Michigan Drug and Alcohol Statistics

Statistical Data on Drug in Michigan

Michigan faces significant challenges with substance abuse and drug-related deaths, with trends showing concerning patterns particularly in opioid use and youth substance abuse. The state has experienced fluctuating rates of drug overdose deaths, with recent years showing record highs. The data reveals complex patterns across different demographics, substances, and time periods.

Overdose Deaths

Recent Trends

• 2023: 3,040 deaths (new record)
• 2022: 2,993 deaths
• 2021: 2,536 opioid overdose deaths (82% of all drug overdose deaths)
• 2019: 2,354 deaths (9.4% decrease from 2018)

Death Rate Analysis

• Current death rate: 31.5 per 100,000 (2021)
• 42.5% above national death rate
• Death rates higher for males (31.5 per 100,000) than females (16.6 per 100,000)
• Black population shows increasing overdose rates while white population shows decreases
• Heroin overdose rates 2.3x higher for Blacks than whites
• Cocaine overdose rates 2.7x higher for Blacks than whites

The data shows a concerning upward trend in overdose deaths, with males consistently experiencing higher mortality rates than females. The recent record high in 2021 suggests the situation is worsening despite previous periodic decreases.

Youth Drug Use (2021-2022)

Age Group Statistics

Grade Level	Illicit Drug Use (Past Year)
8th Grade	10.9%
10th Grade	19.8%
12th Grade	31.2%

Substance-Specific Use (12-17 age group)

• 8.91% report using drugs in past month
• 83.58% of users report marijuana use
• 0.40% report cocaine use
• 0.13% report methamphetamine use
• 0.07% used heroin
• 2.66% report misusing pain relievers

Drug use shows a clear progression as students age, with significant jumps between grade levels. Marijuana remains the most commonly used substance among youth.

Substance Use Trends (2009-2010)

• 10.37% of residents reported past-month illicit drug use
• 3.77% reported using drugs other than marijuana
• Michigan ranked in top 10 states for illicit drug use among those 26 or older

Michigan's substance use rates exceeded national averages, particularly among adults, indicating a broader public health concern beyond youth and young adult populations.

Primary Substances of Abuse (2010 Admissions)

• Heroin: 11,358 admissions
• Marijuana: 11,275 admissions
• Prescription Opiates: 8,448 admissions
• Cocaine: 6,064 admissions

Opioid Crisis Statistics

2,011 opioid overdose deaths per year

Contributing factors:

• 27.6% prescription opioids
• 31.5% heroin
• 76.1% synthetic opioids

77.6% of all overdose deaths involve opioids

Doctors write prescriptions for 62.7% of residents

Synthetic opioids represent the largest threat, while the high prescription rate suggests potential over-prescription issues that could contribute to the crisis.

Racial Disparities (2019)

Black residents experienced higher overdose rates than white residents:

• Heroin: 2.3 times higher
• Cocaine: 2.7 times higher

From 2017-2019:

• White population: 18.8% decrease in overdose deaths
• Black population: 18.4% increase in overdose deaths

The data reveals significant racial disparities in drug overdose deaths, with the Black population experiencing worsening outcomes while white population statistics improve.

Treatment and Rehabilitation

• 505 active substance abuse clinics
• 47,072 annual patients for drug rehab

Average costs:

Service Type	Cost per Individual
Outpatient	$1,706
Residential	$56,508

Treatment Demographics (2010)

• 65,029 total admissions
• 62.3% male
• 37.7% female
• 50% of admissions had concurrent mental health disorders

The statistics indicate that while some progress has been made in certain areas, Michigan continues to face significant challenges in addressing substance abuse and its consequences, particularly in terms of racial disparities and treatment accessibility.

Statistical Data on Alcohol in Michigan

Michigan faces significant challenges with alcohol consumption and its related consequences. The state shows higher rates of alcohol-related deaths compared to national averages, with concerning trends in both adult and underage drinking. The following statistics compile key data points regarding alcohol use, its economic impact, and associated health outcomes in Michigan.

General Adult Alcohol Use

Current Usage Statistics (2021-2022)

Total adult users (18+): 4,266,000

Monthly binge drinkers: 1,844,000 (19.8% of adults)

• Median drinks per binge: 5.6
• Top 25% consumers: 7.9 drinks per binge
• Frequency: 1.8 times monthly (general), 4.3 times monthly (top 25%)

Adults with Alcohol Use Disorder: 838,000

Excessive drinking rate: 18.4% (Ranks 26th nationally)

Nearly 55% of Michigan adults report alcohol use in the last 30 days, with about 25% engaging in binge drinking, indicating a significant public health concern.

