Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Oklahoma

Oklahoma has been grappling with the devastating effects of drug and alcohol addiction for years. The state has seen concerning rates of substance use disorders, high alcohol-related mortality, and a significant impact from the opioid crisis. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of drug and alcohol use in Oklahoma, highlighting the most shocking statistics and the challenges faced in treatment and recovery.

• Oklahoma ranks 5th in the nation for rates of Any Mental Illness at 25.6% and has a rate for Any Substance Abuse Disorders at 16.1%.
• Oklahoma ranks 6th in the nation for alcohol-related mortality.
• From 2019 to 2022, the number of fentanyl overdose deaths increased 12-fold, from 50 deaths in 2019 to 609 in 2022.

Substance Use and Disorders

Substance use disorders are prevalent in Oklahoma, with the state ranking 5th in the nation for rates of Any Mental Illness at 25.6% and having a rate for Any Substance Abuse Disorders at 16.1%¹.

• There were 23,332 clients in substance abuse treatment on March 29, 2019, in Oklahoma².

Alcohol Use and Related Issues

Alcohol use and related issues are significant concerns in Oklahoma, with the state ranking 6th in the nation for alcohol-related mortality³.

• 14.3% of Tulsa County adults report binge drinking in the past 30 days³.
• Excessive drinking results in 1,350 deaths and 41,460 years of potential life lost each year in Oklahoma³.

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Opioid Crisis and Overdose Deaths

The opioid crisis has taken a devastating toll on Oklahoma, with the state experiencing a significant increase in fentanyl overdose deaths in recent years. From 2019 to 2022, the number of fentanyl overdose deaths increased 12-fold, from 50 deaths in 2019 to 609 in 2022⁴.

• The rate of unintentional prescription opioid overdose deaths decreased 68% from 2013 to 2019⁴.
• Methamphetamine was involved in three out of five drug overdose deaths in 2022⁴.

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Youth Substance Use

Oklahoma focuses on early intervention and prevention targeting youth, with about 10% of Oklahoma youth having a mental health disorder and an additional 10% having a substance abuse issue⁵.

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

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