Substance addiction is a major public health issue that impacts millions of Americans every year. In the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), around 20.4 million people, aged 12 or older, struggled with a substance use disorder (SUD) in the previous year. There are 14.5 million people with an alcohol use disorder, 7.1 million with an illicit drug use disorder, and 2.3 million with both.
Drug addiction rates differ across states due to a range of factors such as availability, accessibility, cost, societal norms, law enforcement, prevention initiatives, and treatment options. Let’s analyze the five states in the United States facing the most severe drug addiction problems based on the 2021 NSDUH state estimates of substance use and mental disorders.
West Virginia
West Virginia has the highest rate of past-year SUD among individuals aged 12 and older, which is 13.9%, surpassing the national average of 7.5%. This state has the highest rates of past-year opioid use disorder (3.6%), past-year heroin use (0.8%), and past-month nonmedical use of pain relievers (4.7%). West Virginia is facing a significant challenge with the opioid epidemic, having the highest drug overdose mortality rate in the country in 2020, at 52.9 per 100,000 residents.
New Mexico
New Mexico has the second-highest rate of past-year SUD among individuals aged 12 and older, at 11.8%. This state has the highest rates of past-year cocaine use disorder (0.8%), past-year methamphetamine use disorder (1.2%), past-month illicit drug use (12.8%), and past-month marijuana use (11%). New Mexico’s close proximity to the Mexican border has made it susceptible to drug trafficking, with cartels smuggling a variety of substances such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
Alaska
Alaska is ranked third in the nation for its past-year SUD rate of 11% among individuals aged 12 and older. Furthermore, the state faces the highest rate of past-year alcohol use disorder (8.7%), past-month binge alcohol use (25.8%), and past-month heavy alcohol use (9%). Alaska faces distinctive obstacles such as being geographically isolated, dealing with harsh weather conditions, having restricted healthcare access, and embracing cultural diversity.
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Nevada
Nevada is ranked fourth with a past-year SUD rate of 10.5% among individuals aged 12 and older. The state has the highest rates of past-year marijuana use disorder (3%), past-month nonmedical use of prescription stimulants (1.4%), and past-month nonmedical use of prescription tranquilizers (1%). Nevada’s lively gambling and entertainment industry could potentially lead to substance abuse issues for residents and tourists.
Oregon
Oregon is ranked fifth with a past-year SUD rate of 10% among individuals aged 12 and older. This state has the highest rates of past-year hallucinogen use disorder (0.6%), past-year inhalant use disorder (0.2%), past-month nonmedical use of prescription sedatives (0.7%), and past-month nonmedical use of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines (0.4%). Oregon recently passed a law decriminalizing possession of small amounts of drugs, which could impact future substance abuse patterns.
In conclusion
Ultimately, addressing drug addiction requires a united effort from various sectors including policymakers, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, educators, community leaders, and individuals. Pinpointing states with the most severe drug addiction problems in the U.S. helps grasp the full scope and intricacy of the issue and develop successful approaches to combat and manage substance abuse and its consequences.
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