Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Wyoming

Wyoming faces challenges related to substance use disorders, alcohol use, and the opioid crisis, although the state has seen some progress in recent years. This article provides an overview of the current state of drug and alcohol use in Wyoming, highlighting statistics on substance use disorders, alcohol-related issues, the impact of opioids, and youth substance use rates.

• Wyoming ranks second in alcohol-related death rate, with the average adult drinking 2.78 gallons of alcohol each year.¹
• Drug overdose deaths in Wyoming increased by 11 percent from February 2021 to February 2022.²
• 84.5% of Wyoming residents believe that drinking and driving in their community is a serious or somewhat serious problem.³

Substance Use and Disorders

Wyoming’s rates of substance use and substance use disorders are close to the national average. Here are some key statistics:

• The annual average prevalence of past-month illicit drug use among individuals aged 12 or older was 15.5% (2017-2019).⁴
• The annual average prevalence of past-year substance use disorder among individuals aged 12 or older was 21.1% (2017-2019).⁴
• The annual average prevalence of past-year opioid use disorder among individuals aged 12 or older was 1.1% (2017-2019).⁴

Alcohol Use and Related Issues

Alcohol use, particularly excessive drinking and heavy drinking, is a significant concern in Wyoming.

• 18.9% of adults and 25.1% of high school students reported binge drinking.⁵
• The percentage of adults who reported heavy drinking during the past 30 days was 7%.⁶
• Wyoming ranks second in alcohol-related death rate, with the average adult drinking 2.78 gallons of alcohol each year.¹

Addressing alcohol use and related issues is crucial for improving public health and safety in Wyoming.

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Opioid Crisis and Overdose Deaths

While Wyoming has seen some progress in addressing the opioid crisis, overdose deaths remain a concern.

• Opioid overdose death rates in Wyoming are leveling off, while they continue to rise regionally and nationally.⁷
• The following dashboard provides information about fatal and non-fatal drug overdoses in Wyoming.⁸
• Drug overdose deaths in Wyoming increased by 11 percent from February 2021 to February 2022.²

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Youth Substance Use

Monitoring youth substance use is essential for developing targeted prevention and intervention strategies.

• Percentage of children ages 12-17 who reported drinking alcohol in the past month was 8.8%.⁹
• An annual average of 9.2% of youth aged 12–17 in Wyoming used alcohol for the first time in their lives, similar to both the regional average (8.2%) and the national average (9.3%).¹⁰

Additional Statistics

Other substance use trends and challenges in Wyoming include:

• 5.8% of residents reported past month marijuana use, and 3.2% reported past month use of any illicit drug other than marijuana.¹¹
• In 2010, there were 6,072 people who entered treatment for drug or alcohol use in Wyoming.¹²
• 84.5% of Wyoming residents believe that drinking and driving in their community is a serious or somewhat serious problem.³

The statistics presented in this article highlight the ongoing challenges related to substance use disorders, alcohol use, and the opioid crisis in Wyoming. While the state has made some progress in addressing these issues, the impact of alcohol-related deaths, drug overdose deaths, and concerns about drinking and driving cannot be overstated. By investing in prevention, treatment, and recovery services, and fostering collaboration among community stakeholders, Wyoming can work towards supporting those struggling with addiction and creating a healthier future for all its residents.

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