Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Ohio

Ohio has been grappling with the devastating effects of drug and alcohol addiction for years. The state has seen alarming rates of opioid addiction, alcohol use disorders, and drug overdose deaths. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of drug and alcohol use in Ohio, highlighting the most shocking statistics and the challenges faced in treatment and recovery.

• Ohio’s opioid addiction rate is twice the national average at 1.4% of the state’s population.
• Ohio’s drug overdose death rate was 47.2 per 100,000 in 2020, well above the national average of 28.3.
• Alcohol abuse kills more people than opioid overdoses in Ohio, with nearly 20% of adults over 18 being considered binge drinkers.

Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD)

From 2015 to 2019, Ohio’s opioid addiction rate was twice the national average at 1.4% of the state’s population¹.

• Nearly 503,000 Ohio residents struggle with an alcohol use disorder each year, accounting for nearly 5.1% of the population¹.
• In 2019, 10.1% of young adults aged 18 to 25 had an alcohol use disorder in the last year, and 38.9% engaged in binge alcohol use¹.

Opioid Crisis and Overdose Deaths

In 2020, Ohio’s drug overdose death rate was 47.2 per 100,000, well above the national average of 28.3¹.

• Opioid overdose deaths rose from 29.9 per 100,000 residents in 2015 to 47.2 in 2020¹.

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Youth Substance Use

Youth substance use is a growing concern in Ohio. From 2015 to 2016, 12.0% of youth aged 12-17 used marijuana in the past year, and 3.8% misused pain relievers².

• During the same period, 4.3% of youth aged 12-17 had a substance use disorder in the past year².

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Alcohol-Related Issues

Alcohol abuse is a significant problem in Ohio, with devastating consequences. Alcohol abuse kills more people than opioid overdoses in Ohio, with nearly 20% of adults over 18 being considered binge drinkers³.

The drug and alcohol crisis in Ohio 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, Ohio can make strides in addressing this public health emergency and saving lives.

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