Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Ohio

Ohio has experienced significant changes in substance use patterns over the past two decades, with many counties reporting some of the highest drug and alcohol use rates in the nation. This article consolidates a variety of recent statistics to help readers better understand the scope and prevalence of substance use disorders across the state.

From the sharp rise in opioid-related deaths fueled by synthetic compounds to notable increases in binge drinking among specific age groups, the available data paints a complex picture. Below, we explore multiple facets of Ohio’s substance use landscape by focusing on measurable statistics, trends, and demographic factors.

Key Statistics

Here are a few data points that highlight the current status of substance use in Ohio:

• 45.6 per 100,000 overdose death rate in 2022, compared to the national average of 31.3
• 1.4% of Ohio’s population affected by opioid addiction—twice the national average
• 503,000 residents (5.1%) living with alcohol use disorder
• 5,739 annual deaths attributed to excessive alcohol use

These numbers offer only a glimpse into the broader trends. Below, we delve deeper into each category of substance use, presenting key findings in tables and bullet points to make the information easily accessible.

Opioid Addiction Trends

Understanding opioids’ impact on local communities is critical for gauging the severity of substance use challenges in Ohio.

• In 2017, providers wrote 53.5 opioid prescriptions per 100 residents, exceeding the national average
• Between 2015 and 2019, there was a 40% increase in opioid addiction rates
• 1.4% of Ohio’s population had an opioid use disorder—twice the national prevalence
• Overdose deaths reached 5,174 in 2020, with illicit fentanyl involved in 81% of cases
• From 2022 to 2023, unintentional overdose deaths fell by 9%, outpacing the national decline
• Fentanyl remained implicated in 78% of overdose fatalities during the same period
• Heroin-related deaths dropped 43% between 2021 and 2022, while cocaine-related deaths rose 7% in 2023

These figures underscore a complex and evolving opioid landscape—characterized by both progress in reducing prescription opioid misuse and emerging threats from synthetic opioids. Below is a table summarizing a few notable opioid-related data points.

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Alcohol Abuse in Ohio

Alcohol remains a significant concern statewide, with statistics indicating a persistent pattern of excessive drinking and associated health risks.

• About 5.1% of Ohio’s residents have an alcohol use disorder, totaling roughly 503,000 individuals
• Statewide binge drinking rates stand at 27%, higher than the U.S. average
• Among young adults (18–25), 38.9% report binge drinking, consuming a median of 5.7 drinks per episode
• Excessive alcohol use leads to 5,739 annual deaths in Ohio, with males accounting for 54.8% of fatalities
• Alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents are 17% above the national average

Underage consumption remains a concern, especially in Appalachian counties, where elevated rates of teen use have been documented. The table below details several alcohol-related statistics.

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Demographic Differences in Substance Use

Age, race, and gender play critical roles in understanding where and how substance use trends diverge across various communities.

• Black non-Hispanic males have the highest overdose death rate at 67.9 per 100,000, compared to 42.7 for white non-Hispanics
• Opioid use disorder prevalence is 16.7% among men, versus 11.4% among women
• Teens in Ohio are 4.2% less likely to use illicit drugs than the national average
• Stimulant misuse affects 2.47% of adolescents, focusing primarily on prescription medications
• College students report a 14.5% misuse rate of prescription stimulants
• Underage alcohol use is 10% statewide among those aged 12–17

Rural communities often show elevated rates of substance use, and specific counties face higher risks. Scioto County, for instance, has consistently recorded some of the highest overdose death rates in the state. The table below shows county-level disparities.

Comparisons and Overdose Mortality

Ohio’s overdose death rate has remained considerably above the national average for several years. Comparative statistics highlight the urgent need for focused interventions.

• As of 2022, Ohio’s overdose death rate stood at 45.6 per 100,000, well above the national rate of 31.3
• The state’s cumulative overdose death toll since 2000 is 500% higher than the U.S. average
• Overall substance use disorder prevalence is 18.3%, exceeding the national level of 17%
• Alcohol use disorder rates reach 6.7%, slightly above the national average of 5.7%
• Recovery programs have distributed 90,000 naloxone kits since 2014, contributing to a 9% decrease in overdose deaths from 2022 to 2023

Below is a brief comparative table illustrating some of these points.

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Key Statistics Summary

• Ohio’s 2022 overdose death rate reached 45.6 per 100,000
• Binge drinking in young adults (18–25) stands at 38.9%
• Overdose fatalities peaked at 5,174 in 2020
• Scioto County reported 106.2 overdose deaths per 100,000 residents in 2023
• Overall substance use disorder prevalence is 18.3% statewide

These data points reflect an evolving substance use landscape in Ohio. While some areas have shown progress—such as decreases in heroin-related deaths—new challenges continue to arise. Ongoing tracking of these statistics helps illustrate the dynamic nature of drug and alcohol use in the state and provides a foundation for understanding emerging public health needs.

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