Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Maine

Maine 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 overdose deaths, substance use disorders, opioid-related issues, alcohol use and related problems, and additional challenges in Maine, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.

• In 2022, Maine recorded 2,135 overdose deaths, marking a decrease from 2,250 in 2021.¹
• Fentanyl by itself was responsible for 373 of 480 overdose deaths, or 78%, in 2023.²
• Research indicates that youth in Maine are 47.44% more likely to have used drugs in the last month compared to national rates.³

Overdose Deaths

Overdose deaths have been a significant issue in Maine, although there was a slight decrease in 2022 compared to the previous year. Here are some key statistics:

• In Jefferson County, 505 residents died from an overdose in 2022, down from 572 in 2021.¹
• The age group 35-44 had the highest number of overdose deaths in 2022, with 643 deaths.¹

While the slight decrease in overdose deaths is encouraging, the numbers remain alarmingly high, underscoring the need for continued efforts to address the addiction crisis.

Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders are prevalent in Maine, affecting various age groups. Here are some relevant statistics:

• From 2017 to 2019, the annual average rate of opioid use disorder was 1.3% among people aged 12 or older.⁴
• During the same period, the annual average rate of illicit drug use disorder was 3.3% among people aged 12 or older.⁴
• The annual average rate of illicit drug use among youth aged 12–17 was 5.8% from 2017 to 2019.⁴

These numbers demonstrate the widespread nature of substance use issues across age groups in Maine.

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Opioid-Related Statistics

The opioid epidemic has hit Maine particularly hard, with a significant increase in overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids and stimulants. Consider these troubling statistics:

• Synthetic opioid poisoning deaths increased from 307 in 2019 to 1,177 in 2021.⁵
• Stimulant-involved deaths rose from 372 in 2019 to 927 in 2021.⁵

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 Maine, contributing to numerous deaths and driving fatalities. Here are some relevant statistics:

• From 2016 to 2020, 31.2% of all driving deaths in Maine involved alcohol.⁶
• An average of 2,278 annual deaths in Maine are attributable to excessive alcohol use.⁷

Addressing alcohol-related issues through prevention, treatment, and policy changes is crucial for improving public health and safety in Maine.

Fentanyl-Related Overdose Deaths

Fentanyl has been a major contributor to the overdose crisis in Maine, accounting for a significant proportion of deaths. Here is a key statistic:

• Fentanyl by itself was responsible for 373 of 480 overdose deaths, or 78%, in 2023.²

The high percentage of fentanyl-related deaths highlights the need for targeted interventions to prevent and treat opioid addiction.

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Community and Prevention

Community-based prevention efforts are crucial for addressing substance use issues among youth in Maine. Here is a relevant statistic:

• Research indicates that youth in Maine are 47.44% more likely to have used drugs in the last month compared to national rates.³

Investing in evidence-based prevention programs and promoting community engagement can help reduce substance use among young people in Maine.

Treatment and Recovery

Access to quality treatment and recovery services is essential for addressing substance use disorders in Maine. Here is a relevant statistic:

• It is estimated that 8.64% of Mainers above the age of twelve suffer from substance-use disorder.⁴

Expanding access to effective treatment and support for long-term recovery is crucial for helping individuals and communities affected by addiction in Maine.

The statistics presented in this article paint a grim picture of the drug and alcohol addiction landscape in Maine. From the high rates of overdose deaths and the devastating impact of the opioid crisis 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, Maine can work towards a healthier, more resilient future for all its residents.

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