Sadly, drug abuse and addiction are two elements that have left a lasting impact on the culture of the United States, particularly over the past three decades. Since 1971, America has been fighting the aptly named “War on Drugs” (brought to light by President Richard Nixon). Regardless of efforts by additional politicians like Presidents Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump, however, the drug budget continues to swell at a dangerous level. In fact, from 2013 to 2017, that amount has skyrocketed from $23.8 billion to $27.5 billion. Even so, President Trump is arming our country with particularly strict rules, even setting up a law that can result in the death penalty for drug lords. However, what is the rate of overdoses, addiction, and other dangerous drug-related types of accidents in the United States? What are the safest and the most dangerous locations? Let’s take a closer look at the severity of drug abuse and addiction by each U.S. state.
All Across the Map
Before we consider the “drug budget” (so to speak) of each state, let’s take a closer look at some facts about abuse and addiction:
- Alaska has the highest percentage of teenage drug users, while Utah has the lowest.
- Vermont has the highest percentage of adult drug users, while Iowa has the lowest.
- Alabama has the most prescription opioid abuse cases, while Washington D.C. has the lowest.
- West Virginia has the greatest amount of opioid-related deaths (per capita), while Nebraska has the lowest.
- Rhode Island has the highest percentage of untreated adult drug users, while New Jersey has the lowest.
- Connecticut has the highest percentage of drug users receiving treatment (per 100,000 people), while New Mexico has the lowest.
Worst Cases of Drug Abuse and Addiction
Ultimately, though, we have one question left: what states have the highest rate of drug abuse, and which ones have the lowest? Utilizing data cross-referenced from the 50 states and the Nation’s Capital, let’s take a closer look.
Here are the top 5 states with the highest rates of drug use:
- Washington D.C. (62.97)
- Missouri (57.73)
- New Hampshire: (55.65)
- Michigan (55.35)
- West Virginia (53.98)
Here are the top 5 states with the lowest rates of drug use:
- Minnesota (27.03)
- Iowa (29.90)
- Utah (30.05)
- Kansas (33.17)
- North Dakota (33.36)
Always remember that drugs and alcohol do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or addiction troubles today.
