Drug overdose deaths have sharply increased in the United States; according to NIDA, 107,941 deaths were reported in 2022, up from previous years. Synthetic opioids, mainly fentanyl, were responsible for 73,838 of these fatalities. Here are 20 states, as per CDC, with the highest rate of drug overdose fatalities.
West Virginia
West Virginia tops the list with a staggering 80.9 fatal drug overdoses per 100,000 people, totaling 1,335 deaths. The state has been grappling with the opioid crisis for years, with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids like heroin being the primary culprits. Programs like expanded access to naloxone and treatment options have been implemented, but the battle is far from over.
Tennessee
Tennessee experiences a fatal drug overdose rate of 56 per 100,000, resulting in 3,825 deaths. The state’s high prescription rates of opioids have significantly contributed to this crisis, alongside rising xylazine, the street drug ‘Tranq,’ and fentanyl use. Tennessee is focusing on education and prevention programs to reduce prescription opioid misuse.
Delaware
Delaware’s opioid crisis has led to 549 overdose deaths, equating to a rate of 55.3 per 100,000. The state is severely impacted by the opioid crisis, with fentanyl being a major contributor. Delaware has responded by expanding access to treatment and harm reduction services, including widespread distribution of naloxone and increasing public awareness about drug misuse. Efforts also focus on strengthening prescription monitoring programs to prevent opioid misuse.
Louisiana
Louisiana’s drug overdose death rate stands at 54.5 per 100,000 people, amounting to 2,376 deaths. Opioid and methamphetamine abuse contribute significantly to the high fatality rates. The state has introduced initiatives to curb prescription opioid misuse and expand access to addiction treatment programs.
Maine
Maine, with a drug overdose death rate of 54.3 per 100,000 people, experienced 707 fatalities. The opioid crisis, particularly driven by fentanyl, is a significant issue. To combat this, Maine has boosted addiction treatment funding, distributed naloxone widely, and enhanced its prescription monitoring programs. Public education and community prevention efforts remain key strategies in tackling the crisis.
Kentucky
Kentucky reports a rate of 53.2 fatal overdoses per 100,000 people, with 2,271 deaths. The opioid epidemic has hit Kentucky hard, with fentanyl and heroin being major contributors to the high death rates. The state is focusing on improving access to treatment and recovery services like naloxone distribution, along with public education campaigns to prevent drug misuse.
New Mexico
New Mexico’s rate is 50.3 per 100,000, with 1,024 deaths. The state’s diverse population and large rural areas face significant challenges in addressing substance abuse and overdose prevention. Initiatives like the PDO project and SAPT block grant include culturally appropriate treatment programs and community-based prevention efforts.
Vermont
In Vermont, the drug overdose death rate stands at 45.9 per 100,000 people, with a total of 276 deaths. The state has proactively adopted evidence-driven models like the hub-and-spoke program to enhance recovery from substance use disorders. Additionally, Vermont has implemented overdose prevention centers, which are medicalized facilities that provide a safe, open-minded environment for opioid use with on-site medical care.
Ohio
Ohio reports 45.6 drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people, with a total of 5,144 fatalities. The state has been a focal point of the opioid crisis, with synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, driving the high death rates. Ohio is implementing comprehensive strategies to combat the epidemic, including increased access to treatment and robust prevention programs.
South Carolina
South Carolina’s rate of fatal overdoses is 44.7 per 100,000 people, with 2,279 deaths. The state has seen a rise in opioid-related deaths, prompting efforts to improve access to naloxone and treatment programs. Initiatives by DAODAS also include strengthening prescription drug monitoring programs to prevent opioid misuse.
North Carolina
North Carolina has a rate of 41.8 drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people, totaling 4,310 fatalities. The state continues to battle the opioid crisis with a focus on prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Efforts include expanding Medicaid to cover addiction treatment and increasing funding for harm reduction programs.
Indiana
In response to its alarming overdose statistics—41 fatal overdoses per 100,000 people leading to 2,682 deaths—Indiana has not only expanded recovery centers but also introduced mobile treatment services to reach remote communities. The state has also launched a pilot program for workplace-based recovery support, recognizing the need to support individuals in maintaining employment while undergoing treatment, thereby tackling relapse triggers linked to economic stress.
Pennsylvania
With a rate of 40.9 per 100,000 and 5,169 deaths, Pennsylvania’s new overdose spike alert system is complemented by increased investments in youth outreach programs. These initiatives are specifically designed to educate young people about the risks associated with drug use, incorporating technology and social media strategies to engage at-risk youth where they are most active.
Connecticut
Connecticut, experiencing 1,482 deaths at a rate of 40.3 per 100,000, not only integrates addiction treatment into emergency departments but also collaborates with local pharmacies to provide drug disposal sites, aiming to reduce household drug availability. Additionally, the state has enhanced its support for families affected by addiction, providing counseling and financial aid to stabilize home environments.
Maryland
Maryland has tackled its overdose death rate of 40.3 per 100,000, resulting in 2,573 fatalities, by also focusing on the distribution of fentanyl test strips and promoting safe drug consumption education. The state’s urban centers have seen community-based approaches, such as pop-up clinics that offer rapid detox and counseling services, targeting areas with high rates of drug trafficking and use.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island, though smaller, has a rate of 38.1 per 100,000, leading to 424 deaths. It is focusing heavily on expanding mental health services alongside substance use treatment, recognizing the frequent comorbidity of these conditions. The state has increased funding for dual-diagnosis treatment services to address both simultaneously.
Massachusetts
With 2,642 deaths at a rate of 37.4 per 100,000, Massachusetts not only focuses on opioid prescription controls but also spearheads research into non-opioid pain management alternatives. This research is part of a broader effort to provide doctors with options that reduce the risk of addiction, aligning with educational programs for medical professionals on responsible prescribing practices.
Arizona
Arizona’s efforts against 2,664 fatalities and a rate of 37.2 per 100,000 include significant legislative reforms and public health campaigns that specifically target the dangers of fentanyl, using real-life stories to educate the public. The state has also increased funding for aftercare programs that monitor patients post-treatment to prevent relapse, integrating technology like apps that offer virtual support and monitoring.
Missouri
Missouri’s mobile health clinics are supported by new telehealth services that allow rural residents continuous access to addiction specialists and support groups. Alongside this, Missouri has initiated community-based programs like the National Anti-Drug Media Campaign and activities promoting sober lifestyles, creating a supportive environment encouraging continuous engagement with recovery processes.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire has a drug overdose death rate of 36 per 100,000 people, totaling 486 fatalities. The opioid crisis, mainly due to fentanyl, has led to expanded addiction treatment funding, widespread naloxone distribution, and strengthened prescription monitoring. Public awareness and law enforcement efforts target prevention and reduce illicit drug availability.
