Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Indiana

Indiana 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, alcohol use and related issues, youth substance use, drug overdose trends, and additional challenges in Indiana, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.

• Drug overdoses in Indiana have nearly doubled since 2010, growing from 923 to 1,809 in 2017.¹
• Approximately 4,000 Hoosiers have died from opioids in the last decade.¹
• An average of 2,960 annual deaths in Indiana are attributable to excessive alcohol use.²

Substance Use and Disorders

Substance use and disorders are prevalent in Indiana, with a significant portion of the population using various drugs. Here are some key statistics:

• In 2020, about 1.8% of Hoosiers reported using cocaine in the previous year, with 4.2% of young adults (18 to 25 years old) using cocaine during the same period.³
• The opioid dispensation rate in Indiana was 179.4 per 1,000 population in 2020.³
• About 3.3% of Hoosiers (12 years and older) reported misusing prescription pain relievers in the prior year.³

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

Alcohol Use and Related Issues

Alcohol use and related issues are significant concerns in Indiana, with a notable impact on underage drinking and alcohol use disorders. Consider these statistics:

• In 2018, the percentage of the population using alcohol in Indiana was lower than both the U.S. and the Midwest at 49.97%.⁴
• About 30% of students in 12th grade have consumed alcohol in the past month.⁴
• Indiana has the lowest population percentage reporting alcohol use disorder in the past month at 5% in 2018.⁴

Addressing alcohol-related issues through prevention and treatment is essential for improving public health in Indiana.

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Youth Substance Use

Substance use among young people in Indiana is a growing concern, with a focus on alcohol use. Here is a relevant statistic:

• Rates of past-month alcohol use were lower in 2022 compared to 2020 for all grades, with approximately 8.2% of 12th-grade students reporting binge drinking.⁵

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

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Drug Overdose Trends

Drug overdoses, particularly those involving opioids, have been on the rise in Indiana. Consider these troubling statistics:

• Drug overdoses in Indiana have nearly doubled since 2010, growing from 923 to 1,809 in 2017.¹
• Approximately 4,000 Hoosiers have died from opioids in the last decade.¹

The alarming increase in drug overdose deaths underscores the urgent need for comprehensive addiction prevention and treatment services.

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

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