Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Montana

Montana 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, alcohol use and related issues, the opioid crisis, youth substance use, and additional challenges in Montana, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.

• Montana’s opioid overdose death rate almost tripled from 2.7 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2017-2018 to 7.3 in 2019-2020.¹
• Montana ranks 4th for the highest percentage of teenage drug users.²
• Nearly 200 people in Montana died due to drug overdoses in 2021, with fentanyl use driving a spike in overdose deaths.³

Substance Use and Disorders

Substance use disorders are prevalent in Montana, with rates higher than both regional and national averages in some areas. Here are some key statistics:

• From 2017 to 2019, the annual average rate of past-month illicit drug use was 13.3%, higher than both the regional (8.3%) and national averages (8.2%).⁴
• During the same period, the annual average rate of past-year heroin use was 0.29%, similar to both the regional (0.27%) and national averages (0.30%).⁴
• The annual average rate of past-year substance use disorder was 10.1%, higher than the national average (7.4%) from 2017 to 2019.⁴
• The annual average rate of illicit drug use disorder among young adults was 8.2%, similar to the regional average (9.7%) and the national average (7.5%) during the same period.⁴
• From 2017 to 2019, the annual average rate of marijuana use disorder was 5.5%, similar to both the regional (6.9%) and national averages (5.6%).⁴

These numbers demonstrate the widespread nature of substance use issues in Montana, particularly among young adults.

Alcohol Use and Related Issues

Alcohol use and related issues are significant concerns among high school students in Montana. Consider this statistic:

• One in three high school students reported alcohol use in the last month; over 50% of students who reported alcohol use also engaged in binge drinking.⁵

Addressing alcohol-related issues through prevention and education efforts is crucial for promoting healthy behaviors among youth in Montana.

Sponsored

Online Therapy Can Help

Over 3 million people use BetterHelp. Their services are:

• Professional and effective
• Affordable and convenient
• Personalized and discreet
• Easy to start

Find a Therapist

Answer a few questions to get started

Opioid Crisis and Overdose Deaths

The opioid epidemic has hit Montana particularly hard, with a significant increase in opioid overdose deaths in recent years. Here is a troubling statistic:

• Montana’s opioid overdose death rate almost tripled from 2.7 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2017-2018 to 7.3 in 2019-2020.¹

The alarming rise in opioid-related deaths underscores the urgent need to address this crisis through comprehensive prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies.

Sponsored

Get Professional Help

BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor.

Find a Therapist

Answer a few questions to get started

Youth Substance Use

Substance use among young people in Montana is a growing concern. Here is a relevant statistic:

• During the past 30 days, 19.7 percent of Montana high school students reported alcohol use in 2021.⁶

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

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

Sponsored

Get matched with an affordable mental health counselor

Find a Therapist

Answer a few questions to get started