Statistical Data on Drugs in California
California, the most populous state in the United States, faces significant challenges with substance use and addiction. This report compiles comprehensive statistics on drug and alcohol use, overdose deaths, treatment admissions, and related factors in California. The data reveals trends in substance use across different age groups, demographics, and specific drugs, providing a detailed picture of the state’s ongoing struggle with addiction and its efforts to address this public health issue.
Overall Substance Use in California
- 8.8% of Californians (2,915,000 people) have a substance use disorder
- 6.3% (2,079,000 people) have an alcohol use disorder
- 3.6% (1,204,000 people) have an illicit drug use disorder
- 0.6% (192,000 people) have a pain medication use disorder
Drug Use Trends (2014-15 to 2018-19)
| Substance | 2014-15 | 2015-16 | 2016-17 | 2017-18 | 2018-19 |
| Marijuana | 15.3% | 15.8% | 17.3% | 18.5% | 20.1% |
| Misuse of Pain Medication | 2.2% | 4.7% | 3.6% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Cocaine | 0.2% | 2.2% | 0.8% | 1.0% | 2.2% |
| Methamphetamine | 0.2% | 0.8% | 1.1% | 0.2% | 0.2% |
| Heroin | 0.2% | 0.8% | 1.0% | 0.2% | 0.2% |
Young adults (18-25) show the highest rates of substance use across all categories, indicating a critical need for prevention and intervention efforts targeting this age group.
Marijuana Use Trends
- Nearly 35% of Californians report using marijuana
- 34% of those aged 18 to 25 in California are marijuana users
- 13.5% of those aged 26 and up use marijuana
Fentanyl Impact
- Fentanyl causes more than 6,000 deaths each year in California
- Fentanyl is involved in 51% of overdose deaths
- Fentanyl-related overdose deaths increased 10-fold from 2015 to 2019
- Opioid Prescriptions in California (2010 to 2019)
Methamphetamine Trends
- Meth outranks opioids as the cause of fatal overdoses in some areas of the state
- In five years, the rate of ER visits related to crystal meth rose by 600%
Opioid Prescriptions in California (2010 to 2019)
The number of opioid prescriptions per 100,000 population decreased from 606.8 in 2010 to 400.6 in 2019.
Drug Use by Age Group (2018-2019 Annual Average)
- 4.6% of 12-17-year-olds reported using any substance, while 3.7% used illicit drugs and 0.4% used pain medication.
- For 18-25-year-olds, the rates were higher: 16.1% for any substance, 8.5% for illicit drugs, and 0.6% for pain medication.
- In the 26+ age group, 8.1% used any substance, 2.9% used illicit drugs, and 0.6% used pain medication.
- Overall, 8.8% of people aged 12 and older reported using any substance, with 3.6% using illicit drugs and 0.6% using pain medication.
Gender Differences
- Males in California have higher drug-induced death rates (23.1 per 100,000) compared to females (9.0 per 100,000)
- Substance use is generally more common among men, aligning with global trends
Drug Use in Past Year by Type and Age Group (2018-2019 Annual Average)
| Substance | 12-17 | 18-25 | 26+ |
| Marijuana | 15.8% | 40.4% | 17.3% |
| Misuse of Pain Medication | 2.7% | 5.4% | 3.4% |
| Cocaine | 0.5% | 7.7% | 2.2% |
| Methamphetamine | 0.1% | 0.8% | 1.1% |
| Heroin | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.1% |
Marijuana use is particularly high among young adults, with over 40% reporting use in the past year. Cocaine use is also notably high in this age group compared to others.
Youth Drug Use
- 10.37% of 12- to 17-year-olds report using drugs in the last month
- 85.03% of teen drug users report using marijuana in the last month
- 15.75% of all teens report using marijuana in the last year
- 0.53% report using cocaine in the last year
- 0.10% report using methamphetamines
- Up to 0.02% used heroin (data is limited)
- 2.67% report misusing pain relievers
- 8.85% of all 12- to 17-year-olds used alcohol in the last month
- 3.63% of teenagers aged 12-17 met the criteria for illicit drug use disorder in the last year
Marijuana is by far the most commonly used drug among California teens, with a significant portion also misusing pain relievers. The prevalence of substance use disorders in this age group is concerning and highlights the need for early intervention and prevention programs.
