Statistical Data on Drugs in Arizona
Arizona experiences substance use challenges that frequently exceed national averages, with significant geographic and demographic disparities. The data reveals a complex landscape of substance use patterns, treatment accessibility, and health outcomes.
Mortality and Overdose Statistics
Overall Overdose Deaths (2022)
With a total of 2,664 deaths (36 per 100,000 people), in Arizona, the death rate is 14% higher than the US rate.
Increases over time:
- 56% increase since 2018
- 99% increase since 2013
- The rate increased from 16.9 (2011) to 38.7 (2021) per 100,000
Geographic Distribution (Deaths per 100,000)
- Gila County: 51.9
- Apache County: 48.9
- Pima County: 43.6
- Navajo County: 43.3
- Maricopa County: 36.7
- Yuma County: 20.7
The data reveals a concerning trend of escalating overdose deaths, with rural counties experiencing significantly higher death rates than urban areas. The nearly 100% increase since 2013 indicates a rapidly worsening crisis, particularly in less populated regions.
Opioid Crisis Demographics (2020-2021)
Gender distribution:
- Male: 72% (38.7 per 100,000)
- Female: 28% (14.7 per 100,000)
Age distribution of deaths:
- 25-34 years: 31% (59.0 per 100,000)
- 35-44 years: 23% (49.2 per 100,000)
- 18-24 years: 14% (39.0 per 100,000)
Racial/Ethnic death rates (per 100,000):
- Black/African American: 38.2
- Hispanic/Latino: 26.5
- White: 25.3
The opioid crisis disproportionately affects males and young adults, with a particularly high impact on the Black/African American community. The concentration of deaths in the 25-44 age range suggests a severe impact on the working-age population.
Age-Specific Usage Patterns
Youth (Ages 12-17)
Current drug use: 7.58% (9.05% below national average)
Substance breakdown:
- Marijuana: 79.07% of teen users (3.9% or 22,000 youth)
- Pain reliever misuse: 2.47%
- Cocaine: 0.53%
- Methamphetamines: 0.18%
- Heroin: 0.09%
Young Adults (18-25)
Marijuana use: 30.7% (233,000 individuals)
Substance use disorders:
- Overall: 13.7% (104,000 individuals)
- Illicit drugs: 7.2% (54,000)
- Marijuana: 5.2% (39,000)
- Opioids: 1.2% (9,000)
General Population (12+)
| Substance Use Type | Percentage | Number |
| Illicit Drug Use (Month) | 20.01% | 1,241,000 |
| Marijuana Use (Year) | 24.01% | 1,489,000 |
| Cocaine Use (Year) | 1.69% | 105,000 |
| Pain Reliever Misuse | 3.36% | 208,000 |
The data reveals a concerning trend of escalating overdose deaths, with rural counties experiencing significantly higher death rates than urban areas. The nearly 100% increase since 2013 indicates a rapidly worsening crisis, particularly in less populated regions.
Treatment Infrastructure
Facility Statistics
In Arizona, the number of active substance abuse facilities is 493
Annual patient distribution:
- Total served: 79,399
- Outpatient: 76,765
- Residential: 2,102
- Hospital: 532
- Free treatment facilities: 4
Treatment Costs
Individual Treatment Averages
- Residential rehab: $56,789
- Outpatient services: $1,706
Healthcare Costs by Payer
| Payer Type | Encounters | Total Charges (M) | Per Encounter |
| AHCCCS/Medicaid | 56,940 | $1,931.5 | $33,921 |
| Medicare | 24,240 | $1,654.7 | $68,261 |
| Private | 16,827 | $676.9 | $40,227 |
The treatment infrastructure shows significant gaps, with only 4 free facilities and high individual treatment costs. The heavy reliance on government insurance programs suggests potential accessibility barriers for those without coverage.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (2015-2019)
- Methadone: Increased from 7,107 to 10,476
- Buprenorphine: Increased from 987 to 15,373
- Treatment gap: 78.52% of those needing treatment do not receive it
While medication-assisted treatment availability has improved dramatically, particularly for buprenorphine, the large treatment gap indicates that access to care remains a critical issue.
Emergency Response (2020-2021)
Total responses: 17,484 EMS/Law Enforcement for suspected opioid overdoses
Naloxone administration:
- EMS: 75%
- Law Enforcement: 19%
- Bystanders: 5%
Emergency response data shows strong institutional response capabilities, though the low rate of bystander naloxone administration suggests a need for increased public access and training.
