Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Delaware

Delaware has been facing 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 substance use disorders, the opioid crisis, overdose deaths, youth substance use, and treatment and recovery challenges in Delaware, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.

• In 2020, Delaware had 54.0 opioid overdose deaths per 100,000 people (age-adjusted).¹
• As of November 2023, 43 people died of suspected overdose deaths in a single month, the highest monthly preliminary number in state history.²
• An average of 466 annual deaths in Delaware are attributable to excessive alcohol use from 2015 to 2019.³

Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD)

Substance use disorders and alcohol use disorders are prevalent in Delaware, affecting a significant portion of the population. Here are some key statistics:

• From 2017 to 2019, the annual average rate of past-year illicit drug use disorder among people aged 12 or older was 5.59%.⁴
• In 2020, the rate of alcohol use disorder among people aged 12 or older was 10.10%.⁴
• The rate of substance use disorder among people aged 12 or older was 14.70% in 2020.⁴

These numbers demonstrate the widespread nature of substance use issues in the state.

Opioid Crisis and Overdose Deaths

The opioid epidemic has hit Delaware particularly hard, with a high number of overdose deaths. Consider these troubling statistics:

• At least 537 Delawareans died from drug overdoses in 2022.⁵

The alarming rise in opioid-related deaths underscores the urgent need to address this crisis.

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Youth Substance Use

Substance use among young people in Delaware 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 8.35%.⁴
• During the same period, the annual average percentage of past-month illicit drug use among youth aged 12–17 was 6.67%.⁴

Early intervention and prevention efforts are crucial to help young people avoid developing substance use disorders.

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Treatment and Recovery

Access to quality treatment and recovery services is essential for addressing substance use disorders in Delaware. Here are some relevant statistics:

• In 2019, 17,307 people in Delaware were enrolled in substance use treatment.⁶
• Almost 30% of all 18 to 24-year-olds binged in the last 30 days.⁷

Ensuring access to effective treatment and support for long-term recovery is crucial for addressing substance use disorders in the state.

Alcohol-Related Deaths

Alcohol-related deaths are a significant concern in Delaware, with excessive alcohol use contributing to a high number of fatalities. Consider this statistic:

• 18.3% of Delaware adults over 18 binge drink at least once per month.³

Addressing alcohol-related issues through prevention and treatment strategies is essential for reducing alcohol-related deaths in the state.

The statistics presented in this article paint a grim picture of the drug and alcohol addiction landscape in Delaware. From high rates of substance use disorders and opioid-related deaths to the concerning levels of youth substance use, 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, Delaware can work towards a healthier, more resilient future for all its residents.

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