Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Kansas
In This Article
The landscape of drug and alcohol use in Kansas has shifted dramatically over the past two decades, driven by evolving substance availability, changing demographics, and broader national trends. These changes have spurred extensive data collection efforts, revealing critical insights into overdose rates, treatment admissions, and regional disparities.
Below, we present key findings in an easily referenced format. This article focuses on up-to-date statistics related to opioid misuse, methamphetamine resurgence, alcohol consumption patterns, and demographic factors affecting substance use in Kansas.
Key Statistics at a Glance
- 210% rise in overall drug overdose deaths since 2018.
- Methamphetamine-related treatment admissions quadrupled since the early 2000s.
- Prescription opioid prescribing rates dropped by 23% between 2011 and 2017.
- Alcohol remains the most frequently cited substance in treatment admissions, though its share declined from 67% in 2006 to 35.8% in 2019.
These figures set the tone for understanding how substance use has evolved in Kansas. The sections that follow break down each major substance category, along with demographic insights and notable trends over time.
Opioid and Overdose Data
Opioid misuse in Kansas initially lagged behind national surges, but overdose statistics eventually caught up as synthetic opioids like fentanyl became more accessible.
- Overdose deaths reached 754 in 2022, with fentanyl involved in 56% of these cases.
- Prescription opioid misuse peaked between 2011 and 2015, during which statewide prescribing rates fell from 88 prescriptions per 100 persons to 69.8.
- Kansas’ 2017 opioid mortality rate of 5.1 per 100,000 was roughly one-third the national average at the time.
- An estimated 42% overdose surge occurred between 2020 and 2022, from 477 to 738 reported deaths.
Although Kansas has historically shown lower opioid mortality rates compared to other parts of the country, recent data points to rapidly shifting patterns fueled by illicit synthetic opioids. The table below summarizes selected opioid and overdose trends:
| Year | Opioid Overdose Deaths | Primary Synthetic Opioid (Fentanyl) Involvement |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Approx. 300 | ~20% |
| 2020 | 477 | ~40% |
| 2022 | 754 | 56% |
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Methamphetamine Statistics
Methamphetamine use in Kansas experienced a resurgence, with low-cost supply chains replacing older, local production labs.
- Meth accounted for 32% of drug overdose deaths in 2022 statewide.
- Lab seizures in Kansas increased by 43% between 2007 and 2009, though more recent supply stems largely from outside the state.
- Treatment admissions for meth rose from 1,819 in 2008 to 2,059 in 2009 and have continued to climb.
- Neighboring Missouri saw meth-related fatalities plateau sooner due to stronger precursor chemical regulations.
While meth-related deaths are on the rise, the evolving nature of supply lines and widespread fentanyl contamination underscores the complexity of stimulant use in Kansas. Below is a comparison of methamphetamine prevalence and overdose contributions over time:
| Period | Meth Lab Seizures (Annual % Increase) | Meth-Related Overdose Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2007–2009 | +43% | ~20% |
| 2015–2017 | Lower Seizures (Import > Local Labs) | 25% |
| 2022 | Minimal Lab Activity | 32% |
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Alcohol Use Trends
Alcohol remains the most commonly cited substance in treatment admissions, though its share has steadily declined as other drugs grow in prevalence.
- In 2006, 67% of all SUD treatment admissions involved alcohol; by 2019, that figure dropped to 35.8%.
- Roughly 7.7% of adults reported heavy drinking, based on statewide surveys in 2016.
- Among young adults (ages 18–25), 20.7% met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
- Youth alcohol consumption (ages 12–17) sat at 7.0% past-month use in 2022, matching the national median.
Though alcohol remains a primary concern, statewide data indicate a long-term decrease in treatment demand for alcohol-related issues. The table below illustrates the progression:
| Year | % of SUD Admissions for Alcohol | Heavy Drinking Among Adults |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 67% | ~8% |
| 2019 | 35.8% | 7.7% |
| 2022 | 35-36% (Estimated) | ~7-8% |
Demographic Insights
Substance use in Kansas varies notably by age, region, and race, highlighting key areas of concern for public health and treatment access.
- Youth (12–17) marijuana use rose from 5.0% (2018–2019) to 6.19% (2020), while illicit drug use (excluding marijuana) grew from 2.03% to 3.73%.
- Adults (26–49) accounted for 63% of opioid overdoses and 71% of meth-related treatment admissions in 2022.
- Prescription opioid misuse among seniors (65+) increased 18% between 2015 and 2020.
- Native American communities in Kansas experienced overdose mortality rates 3.2 times higher than white populations.
- Men accounted for 78% of meth admissions, whereas women reported higher prescription sedative and opioid misuse rates.
Demographic trends underscore the need for targeted strategies that reflect unique age-specific and culturally nuanced patterns. Below is an at-a-glance table of key demographic details:
| Demographic Group | Key Substance Concern | Notable Statistic |
|---|---|---|
| Youth (12–17) | Marijuana | 6.19% Past-Month Use (2020) |
| Adults (26–49) | Opioids & Meth | 63% of Opioid ODs; 71% of Meth Admissions |
| Seniors (65+) | Prescription Opioids | 18% Misuse Increase (2015–2020) |
| Native American | All Substances | 3.2× Higher Overdose Mortality (vs. White) |
| Men vs. Women | Meth vs. Sedatives/Opioids | Men: 78% Meth; Women: 19.3% Opioid Misuse Rate |
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Key Statistics Summary
- Statewide drug overdose deaths increased by 210% since 2018.
- 56% of Kansas’ overdose deaths in 2022 involved synthetic opioids.
- Meth-related treatment admissions have quadrupled since the early 2000s.
- Alcohol use claims a 35-36% share of substance treatment admissions, down from 67% in 2006.
- Youth marijuana use rose to 6.19% past-month consumption, up from 5.0%.
Across Kansas, the data reveal significant shifts in substance use patterns, highlighting rising synthetic opioid involvement, a lingering methamphetamine epidemic, and consistent but gradually declining alcohol-related admissions. Demographic breakdowns show diverse challenges by age, geography, and gender, emphasizing the need for data-informed approaches that recognize Kansas’ unique circumstances.
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Related Articles
- CDC: Kansas Injury Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023.
- KDHE: Overdose Reports & Resources. Kansas Department of Health and Environment, 2022.
- NIDA: Kansas Opioid Summary. National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2022.
- SAMHSA: Kansas Behavioral Health Barometer. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2021.
- USAFacts: Kansas Overdose Data. USAFacts, 2023.
- US Justice Dept: Methamphetamine in Kansas. US Department of Justice, 2019.
