Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Nebraska
In This Article
Nebraska’s substance use profile has undergone many changes in recent years, affecting individuals across all ages and demographics. This article provides a data-focused look at how alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other illicit substances are used in the state, highlighting key numbers and trends that shape Nebraska’s public health landscape.
From high binge-drinking rates among young adults to increased treatment admissions for methamphetamine use among older populations, these statistics illustrate shifting patterns that stand out even compared to surrounding Midwestern states. The data below explores notable fluctuations in use rates, economic impacts, and age-related disparities without engaging in policy discussions or long-term recommendations.
Below are a few immediate takeaways demonstrating the scope of Nebraska’s substance use issues:
- 59.5% of Nebraska adults engaged in current alcohol use in 2019
- 64% surge in alcohol-attributable deaths reported in 2020
- 17.1% of high school students used electronic vapor products in 2020
- 556% increase in meth-related treatment admissions among adults 50+ from 2008 to 2018
The following sections explore these issues in greater detail. Each section begins with a brief statement of relevance, followed by concise data points and supportive tables that highlight Nebraska’s current substance use environment.
Alcohol Use in Nebraska
Understanding alcohol use statistics provides context for broader health and social outcomes across Nebraska communities.
- 59.5% of adults reported current alcohol use in 2019
- 41.2% of young adults (18–25) engaged in binge drinking in 2019
- Females in high school reported 24.7% current use, compared to 17.4% among males
- Alcohol-attributable deaths rose by 64% in 2020
- Annual costs linked to excessive alcohol use reached $1.2 billion
A modest decline in excessive alcohol consumption was seen recently, with a drop from 20.3% in 2022 to 19.9% in 2023, though levels remain relatively high compared to other states in the region. Below is a simplified table showing key alcohol use metrics over time.
| Year | Adult Current Use (%) | Binge Drinking (18-25) (%) | Excessive Use (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 59.5 | 41.2 | 20.3 |
| 2020 | 58.9 | 39.8 | 20.1 |
| 2023 | -- | -- | 19.9 |
These figures continue to reflect Nebraska’s consistently higher alcohol use rates compared to national averages.
Tobacco and Nicotine Trends
Nebraska has seen declines in cigarette smoking but faces emerging challenges with vaping among younger populations.
- Cigarette smoking among adults fell from 20.3% in 2011 to 15.8% in 2020
- 17.1% of high school students reported using electronic vapor products in 2020
- Smoking accounted for an estimated 90% of lung cancer deaths in Nebraska
- Smoking-related healthcare costs were about $795 million in 2020
Below is a simple snapshot illustrating Nebraska’s tobacco usage rate changes over a recent 10-year span, highlighting both traditional cigarettes and vaping products.
| Year | Adult Smoking (%) | HS Vaping (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 20.3 | -- |
| 2015 | 17.9 | -- |
| 2020 | 15.8 | 17.1 |
While cigarette usage has steadily declined among adults, rising vapor product adoption underscores how nicotine use patterns continue to shift among younger demographics.
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Cannabis Use Across Age Groups
Marijuana has gained increased acceptance in many parts of the country, and Nebraska reflects similar trends in usage and perceived risk.
- 11.6% of high school students reported current marijuana use in 2019
- 21.2% of young adults (18–25) indicated current use in the same year
- Among adults 26 and older, 6.4% reported using marijuana
- Only 19.8% saw monthly marijuana use as high-risk, while 69.2% considered cocaine to be high-risk
- Around 5.6% of young adults reported driving under marijuana’s influence
The table below outlines the changes in reported cannabis use among different Nebraska age groups in 2019, helping illustrate age-based nuances in consumption patterns.
| Age Group | Current Marijuana Use (%) | Perceived High-Risk (%) |
|---|---|---|
| High School | 11.6 | -- |
| 18–25 | 21.2 | -- |
| 26+ | 6.4 | 19.8 |
Decreasing risk perception, especially among young adults, correlates with stable or rising marijuana use prevalence in multiple Nebraska communities.
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Illicit Drug Patterns
Nebraska has seen varying trends in the use of illicit substances, particularly methamphetamine and opioids, with significant demographic shifts.
- Meth-related treatment admissions soared 556% among adults aged 50+ from 2008 to 2018
- Overdose deaths involving meth climbed to 2.7 per 100,000 in 2019
- Adult meth usage estimates ranged from 0.28% to 1.16% in 2018–2019
- From 2019 to 2020, overall opioid overdose deaths increased by 39.7%
- 43% of 2020 overdose fatalities involved opioids, often synthetic variants
- Nebraska’s opioid prescribing rate stood at 56.6 per 100 residents in 2017, lower than many neighboring states
To highlight demographic and mortality details, the next table breaks down recent meth and opioid overdose data, underscoring Nebraska’s continued challenges with these substances.
| Substance | Overdose Deaths (2019) per 100,000 | Overdose Deaths (2020) per 100,000 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Methamphetamine | 2.7 | -- | -- |
| Opioids | -- | Approximately 3.8 | +39.7 |
Though numbers remain somewhat lower than in other regions, the upward trajectory of meth and opioid-related harm remains a pressing concern throughout the state.
Key Statistics Summary
- Alcohol use among adults stood at nearly 59.5% in recent measurements
- Excessive alcohol use costs reached $1.2 billion statewide
- Vaping rates of 17.1% among high school students reveal the shifting nicotine landscape
- Meth-related admissions rose by over 500% in older adults
- Opioid-involved deaths jumped by nearly 40% in a single year
Overall, Nebraska’s drug and alcohol statistics show elevated alcohol consumption, evolving nicotine habits, increased marijuana use among young adults, and a growing concern over meth and opioid overdose fatalities. By examining these figures, stakeholders gain a clearer picture of where the heaviest burdens fall across the state’s population.
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Related Articles
- 2020 Nebraska State Epidemiological Profile. Nebraska Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2020.
- SER 2020. Nebraska Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2020.
- 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Survey for South Dakota: Alcohol Use. South Dakota Dept. of Health, 2021.
- Southwest Nebraska. Nebraska Crime Commission, year unknown.
- Study Shows Meth Usage on the Rise in Nebraska. University of Nebraska-Lincoln, year unknown.
- Expanding Access to Naloxone. National Center for Biotechnology Information, year unknown.
- National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Nebraska 2020. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, year unknown.
- National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Nebraska 2021. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, year unknown.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption and Binge Drinking Trends in the United States. SHADAC, year unknown.
