Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Nevada

Nevada 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 Nevada, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.

• Approximately 75% of drug overdose deaths in Nevada involved at least one opioid; 66% of deaths involved synthetic opioids in 2021.¹
• Compared to the rest of the United States, Nevada’s youth have significantly higher rates overall in illicit drug use, marijuana use, and non-medical use of pain relievers.²
• Of the Clark County residents that died from opioid-related deaths, 653 (46 percent) died from fentanyl.³

Substance Use and Disorders

Substance use disorders are prevalent in Nevada, with rates higher than the national average in some areas. Here are some key statistics:

• Approximately 9.7% of Nevada residents reported past-month use of illicit drugs, higher than the national average of 8.82%.⁴
• In 2009, Nevada had a significantly higher rate of drug-induced deaths than the national average, with 555 persons dying as a direct consequence of drug use.⁴
• Stimulants, including methamphetamine, were the most commonly cited drugs among primary drug treatment admissions in Nevada.⁴

These numbers demonstrate the widespread nature of substance use issues in Nevada and the need for effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Alcohol Use and Related Issues

Alcohol use and related issues are significant concerns in Nevada, with death rates from alcohol-related causes increasing significantly in recent years. Consider this statistic:

• Death rates from alcohol-related causes increased significantly between 2000 and 2019, with an estimated 140,000 people dying every year from alcohol-related causes.⁵

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

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Opioid Crisis and Overdose Deaths

The opioid epidemic has hit Nevada particularly hard, with a high number of overdose deaths involving opioids. Here is a relevant statistic:

• The Overdose Data to Action Program supports the state in getting high-quality, comprehensive, and timelier data on opioid prescribing and mortality.⁶

Improving data collection and analysis is essential for developing effective strategies to address the opioid crisis in Nevada.

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Youth Substance Use

Substance use among young people in Nevada is a growing concern, with rates higher than the national average in some areas. Here is a troubling statistic:

• Compared to the rest of the United States, Nevada’s youth have significantly higher rates overall in illicit drug use, marijuana use, and non-medical use of pain relievers.²

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

The statistics presented in this article paint a grim picture of the drug and alcohol addiction landscape in Nevada. From the high rates of substance use disorders 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, Nevada can work towards a healthier, more resilient future for all its residents.

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