Substance Use by Race/Ethnicity (Past Year Use, 2017-2021)
| Race/Ethnicity | Heroin | Prescription Pain Meds | Methamphetamine | Prescription Stimulants |
| White | 0.41% | 2.13% | 1.10% | 1.14% |
| Black/African-American | 0.25% | 2.31% | 1.29% | 0.23% |
| Hispanic/Latinx | 0.34% | 2.62% | 0.96% | 0.80% |
| Native American/Alaskan | 0.42% | 1.52% | 4.35% | 0.32% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.23% | 1.16% | 0.29% | 0.53% |
| Other/Multiple Races | 1.37% | 3.77% | 1.35% | 0.53% |
Substance use patterns vary significantly across racial and ethnic groups in California. Native American/Alaskan populations show particularly high rates of methamphetamine use, while prescription pain medication misuse is highest among those of Other/Multiple Races.
Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions Data
Treatment Admissions (2012)
- 27% of California drug treatment admissions were for marijuana
- 35% were for stimulants (including methamphetamine)
The high percentage of treatment admissions for marijuana and stimulants reflects the prevalence of these substances in California’s drug landscape.
Treatment Access and Utilization
- About 2.7 million Californians met criteria for substance use disorder in the past year
- Only 10% of those with substance use disorders received any type of treatment
- 74% of adults participating in a substance abuse treatment program initiated alcohol or drug use before the age of seventeen
The large gap between those needing treatment and those receiving it indicates a significant unmet need in California’s addiction treatment system. The early onset of substance use among those in treatment underscores the importance of youth-focused prevention efforts.
Treatment Gap (2021 estimates, in thousands)
Needing But Not Receiving Treatment for Illicit Drug Use:
- 12+: 2,327 individuals
- 12-17: 144 individuals
- 18-25: 616 individuals
- 26+: 1,567 individuals
- 18+: 2,183 individuals
Needing But Not Receiving Treatment for Substance Use:
- 12+: 4,817 individuals
- 12-17: 200 individuals
- 18-25: 942 individuals
- 26+: 3,675 individuals
- 18+: 4,617 individuals
Substance Use Disorder and Treatment (2021 estimates, in thousands)
| Measure | 12+ | 12-17 | 18-25 | 26+ | 18+ |
| Drug Use Disorder | 2,729 | 194 | 666 | 1,868 | 2,535 |
| Pain Reliever Use Disorder | 504 | 36 | 59 | 410 | 469 |
| Opioid Use Disorder | 521 | 36 | 60 | 426 | 485 |
| Substance Use Disorder | 5,362 | 235 | 954 | 4,172 | 5,127 |
Treatment Facilities and Programs
- There are 2,195 active substance abuse treatment centers in California
- California’s drug rehab treatment centers service 96,960 patients annually
- 83,534 patients enroll in California drug rehab outpatient services annually
- 12,752 patients enroll in California drug rehab residential (non-hospital) services
- 674 patients are in California’s hospitals for drug rehab
- 71 facilities in California offer free drug rehab treatment for all clients
While California has a substantial network of treatment facilities, the number of patients served annually (96,960) is far below the estimated 2.7 million Californians with substance use disorders, indicating a significant treatment gap.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment by Level of Care (2019)
Youth:
- Outpatient: 93.5%
- Residential (non-hospital): 6.2%
- Hospital Inpatient: 0.3%
All Clients:
- Outpatient: 86.2%
- Residential (non-hospital): 13.2%
- Hospital Inpatient: 0.7%
Outpatient care is the predominant form of treatment for both youth and adults, which may reflect preferences for less disruptive care options or limitations in access to more intensive treatments.
Economic Impact of Substance Abuse Treatment
- $142.3 million of the U.S. public’s total is spent on outpatient services in California
- $722.4 million of the U.S. public’s total is spent on residential treatment in California
- Average individual cost for outpatient rehab in California: $1,703
- Average individual cost for residential rehab in California: $56,654
The substantial public expenditure on substance abuse treatment underscores the economic impact of addiction in California. The high cost of residential treatment may be a barrier for many individuals seeking help, potentially contributing to the treatment gap.
Overdose Deaths
- 6,198 drug overdose deaths per year in California
- 2.31% of all deaths in California are from drug overdose
- Overdose deaths increased at an annual rate of 10.37% over the last 3 years
- Death rate is 15.0 deaths per 100,000 residents (27.54% below the national average)
- California accounts for 8.81% of nationwide overdose deaths
- Opioids were involved in 45.7% of all overdose deaths
While California’s overdose death rate is below the national average, the significant increase in recent years and the high involvement of opioids indicate a growing crisis that requires immediate attention.
