Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Connecticut
In This Article
Connecticut has been grappling with a significant drug and alcohol addiction crisis, which has had far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities across the state. This article presents an overview of the latest statistics on opioid and drug overdose deaths, alcohol use and related issues, youth substance use, and substance use disorders and treatment in Connecticut, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.
- Unintentional drug overdose deaths in Connecticut increased by 306% from 2012 to 2022, with 1,452 deaths in 2022 alone.1
- Fentanyl was involved in more than 85% of overdose cases in Connecticut.2
- Connecticut had the 4th highest rate of current alcohol use at 62.1% in 2017-2018, higher than the national rate of 51.4%.3
Opioid and Drug Overdose Deaths
The opioid epidemic has hit Connecticut particularly hard in recent years, with a sharp increase in overdose deaths. Here are some key statistics:
- In 2020, Connecticut’s age-adjusted rate for drug-induced mortality was 39.1 per 100,000 population.4
The alarming rise in drug overdose deaths underscores the urgent need to address this crisis.
Alcohol Use and Related Issues
Alcohol use and related issues are significant concerns in Connecticut, with the state ranking high in several key areas. Consider these statistics:
- Underage drinking among 12 to 17-year-olds decreased significantly from 18.6% in 2008-2009 to 12.6% in 2017-2018.3
- In 2019, alcohol was listed as a contributing cause of death for almost 3 in 10 of 1,200 fatal overdoses.3
- In 2017, Connecticut ranked as the highest state for the percent of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities compared to total driving fatalities at 43%.3
These numbers highlight the need for effective prevention and intervention strategies to address alcohol-related issues in the state.
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Youth Substance Use
Substance use among young people in Connecticut is a growing concern. Here are some relevant statistics:
- From 2017 to 2019, the annual average percentage of past-month alcohol use among youth aged 12–17 was 13.0%.5
- During the same period, the annual average percentage of past-month illicit drug use among youth aged 12–17 was 9.8%.5
Early intervention and prevention efforts are crucial to help young people avoid developing substance use disorders.
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Substance Use Disorders and Treatment
Substance use disorders are prevalent in Connecticut, with many people seeking treatment for various substances. Consider these statistics:
- In 2018-2019, the annual average rate of past-year illicit drug use disorder was 10.6%.5
- From 2017 to 2019, the annual average percentage of past-year alcohol use disorder among young adults aged 18–25 was 12.7%.5
- Heroin or other opioids accounted for the primary drug reported for more than half (52%) of all Substance Abuse (SA) admissions.6
Ensuring access to quality treatment and support for long-term recovery is essential for addressing substance use disorders in Connecticut.
The statistics presented in this article paint a troubling picture of the drug and alcohol addiction landscape in Connecticut. From the sharp increase in opioid and drug overdose deaths to the high rates of alcohol use and related issues, it is clear that the state faces significant challenges in addressing this crisis. However, by prioritizing prevention, expanding access to quality treatment, and supporting long-term recovery, Connecticut can work towards a healthier, more resilient future for all its residents.
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Related Articles
- “2022 Fact Sheet: Unintentional Fatal Drug Overdoses.” Connecticut Department of Public Health, 2023.
- “Drug Overdose Statistics.” City of Bridgeport, accessed 2023.
- “Connecticut Alcohol Use Prevalence and Consequences.” CT Data Collaborative, 2019.
- “Opioid and Drug Overdose Statistics.” Connecticut Department of Public Health, accessed 2023.
- “Behavioral Health Barometer: Connecticut, Volume 6.” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2020.
- “DMHAS Annual Report Shows Heroin as Most Frequent Drug Reported in Admissions for Substance Abuse Treatment.” Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, 2017.
