Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for District of Columbia

The District of Columbia has been grappling with a significant drug and alcohol addiction crisis, which has had far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities across the area. This article presents an overview of the latest statistics on substance use disorders, alcohol use and related issues, the opioid crisis, overdose deaths, and mental health and substance use in the District of Columbia, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.

• Approximately 60,000 drug abusers reside in the District, over 10 percent of the District’s population.¹
• One in 10 District residents suffer from an alcohol use disorder, twice the regional and national average.²
• In 2020, there were 411 overdose deaths that involved the use of opioids in the District of Columbia.³

Substance Use and Disorders

Substance use and disorders are prevalent among youth in the District of Columbia, with rates higher than regional and national averages. Here are some key statistics:

• From 2017 to 2019, the annual average percentage of past-month illicit drug use among youth aged 12–17 was 12.6%, higher than both the regional average (7.5%) and the national average (8.2%).⁴
• During the same period, the annual average percentage of past-month marijuana use among youth aged 12–17 was 10.8%, higher than both the regional average (6.2%) and the national average (6.8%).⁴

These numbers demonstrate the widespread nature of substance use issues among young people in the District.

Alcohol Use and Related Issues

Alcohol use disorders and related issues are significant concerns in the District of Columbia, with rates higher than regional and national averages. Consider these statistics:

• The annual average rate of past-month alcohol use among youth aged 12–17 did not significantly change between 2015–2017 and 2017–2019.⁴

Addressing alcohol use disorders and related issues is crucial for the health and well-being of District residents.

Sponsored

Online Therapy Can Help

Over 3 million people use BetterHelp. Their services are:

• Professional and effective
• Affordable and convenient
• Personalized and discreet
• Easy to start

Find a Therapist

Answer a few questions to get started

Opioid Crisis and Overdose Deaths

The opioid epidemic has hit the District of Columbia particularly hard, with a high number of overdose deaths in recent years. Here are some troubling statistics:

• From 2014 to 2018, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) investigated a total of 773 deaths due to the use of opioids.³

The alarming number of opioid-related deaths underscores the urgent need to address this crisis in the District.

Sponsored

Get Professional Help

BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor.

Find a Therapist

Answer a few questions to get started

Mental Health and Substance Use

Mental health and substance use issues often go hand in hand, with many people struggling with both. Consider this statistic:

• Over 30% of adults in the United States reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression in February 2023, with substance use and death rates due to substances worsening in the U.S.⁵

Addressing mental health is a key part of comprehensive addiction treatment and prevention efforts.

The statistics presented in this article paint a grim picture of the drug and alcohol addiction landscape in the District of Columbia. From high rates of substance use disorders among youth to the devastating impact of the opioid crisis and the prevalence of alcohol use disorders, it is clear that the District faces significant challenges in addressing this crisis. However, by prioritizing prevention, expanding access to quality treatment, and supporting long-term recovery, the District of Columbia can work towards a healthier, more resilient future for all its residents.

Sponsored

Get matched with an affordable mental health counselor

Find a Therapist

Answer a few questions to get started