Drug-Induced Deaths by Age Group (2019, rate per 100,000 population)
| Age Group | Drug-Induced Death Rate |
| 18 to 25 | 14.5 |
| 26 to 35 | 20.8 |
| 36 to 64 | 28.0 |
| 65+ | 11.8 |
The highest rate of drug-induced deaths occurs in the 36 to 64 age group, suggesting that while younger groups may use drugs more frequently, older adults face higher mortality risks.
Opioid-Related Statistics
- 2,400 opioid overdose deaths in one year
- Prescription opioids are a factor in 45.2% of opioid overdose deaths
- Heroin is a factor in 32.4% of opioid overdose deaths
- 36% of opioid overdose deaths involve synthetic opioids
- 5.8 out of every 100,000 residents die from an opioid overdose (60.3% below the national rate)
- 0.25% of hospital births are cases of neonatal Opioid Withdrawal syndrome
- Doctors write enough prescriptions for 45.7% of residents to have one
While California’s opioid overdose death rate is significantly below the national average, the high involvement of prescription opioids in overdose deaths suggests a need for stricter prescribing practices and better monitoring.
California vs. Other Countries:
- Overall substance use: 8.5% in California vs. 5.93% in Russia (highest globally)
- Alcohol use disorder: 6.4% in California vs. 5% in Russia, <1% in Indonesia
- Marijuana use: Much higher in California (34% for 18-25, 13.5% for 26+) vs. 4% globally
- Cocaine use: Lower for adults 26+ (1.8%) than Australia/New Zealand (2.7%)
- Opioid use: Likely higher than global average (1.2%), closer to North American average (3.6%)
- Treatment access: Similar to global average (10-12% in California vs. 14% globally)
Statistical Data on Alcohol in California
The following statistics provide a comprehensive look at alcohol use, abuse, and its consequences in California. The data covers various aspects including prevalence of alcohol use, binge drinking, alcohol-related deaths, demographic breakdowns, and trends over time. This information is crucial for understanding the scope of alcohol-related issues in the state and can inform public health strategies and interventions.
Prevalence of Alcohol Use in California (2018-2019 Annual Average)
| Age Group | Alcohol Use (Past Month) | Binge Alcohol Use (Past Month) |
| 12+ | 49.8% | 23.4% |
| 12-17 | 8.9% | 4.7% |
| 18-25 | 54.5% | 34.0% |
| 26+ | 53.8% | 23.8% |
The data shows that alcohol use is most prevalent among young adults (18-25) and adults over 26. Binge drinking is particularly high among young adults, with over a third engaging in this behavior. This suggests a need for targeted interventions for these age groups.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Prevalence in California (2018-2019 Annual Average)
- 12+: 6.3%
- 12-17: 1.8%
- 18-25: 10.5%
- 26+: 6.1%
The high prevalence of AUD among young adults (18-25) is particularly concerning, indicating a need for early intervention and prevention strategies targeting this age group.
Binge Drinking Prevalence by Demographics (2015-2020)
Gender:
- Men: 20.3%
- Women: 11.0%
Age:
- 18-24 years: 21.8%
- 25-34 years: 24.0%
- 35-44 years: 16.9%
- 45-54 years: 14.1%
- 55-64 years: 10.1%
- 65+ years: 4.9%
Race/Ethnicity:
- White: 16.8%
- Hispanic or Latino: 16.5%
- Black: 12.4%
- Asian or Pacific Islander: 11.0%
- Other: 15.7%
Education:
- Less than High School: 10.5%
- High School or GED: 15.7%
- Some College or Technical School: 16.0%
- College Graduate or Post Graduate: 15.2%
Annual Household Income:
- < $25,000: 13.2%
- $25,000-$49,999: 16.7%
- $50,000-$74,999: 16.0%
- $75,000-$99,999: 18.0%
- $100,000-$124,999: 18.2%
- $125,000+: 18.9%
Health Insurance:
- Have Insurance: 15.2%
- No Insurance: 20.3%
Binge drinking is more prevalent among men, young adults (particularly those aged 25-34), and White individuals. Higher income groups show a slightly higher prevalence of binge drinking. Those without health insurance have a higher prevalence of binge drinking compared to those with insurance. This information can help target prevention and intervention efforts to the most affected demographics.
