exceeded 100,000 a year, more than the toll of car crashes and guns combined.


Overdose deaths have more than doubled since 2015. Wisconsin and Milwaukee addiction deaths and hospitalizations have skyrocketed in the past three years. 


Consider this data: 

● Milwaukee’s addictions problem is double that of Wisconsin and almost double that of the United States. 

● Wisconsin is the 8th highest state for alcohol consumption. 

● Wisconsin is the 15th highest state for opioid deaths. 

● Wisconsin is the 16th highest state for opioid prescriptions. 

Milwaukee County reported an 18% increase in drug overdose deaths in 2021 Milwaukee Medical Examiner's Office 

● Milwaukee County had almost a 60% increase in overdose deaths from 2016 to 2020. 

● Wisconsin alcohol-related deaths rose almost 25% in 2020. Wisconsin Policy Forum

● Wisconsin was ranked as the drunkest state, with a whopping 24.2% of its population drinking excessively – five% higher than the US average. CDC 


Only 13% of people with an illicit drug disorder got treatment in 2019, according to the most recent National Institutes of Health data in 2021. Addiction and alcoholism affect underserved populations (racial, socioeconomic, LGBTQ) more and these populations tend to have less access to services.


Abuse of drugs and alcohol is costly for our society and, left untreated, places a burden on our workplace, our healthcare system, and our communities. A number of reports and surveys highlight the detrimental effects substance abuse has on business productivity and competitiveness as it also increases workplace injuries and absenteeism. 


Research suggests that the longer someone is in a supportive community, the more long-term success they will have. Significant improvements on measures of substance use, alcohol and drug problems, employment, psychiatric symptoms and arrests in an evaluation of 245 individuals over an 18-month time period. Those improvements were maintained at 18 months. Polcin, Korcha, Bond and Galloway 2010 


Few homes are the difference between life and death, pain and joy, solitary and community. 


For people trying to get healthy after years of addiction or alcoholism, in-patient treatment is the beginning of the journey. 4th Dimension Sobriety's sober living houses are the six months of finding their way, getting a job, rebuilding their connections with family and friends, and perhaps most importantly, building the routines of a sober life that clients need.


With support from individual donors, businesses, philanthropic giving and grants in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin we’re working to bridge the gap between treatment and long-lasting sobriety.

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Why 4th Dimension

While the drug and alcohol problems have a detrimental impact on the economy, 4th Dimension Sobriety has a positive impact on recovery and the employability of people in recovery. 


Sober living houses are a research-proven and cost-effective intervention strategy that neighbors support. Sober living houses are recognized by the federal addictions agency SAMSHA as vital but too often missing in the continuum of care; published research indicates they are a successful intervention including. 

o Significant improvements on measures of substance use, alcohol and drug problems, employment, psychiatric symptoms and arrests in an evaluation of 245 individuals over an 18-month time period. Those improvements were maintained at 18 months. Polcin, Korcha, Bond and Galloway 2010 

o Similar 18-month outcomes were found for 55 persons living in sober living houses affiliated with a treatment program. That sample included a significant number – 35% - of people who were recently homeless. Polcin, Korcha, Bond & Galloway, 2010 

o Neighbors and community stakeholder views support sober living houses, They are generally viewed as an asset and residents were generally viewed as good neighbors. Neighbors expressed appreciation that the houses mandated abstinence from substances and stressed the importance of the houses to practice a “good neighbor” policy toward others. Polcin, Henderson, Trocki, Evans, & Wittman 2012


The essence of 4th Dimension is rooted in the 12-steps of recovery. Residents communally live, and work, with one another as they build a firm foundation for a life of happiness, peace, and usefulness. It offers supportive services such as holistic and clinical care as well as vocational and job supports.


Many people cannot find a sober living community in Wisconsin or the financial support to pay for it. The Center Street location has the capacity and the changed revenue structure that will expand by 40% the number of people who can be served.


The meeting rooms and communal spaces allow for more holistic treatment programs to be provided in the same space. Services like yoga or 12-step programs have previously been offered off site.

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