Risk Perception Among Arizona Population Ages 12+ (Ranked by Perceived Risk):
- Trying Heroin: 82.96% perceive great risk
- Monthly Cocaine Use: 66.24% perceive great risk
- Monthly Marijuana Use: 19.65% perceive great risk
This risk perception pattern aligns with both the actual dangers of these substances and public health messaging, showing that heroin is viewed as the most dangerous, while marijuana is perceived as having the lowest risk among these substances.
This comprehensive analysis reveals a complex substance use landscape in Arizona, characterized by significant geographic and demographic disparities, substantial treatment gaps, and evolving patterns of substance use across different age groups. While some metrics show improvement, particularly in youth substance use, the state continues to face significant challenges in addressing substance use disorders and providing accessible treatment options.
Statistical Data on Alcohol in Arizona
Arizona faces significant challenges with alcohol consumption and its related consequences. The data reveals concerning patterns across different age groups, with particular emphasis on binge drinking, mortality rates, and economic impact. The statistics show both chronic and acute effects of alcohol use, with varying impacts across different demographics.
Mortality and Health Impact
- Total Deaths: 3,670
- Death Rate: 1 death per 1,949 adults (6.62 per 10,000)
- Gender Distribution: 68.3% male
- Cause of Death: Chronic (59.2%)
- Age Distribution: 84.1% aged 35+ years, 2.75% under age 21
- Years of Potential Life Lost: 7,151,502 annually
The mortality data shows a disproportionate impact on males and older adults, with chronic conditions being the primary cause of alcohol-related deaths.
General Alcohol Use Statistics (Adults 18+)
- 50.25% used alcohol in the past month (2,826,000 people)
- 24.13% engaged in binge drinking (1,357,000 people)
- 16.7% of adults binge drink at least once monthly
- Median drinks per binge: 5.5 drinks
- Top 25% of drinkers consume: 7.9 drinks per binge
- Binge frequency: 1.5 times monthly (median)
- Heavy drinkers binge: 3.8 times monthly
The data indicates a significant portion of Arizona's adult population engages in regular alcohol consumption, with concerning levels of binge drinking behavior among frequent users.
Youth and Young Adult Statistics (2021-2022)
Age Group Breakdown:
| Age Group | Past Month Use | Binge Drinking | Alcohol Use Disorder |
| 12-17 | 6.72% | 3.35% | 3.54% |
| 18-25 | 53.39% | 29.41% | 17.69% |
| 26+ | 49.75% | 23.28% | 9.94% |
The data shows a concerning jump in alcohol use and disorders between adolescence and young adulthood, with the 18-25 age group showing the highest rates of problematic use.
University of Arizona Trends (2005-2015)
Positive Changes:
- Abstinence increased: from 32% to 42%
- Low-risk partying increased: from 56% to 71%
- Average drinks per week decreased: from 5.4 to 3.8
- Driving after drinking decreased: from 25% to 11%
The university data shows positive trends in reducing risky drinking behaviors among students over a decade, suggesting effective prevention and education programs.
Economic Impact
Cost to Arizona (2010 data adjusted to 2022):
- Total cost: $8.028 billion
- Cost per drink: $2.27
The economic burden of excessive alcohol use is substantial, affecting taxpayers through both direct and indirect costs.
Risk Perception
Less than half of both adults and youth perceive regular heavy drinking as highly risky, indicating a potential need for increased education about alcohol-related risks.
Arizona faces significant alcohol-related challenges, with over 3,670 annual deaths and an $8 billion economic burden. While university programs show success in reducing risky drinking behaviors, the sharp increase in alcohol use from adolescence (6.72%) to young adulthood (53.39%), combined with high rates of binge drinking among adults (24.13%), indicates a critical need for expanded prevention and education efforts across the state.
In general, Arizona faces dual crises in both drug and alcohol abuse, with drug overdose deaths 14% above the national average and alcohol causing 3,670 annual deaths and an $8 billion economic burden. The state's treatment infrastructure shows significant gaps, with 78.52% of those needing drug treatment not receiving it, while rural areas and young adults are particularly vulnerable to substance abuse issues.
Sources:
- Drug Abuse Statistics
- Arizona Drug Problems and Statistics | Pinnacle Peak Recovery Alcohol and Drug Rehab Program | Scottsdale, AZ
- How many drug overdose deaths happen every year in Arizona? | USAFacts
- Opioid Overdoses Surveillance Report, Arizona, 2020-2021
- Behavioral Health Barometer: Arizona, Volume 6
- Samhsa.gov
- ALCOHOL TRENDS at the University of Arizona 2005-2015
- Press Release – Chandler, Arizona Drug and Alcohol Statistics Revealed: Insights and Implications
- Arizona Addiction Statistics: Latest Data and Treatment Options