Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Montana

Montana has long grappled with high rates of drug and alcohol misuse, shaped by rural healthcare access challenges, evolving drug markets, and socioeconomic disparities. Over the past two decades, the state’s substance use data reveals distinct patterns that underscore the scope of the problem.

This article offers a comprehensive look at the numbers behind Montana’s drug and alcohol trends. By focusing on statistics that highlight the extent, growth, and impact of substance misuse, readers can gain a clear, data-driven perspective on these public health concerns.

Key Statistics

• 13.3% of Montana residents reported past-month illicit drug use in a recent survey period, compared to 8.2% nationally.
• 63% of adults in Montana report current alcohol use, with 35% admitting to binge drinking.
• Opioid overdose deaths nearly tripled in Montana from 2.7 per 100,000 in 2017–2018 to 7.3 by 2019–2020.
• Methamphetamine violations in Montana rose by 44% between 2014 and 2018.

These figures illustrate the scope of substance misuse across age groups and substances in Montana. Below, each category is broken down further to demonstrate how profoundly these issues affect various communities.

Illicit Drug Use Trends

Understanding overall illicit drug use rates in Montana highlights its ongoing challenges with substances like methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana.

• Methamphetamine-related violations increased by 44% between 2014 and 2018.
• Heroin-related arrests surged by 1,557% from 2010 to 2015.
• Past-month illicit drug use stood at 13.3% in Montana compared to 8.2% nationwide, underscoring a persistent high rate.
• In certain periods, Montana ranked among the top 10 nationally for past-month marijuana use among individuals aged 12 and older.

These statistics underscore the widespread nature of illicit substance use, prompting concerns about public health and community safety.

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Alcohol Consumption Patterns

Alcohol consumption in Montana consistently ranks among the highest in the nation, reflected in both adult and youth drinking behaviors.

• 63% of Montana adults reported current alcohol use, versus 55% nationally.
• 35% of adults in Montana reported binge drinking during the same survey window.
• Alcohol-induced deaths in the state jumped by 75% from 2000–2004 to 2015–2019.
• Montana once recorded the nation’s highest alcohol-attributable death rate at 37.7 per 100,000.

These high consumption rates have translated into increased healthcare costs, more emergency room visits, and extensive loss of life.

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Opioid Overdose Patterns

Montana’s opioid situation has shifted from prescription pain relievers to synthetic opioids like fentanyl, with overdose deaths climbing significantly.

• Opioid prescriptions once peaked at 89 prescriptions per 100 residents.
• Enhanced monitoring reduced prescription rates by 35% by 2018.
• Opioid overdose deaths nearly tripled, rising from 2.7 to 7.3 per 100,000 between 2017–2018 and 2019–2020.
• By 2023, synthetic opioids were linked to 63% of drug poisoning deaths.

This transition reveals how decreased access to prescription opioids has been followed by increased illicit opioid use, particularly fentanyl.

Youth Substance Use

Monitoring substance use among adolescents offers insights into future public health needs and potential areas for early intervention.

• High school students reporting past-month alcohol use fell from 39% in 2011 to 31% in 2021.
• Despite declines, youth binge drinking rates in Montana remain 22% higher than national levels.
• Perceived risk of regular marijuana use decreased to 33%, one of the lowest rates nationwide.
• Non-medical use of prescription pain relievers affected 16% of high school students at one point.

This data indicates that while youth alcohol consumption has improved, marijuana and prescription drug misuse remain pressing concerns.

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Demographic Disparities

Substance use in Montana varies by region, age, and race, highlighting specific segments of the population experiencing especially high burdens.

• AI/AN communities face overdose death rates of 52.5 per 100,000, triple the state average.
• Rural counties saw a 92% increase in alcohol-related mortality from 2000–2019.
• Adults aged 25–44 witnessed a 114% increase in alcohol-induced deaths between 2000 and 2019.
• Males account for 70% of drug overdose deaths in Montana, with rates doubling between 2014 and 2023.

These differences point to distinct risk factors and underscore the importance of addressing structural inequities in healthcare access.

Healthcare and Criminal Justice Impact

Drug and alcohol misuse in Montana creates significant strain on both healthcare systems and the criminal justice sector.

• Substance use contributed to 110,000 ER visits and $796 million in costs from 2010–2014.
• Alcohol alone was responsible for 12,435 ER visits in 2020 statewide.
• Drug possession remains the most common felony offense, comprising 40% of Montana’s felony convictions.
• Over 63% of individuals leaving prison relapse without medication-assisted treatment.

These findings demonstrate how substance use reverberates through hospitals, courts, and correctional institutions.

Key Statistics Summary

• Methamphetamine violations rose 44% between 2014 and 2018.
• Opioid overdose deaths jumped from 2.7 to 7.3 per 100,000 in just a few years.
• Alcohol-induced deaths in Montana increased by 75% over a 15-year span.
• AI/AN overdose rates stand at 52.5 per 100,000, far above the state’s average.
• Substance use drove $796 million in ER costs from 2010 to 2014.

The statistical picture of Montana’s substance use challenges underscores how critical and wide-ranging these issues remain. Whether it is rising methamphetamine violations, persistent alcohol misuse, or rapidly evolving opioid trends, the data highlights the ongoing need for continued attention to drug and alcohol trends across all communities.

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