Death Statistics

Total Annual Deaths: 4,548

Gender Distribution:

• Male: 67.9%
• Female: 32.1%

Age Distribution:

• Under 21: 2.57%
• 35 years and older: 84.44%

Death Rate Comparisons (2020)

• Michigan: 24.1 deaths per 100,000 people
• National average: 13.1 deaths per 100,000 people

Cause of Death Breakdown (5-year average 2015-2019)

Cause	Annual Deaths
Suicides	343
Homicides	270
Alcohol Dependence Syndrome	143
Coronary Heart Disease	341

The mortality data shows a disproportionate impact on males and older adults, with chronic conditions accounting for 59.6% of deaths.

Youth Statistics (Ages 12-20)

Consumption Patterns

• Current Users: 16.75% reported alcohol use in last 30 days
• Binge Drinking: 9.16% reported binge drinking in last 30 days

High School Statistics (Grades 9-12, 2007)

• 72% had at least one drink in their lifetime
• 21% had first drink before age 13
• 43% drank in past 30 days
• 25% engaged in binge drinking
• 4% drank on school property

Economic and Social Impact of Underage Drinking (2007)

Problem	Cost (millions)
Youth Violence	$1,669.8
Traffic Crashes	$253.6
High-Risk Sex	$129.8
Property Crime	$100.2
Youth Injury	$68.2
Youth Treatment	$84.7
FAS (Mothers 15-20)	$32.6
Poisonings/Psychoses	$13.4
Total	$2,352.3

Annual Impact

• Total sales from underage drinking: $773 million (15.9% of all alcohol sales)
• Industry profits from underage sales: $379 million
• Cost per youth: $2,275
• State ranking for youth cost: 28th highest

Preferred Alcohol Types Among 9th-12th Graders

Type	Percentage
Beer	41.0%
Wine	38.1%
Liquor	19.4%
Malt Liquor	15.0%
Hard Cider	6.4%
Fortified Wine	3.1%
Fruit Wine	2.5%

Public Health Impact

Traffic and Crime (2006-2007)

• 53 traffic fatalities and 2,800 nonfatal injuries
• 84 homicides
• 42,000 nonfatal violent crimes
• 59,100 property crimes
• 14 alcohol-involved fatal Burns, drownings, and suicides
• 4,500 teen pregnancies and 20,800 risky sexual acts

Economic Impact

• Annual cost to taxpayers (2022 adjusted): $11.018 billion
• Cost per drink: $2.84

Years of potential life lost annually: 115,890

Alcohol Tax Structure

• Beer tax: $0.20 (≈2 cents per 12oz)
• Wine tax: $0.51 (≈2 cents per 5oz glass)

Research indicates that higher taxes effectively reduce consumption and related harms, yet Michigan's alcohol taxes haven't been updated in several decades.

Michigan has significant challenges with alcohol consumption, including high rates of alcohol-related deaths and underage drinking. Despite some progress, the state faces ongoing issues with racial disparities and treatment accessibility for substance abuse. The data reveals concerning patterns in general adult alcohol use, youth alcohol consumption, and the economic and social impacts of excessive drinking. While the state has implemented some measures, there is a need for more comprehensive strategies to address the multifaceted problem of alcohol abuse in Michigan.

Sources:

1. Drug Abuse Statistics
2. MICHIGAN DRUG CONTROL UPDATE Drug Use Trends in Michigan Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions Data
3. Mental Health and Substance Use State Fact Sheets: Michigan | KFF
4. SAMHSA
5. CDC: 2022 national overdose deaths hit new record; decline in Michigan
6. Michigan Substance Abuse Statistics, Michigan Prescription Drug Abuse Stats
7. State of Michigan
8. MDHHS Fact Sheet: Alcohol Taxes in Michigan (March 2019)
9. Explore Excessive Drinking
10. Alcoholism, drugs on dangerous rise in Michigan | News, Sports, Jobs - The Mining Gazette
11. Alcohol Statistics in Michigan
12. Underage Drinking in Michigan The Factshttps