MIAMI — With National Prevention Week around the corner and the number of annual drug overdose deaths in the U.S. reaching more than 80,670, the personal-finance website WalletHub has released its report on the States with the Biggest Drug Problems, as well as expert commentary, to highlight the areas that stand to be most affected.
This study compares the 50 states and the District in terms of 20 key metrics, ranging from arrest and overdose rates to opioid prescriptions and employee drug testing laws.
| States with the Biggest Drug Problems | ||
| 1. New Mexico | 11. Michigan | |
| 2. West Virginia | 12. Oregon | |
| 3. Nevada | 13. Wyoming | |
| 4. Alaska | 14. Mississippi | |
| 5. District of Columbia | 15. Kentucky | |
| 6. Oklahoma | 16. Tennessee | |
| 7. Missouri | 17. Vermont | |
| 8. Colorado | 18. Washington | |
| 9. Louisiana | 19. Arizona | |
| 10. Arkansas | 20. Indiana |
Key Stats
- Arkansas has the highest retail opioid pain reliever prescriptions per 100 residents, leading the nation. On the other end of the spectrum, Hawaii has the lowest.
- West Virginia has the most drug overdose deaths per 100,000 residents, which is 9.1 times more than in Nebraska, the state with the fewest.
- New Mexico has the highest share of teens who used illicit drugs in the past month, which is 2.6 times higher than in Alabama, the state with the lowest.
- Vermont has the highest share of adults who used illicit drugs in the past month, which is 2.5 times higher than in Texas, the state with the lowest.
“Drug problems can start from multiple sources, like taking illegal substances with friends or getting hooked on a prescription that was originally given for a legitimate medical issue. As states fight drug addiction, they need to consider all angles and make sure they are not just addressing things from a law enforcement perspective but also providing the resources necessary to help people with addictions get clean,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst.
“New Mexico has the biggest drug problem in the U.S., especially when it comes to teenagers. The state has the highest percentage of teens using illicit drugs, and the highest share of teenagers who report having tried marijuana before age 13. New Mexico has the third-highest share of adults who use illicit drugs, as well. In addition, New Mexico has a large number of drug overdose deaths per capita,” he added.
To view the full report visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/drug-use-by-state/35150