Heavy Drinking Prevalence (2015-2020)
- Overall prevalence: 7.1%
- Estimated number of Californian adults: 1.75 million
Heavy drinking affects a substantial number of Californian adults, indicating a need for public health initiatives to address this issue.
Alcohol Use Among 11th Grade Students (2017-2019)
Lifetime Use:
- 0 Times: 64.4%
- 1 Time: 7.1%
- 2-3 Times: 9.1%
- 4+ Times: 19.4%
Past 30 Days Use by Race/Ethnicity:
- American Indian and Alaska Native: 13.4%
- Asian: 8.0%
- Black: 9.4%
- Latinx: 15.0%
- Multiracial: 16.4%
- Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander: 15.0%
- White: 20.5%
A significant portion of 11th-grade students have used alcohol, with nearly 20% reporting using it 4 or more times. White students have the highest prevalence of past 30-day use, followed by multiracial students. This data highlights the need for early intervention and education programs in schools.
Alcohol Use During Pregnancy by Race (2018-2019)
| Race/Ethnicity | Prevalence |
| Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander | 5.2% |
| Black | 5.7% |
| Latinx | 4.6% |
| White | 5.9% |
| Overall | 5.1% |
The data shows that alcohol use during pregnancy is a concern across all racial/ethnic groups, with slight variations. This highlights the need for universal education and support for pregnant women regarding the risks of alcohol consumption.
Economic Impact
- California taxpayers spent $35.011 billion as a result of excessive alcohol use in 2010
- Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to $47.264 billion or $3.29 per drink in 2022 US$
The substantial economic burden of excessive alcohol use underscores the need for effective policies and interventions to reduce alcohol-related harm and associated costs.
Trends in Alcohol Attributable Deaths (AADs)
- 20% increase in AADs from 2018-2019 (16,050 deaths) to 2020-2021 (19,335 deaths)
- 21% increase in AADs for males
- 19% increase for females
- 26% increase in AADs due to acute causes (from 5,833 to 7,322 deaths)
- 18% increase in AADs from chronic causes (from 10,217 to 12,013 deaths)
The significant increase in alcohol-attributable deaths, particularly from acute causes, suggests a worsening trend in alcohol-related harm. This could be related to changes in drinking patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic, though more research would be needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Alcohol-Induced Deaths by Age Group, Gender and Race/Ethnicity (2019, Rate per 100,000 Population)
Age Group
- 18 to 25: 0.6
- 26 to 35: 5.1
- 36 to 64: 24.9
- 65+: 24.0
Gender:
- Female: 6.8
- Male: 17.9
Race/Ethnicity:
- AIAN (American Indian/Alaska Native): 2.5
- ANHPI (Asian/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander): 4.1
- Black: 10.7
- Latinx: 14.7
- White: 14.0
Alcohol-Related Deaths in California
| Category | Value |
| Total Deaths (2018-2019 average) | 15,443 |
| Total Deaths (2020-2021 average) | 19,335 |
| % Under 21 | 2.49% |
| Male Deaths | 69.5% |
| Chronic Cause Deaths | 62.1% |
| Acute Cause Deaths | 37.9% |
| Adults 35+ Deaths | 86.1% |
| Years of Potential Life Lost (2018-2019) | 376,899 |
| Years of Potential Life Lost (2020-2021) | 492,097 |
California faces significant challenges with alcohol-related deaths. The increase in total deaths from 2018-2019 to 2020-2021 is concerning, suggesting a worsening trend. The high percentage of deaths among males and adults over 35 indicates that these groups are particularly at risk. The substantial number of years of potential life lost highlights the broader societal impact of alcohol-related deaths.
Sources
- Drug Overdose Death Statistics [2023]: Opioids, Fentanyl & More
- Average Cost of Drug Rehab [2023]: by Type, State & More
- Opioid Crisis Statistics [2023]: Prescription Opiod Abuse
- Substance Use in California, 2022: Prevalence and Treatment
- Prevalence and Trends in Self-Reported Drug Use – in California, 2017-2021
- CALIFORNIA DRUG CONTROL UPDATE Drug Use Trends in California
- How Does California’s Addiction Rate Fare Against the Rest of the World?
- CALIFORNIA – National Survey on Drug Use and Health: 2021 State-Specific Tables of Model-Based Estimates (Totals and Percentages)
- Top 5 Most Deadly Drugs of Abuse in California: Do You Know What They Are?
- Alcohol Abuse Statistics [2023]: National + State Data – NCDAS
- Deaths from Excessive Alcohol Use in California, 2020-2021