Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Virginia

West Virginia has been grappling with the devastating effects of drug and alcohol addiction for years. The state has consistently had one of the highest rates of overdose deaths in the country, with the opioid crisis taking a particularly heavy toll. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of drug and alcohol use in West Virginia, highlighting the most shocking statistics and the challenges faced in treatment and recovery.

• In 2015, West Virginia had the highest rate of overdose deaths in the country, approximately 42 for every 100,000 people.
• In 2021, there were 1,501 overdose deaths, with 90.9 overdose deaths per 100,000 people (age-adjusted).
• Fentanyl and fentanyl analogues were involved in 76% of all drug overdose deaths occurring in West Virginia in 2021, up from 58% in 2017.

Substance Use and Disorders

West Virginia has been hit hard by various substance use disorders, with illicit pharmaceutical drugs, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine posing significant threats. In 2015, illicit pharmaceutical drug use contributed to approximately 61% of state overdose deaths¹.

• Heroin and fentanyl abuse are rapidly expanding, surpassing controlled prescription drugs (CPDs) as the greatest threat in some parts of the state¹.
• Mexico-sourced crystal methamphetamine is increasingly available, pushing into a market previously dominated by locally manufactured powder methamphetamine¹.
• In 2015, West Virginia had the highest rate of overdose deaths in the country, approximately 42 for every 100,000 people; CDC data indicate that 725 people died of drug overdoses in West Virginia in 2015¹.

Alcohol Use and Related Issues

Alcohol use and related issues are also a concern in West Virginia. In 2011, 10.1% of adults and 20.2% of high school students reported binge drinking².

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Opioid Crisis and Overdose Deaths

The opioid crisis has taken a devastating toll on West Virginia, with the state consistently experiencing high rates of overdose deaths. In 2021, there were 1,501 overdose deaths, with 90.9 overdose deaths per 100,000 people (age-adjusted)³.

• In 2017, there were 833 drug overdose deaths involving opioids—a rate of 49.6 deaths per 100,000 persons⁴.

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Youth Substance Use

Youth substance use is a growing concern in West Virginia. The percentage of children ages 12-17 who reported using illicit drugs, including marijuana, in the past month was 8.4%⁵.

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

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