Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Louisiana
In This Article
Louisiana 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 substance use disorders, the opioid crisis, overdose deaths, alcohol use and related issues, and additional challenges in Louisiana, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.
- Synthetic opioid poisoning deaths in Louisiana increased from 307 in 2019 to 1,177 in 2021.1
- Stimulant-involved deaths rose from 372 in 2019 to 927 in 2021.1
- In 2021, there were 2,711 drug-involved deaths in Louisiana.1
Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD)
Substance use disorders and alcohol use disorders are prevalent in Louisiana, affecting various age groups. Here are some key statistics:
- From 2017 to 2019, the annual average rate of illicit drug use disorder among people aged 12 or older was 3.0%.2
- During the same period, the annual average rate of illicit drug use among youth aged 12–17 was 5.8%.2
- The annual average rate of illicit drug use disorder among young adults aged 18–25 was 6.2% from 2017 to 2019.2
- The annual average rate of substance use disorder among young adults was 13.2% during the same period.2
- From 2017 to 2019, the annual average rate of past-year marijuana use was 28.6%.2
These numbers demonstrate the widespread nature of substance use issues across age groups in Louisiana.
Opioid Crisis and Overdose Deaths
The opioid epidemic has hit Louisiana particularly hard, with a significant increase in overdose deaths in recent years. Consider these troubling statistics:
- Louisiana experienced a statistically significant 14.7% increase in the drug overdose death rate from 2015 to 2016.3
The alarming rise in opioid-related deaths underscores the urgent need to address this crisis through comprehensive prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies.
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Alcohol Use and Related Issues
Alcohol use and related issues are significant concerns in Louisiana, contributing to numerous deaths and driving fatalities. Here are some relevant statistics:
- From 2016 to 2020, 31.2% of all driving deaths in Louisiana involved alcohol.4
- 18.1% of adults over 18 in Louisiana binge drink at least once per month.5
- An average of 2,278 annual deaths in Louisiana are attributable to excessive alcohol use.5
Addressing alcohol-related issues through prevention, treatment, and policy changes is crucial for improving public health and safety in Louisiana.
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Additional Statistics
Here are some additional statistics related to substance use and addiction in Louisiana:
- Approximately 10% of Louisiana residents have a diagnosable alcohol use disorder.6
- Around 7% of residents reported past-month use of illicit drugs.7
- Louisiana had a drug overdose mortality rate of 55.9 deaths per 100,000 population.8
- 23,000 or 6.35% of 12- to 17-year-olds in Louisiana reported using drugs in the last month.9
The statistics presented in this article paint a grim picture of the drug and alcohol addiction landscape in Louisiana. From the devastating impact of the opioid crisis and the high rates of alcohol-related deaths to the concerning levels of substance use disorders among various age groups, 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, Louisiana can work towards a healthier, more resilient future for all its residents.
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Related Articles
- “Operation Engage New Orleans.” Drug Enforcement Administration, accessed 2023.
- “Behavioral Health Barometer: Louisiana, Volume 6.” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2020.
- “Louisiana Targets Prescription Drug Abuse with the Help of NSSP.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018.
- “This is how alcohol consumption in Louisiana compares to other states.” New Orleans CityBusiness, 2023.
- “Alcohol Abuse Statistics.” Drug Abuse Statistics, accessed 2023.
- “Preventing Abuse, Treating Addiction in Louisiana and Beyond.” LSU Health Foundation, accessed 2023.
- “Louisiana Substance Abuse Statistics.” Recovery Connection, accessed 2023.
- “Drug Overdose Mortality by State.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021.
- “Teen Drug Use Statistics.” Drug Abuse Statistics, accessed 2023.
