Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for North Dakota

North Dakota has been grappling with the devastating effects of drug and alcohol addiction for years. The state has seen concerning rates of substance use disorders, particularly involving opioids and alcohol, and high rates of overdose deaths in certain counties. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of drug and alcohol use in North Dakota, highlighting the most shocking statistics and the challenges faced in prevention and treatment efforts.

• Sioux, Mountrail, and Benson Counties have the highest rates of overdose deaths in North Dakota since 2019, with over 2x the state overdose death rate.
• North Dakota is consistently in the top five states for alcohol consumption, with 47% of all motor vehicle-related deaths involving alcohol.
• North Dakota ranks 4th in the nation for binge alcohol consumption.

Substance Use and Disorders

North Dakota’s data booklets provide valuable insights into substance use and behavioral health, helping to guide prevention efforts in the state¹.

• In North Dakota, 19.7 deaths related directly to alcohol were reported for every 100,000 people².

Opioid Crisis and Overdose Deaths

The opioid crisis has hit North Dakota particularly hard, with certain counties experiencing significantly higher rates of overdose deaths. Sioux, Mountrail, and Benson Counties have the highest rates of overdose deaths in North Dakota since 2019, with over 2x the state overdose death rate³.

• Fentanyl-involved overdose deaths have risen significantly since 2019 to as high as 1.19 per 10,000 in 2022³.

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Alcohol Use and Related Issues

Alcohol use and related issues are significant concerns in North Dakota, with the state consistently ranking among the top in the nation for alcohol consumption. North Dakota is consistently in the top five states for alcohol consumption⁴.

• 47% of all motor vehicle-related deaths in North Dakota involve alcohol⁴.
• North Dakota ranks 4th in the nation for binge alcohol consumption⁵.

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Youth Substance Use

Youth substance use is a growing concern in North Dakota, with alcohol being the most commonly used substance among youth in the U.S. Nationally, 3,900 youth under 21 die from excessive drinking each year⁶.

The drug and alcohol crisis in North Dakota has far-reaching consequences, affecting individuals, families, and communities across the state. By understanding the scope of the problem and the specific challenges faced, policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations can work together to develop targeted interventions and support systems. With a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, treatment, and recovery services, North Dakota can make strides in addressing this public health emergency and saving lives.

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