Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Mississippi

Substance use disorders have posed ongoing challenges in Mississippi, where opioid overdoses, alcohol-related fatalities, and varying patterns of illicit drug consumption have shaped public health conversations. This article provides a detailed look at the most recent data and trends, covering everything from overdose deaths to youth drug exposures.

Over the last two decades, Mississippi has seen both declines and increases across different substances, with fentanyl-linked overdose spikes and persistent demographic disparities. By examining data on overall prevalence, age-specific behaviors, and urban–rural differences, we gain a clearer picture of the state’s evolving landscape of drug and alcohol use.

Key Findings at a Glance

Below are a few noteworthy statistics that highlight core challenges and trends.

• 787 total overdose deaths were recorded in Mississippi in 2021, with 69% involving opioids.
• High school students in Mississippi reported 11% binge drinking rates.
• 6.8% of youth ages 12–17 reported illicit drug use, slightly under the national average.
• Rural areas have higher methamphetamine prevalence, while urban counties see more deaths tied to cocaine and synthetic opioids.

These figures offer a starting point for deeper exploration. The sections below delve into specific substances, trends over time, and population-level details that shape Mississippi’s substance use profile.

Opioid Overdose Trends

Opioid-related issues remain critical in Mississippi, reflecting both prescription misuse and the ongoing fentanyl surge.

• Mississippi documented 787 overdose deaths in 2021, translating to an age-adjusted rate of 28.4 per 100,000 people.
• In 2021, opioids were involved in 69% of those overdose fatalities.
• Total overdose deaths fell to 622 by 2023, though fentanyl-related deaths rose by 14.73% from 2022 to 2023.
• Despite programs aimed at curbing opioid misuse, only 1,599 individuals received opioid-specific treatment in 2023.

Fentanyl, in particular, has contributed to rapid spikes in lethal overdoses, signaling heightened risk for younger populations and first-time users.

Although there was an overall decrease in fatalities between 2021 and 2023, the proportion of fentanyl-related cases remained concerningly high.

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Alcohol-Related Statistics

Alcohol use continues to be a leading contributor to preventable deaths in Mississippi, affecting both adult and youth populations.

• In 2020, 18.4% of adults in the state reported excessive alcohol consumption.
• An estimated 1,372 annual fatalities are tied to alcohol misuse each year in Mississippi.
• 11% of Mississippi high school students reported binge drinking behavior.

Young individuals are particularly vulnerable, highlighting the importance of understanding early patterns that can lead to chronic alcohol-related issues in adulthood.

These figures remain consistent over recent years, illustrating a need for continuous monitoring of alcohol abuse patterns across multiple age brackets.

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Illicit Drug Use Patterns

Illicit drug consumption covers substances ranging from marijuana to methamphetamine, each with its own unique trends among various age groups.

• 6.8% of Mississippi youth aged 12–17 reported illicit drug use in 2021, slightly lower than the national average.
• From 2001 to 2021, national averages of six tracked drug-related risk behaviors decreased, but in Mississippi, heroin, methamphetamine, and injection drug use did not follow the same downward trend.
• Youth in Mississippi were 1.5 times more likely to be offered drugs on school property compared to national peers.
• Methamphetamine-related issues in Mississippi have increased, particularly in rural areas where it contributes significantly to overdose rates.

The data underscores how the state’s youth remain at risk from multiple illicit substances, with methamphetamine and heroin showing persistently concerning usage patterns.

While illicit drug use overall may appear lower than in some states, specific substances continue to drive local challenges.

Demographic Disparities

Substance use patterns often vary based on race, ethnicity, and gender, shaping targeted approaches to intervention and research.

• Black adolescents in Mississippi reported 5.8% heroin use, while Hispanic adolescents reported 8.9%, compared to 1.7% nationally.
• Methamphetamine use among Black and Hispanic youth stood at 5.4% and 10.7% respectively, outpacing national rates of 2.3%.
• Among White students, heroin use did not significantly differ from national averages.
• Overall, the illicit drug use disorder rate in Mississippi averaged 2.5% in 2015–2017, below the national average of 2.8%.

These discrepancies underscore the need to understand how certain substances disproportionately affect communities within the same state.

Racial and ethnic variables remain influential in shaping specific intervention outcomes, particularly in school settings and local communities.

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Urban vs. Rural Overdose Variation

Geographic location frequently determines which substances dominate overdose statistics, especially in a state known for its rural expanses and a handful of urban centers.

• Male overdose mortality rates were 40.4 per 100,000 in urban counties, compared to 34.1 per 100,000 in rural areas.
• Female overdose mortality showed a slight contrast, with 17.0 per 100,000 in urban counties versus 17.9 per 100,000 in rural ones.
• Cocaine and synthetic opioids are more prominent in urban overdoses, whereas methamphetamine sees higher rates of usage in rural regions.
• Overall, Mississippi’s illicit drug use disorder remained 5.0%, lower than the regional average of 6.6% and the national average of 7.2%.

Location-based differences reflect unique socioeconomic factors, prescribing patterns, and drug trafficking routes across the state’s varying landscapes.

Although rural areas typically see fewer overdoses overall, higher methamphetamine misuse can still present significant public health burdens.

Key Statistics Summary

• Overdose fatalities dropped from 787 in 2021 to 622 in 2023
• Fentanyl-related deaths rose by 14.73% over one year (2022–2023)
• Adolescents are 1.5 times more likely to face drug offers on school property
• Black and Hispanic teens exceeded national averages in heroin and meth use
• Opioid-specific treatment reached 1,599 individuals in 2023

In reviewing these recent statistics, Mississippi’s substance use challenges stand out in opioid misuse, ongoing alcohol abuse, and significant racial and geographic disparities. Yet, overall statewide drug use disorder rates are slightly lower than national averages, reflecting a nuanced profile that continues to evolve year by year.

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