Pennsylvania Drug and Alcohol Statistics

Statistical Data on Drug in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania faces significant challenges with substance abuse and drug overdoses. Here are detailed statistics to provide a comprehensive overview of the drug situation in Pennsylvania. The data highlights the severity of the opioid crisis and the ongoing efforts to combat drug addiction in the state.

Drug Overdose Deaths

Drug Overdose Deaths in Pennsylvania (2020)

Statistic	Number
Total drug overdose deaths	5,456
Opioid-related deaths	4,262
Fentanyl-related deaths	3,080
Heroin-related deaths	1,325
Cocaine-related deaths	1,020
Methamphetamine-related deaths	510

The data shows a significant increase in drug overdose deaths from 2019 to 2020, with opioids responsible for the majority of fatalities. Fentanyl emerges as the leading cause of opioid-related deaths, highlighting the devastating impact of synthetic opioids on Pennsylvania’s drug crisis.

Comparison of Overdose Rates: Pennsylvania vs. National (2021)

• Pennsylvania’s drug overdose death rate: 43.2 per 100,000
• National drug overdose death rate: 32.4 per 100,000
• Pennsylvania’s opioid overdose death rate: 32.8 per 100,000
• National opioid overdose death rate: 24.7 per 100,000

 

Pennsylvania’s drug overdose death rates consistently exceed the national average, indicating a more severe drug crisis in the state compared to the rest of the country. The opioid epidemic is particularly pronounced, with opioid-related deaths accounting for a significant portion of all drug overdose fatalities.

Geographic Distribution

Top 5 Counties with Highest Overdose Death Rates (2020)

County	Deaths per 100,000
Philadelphia	60
Allegheny	50
York	40
Fayette	35
Westmoreland	30

Rural vs. Urban Overdose Trends

Rural Pennsylvania:

• 16% decrease in reported overdoses from 2021 to 2022
• 23% decrease in reported overdose deaths from 2021 to 2022
• 42.3 overdoses per 100,000 residents in 2022

Urban Pennsylvania:

• 2% decrease in reported overdoses from 2021 to 2022
• 16% decrease in reported overdose deaths from 2021 to 2022
• 34.0 overdoses per 100,000 residents in 2022

While both rural and urban areas saw decreases in overdose rates, rural areas experienced more significant improvements. However, rural areas still maintain higher per capita overdose rates compared to urban areas, indicating a persistent disparity that requires targeted interventions.

Suspected Drugs in Overdose Cases (2022)

• Fentanyl was present at similar rates in rural (29%) and urban (26%) overdose scenes
• Heroin/opioids accounted for 34% of reported overdose deaths in rural areas and 35% in urban areas

The prevalence of fentanyl and heroin/opioids in overdose cases across both rural and urban areas highlights the widespread nature of the opioid crisis in Pennsylvania, regardless of geographic location.

Demographic Characteristics of Overdose Victims in Pennsylvania (2017)

Age Distribution

• 25-34 years: 30%
• 35-44 years: 25%
• 45-54 years: 20%

The majority of overdose victims are young to middle-aged adults, highlighting the significant impact of the drug crisis on this demographic.

Racial Distribution

• White: 79%
• Black: 12%
• Hispanic: 3%
• Other/Unknown: 6%

While the racial distribution of overdose deaths roughly aligns with Pennsylvania’s overall demographics, it’s important to consider socioeconomic factors and disparities in access to treatment and prevention resources.

Gender Distribution

• Male: 32.7 deaths per 100,000
• Female: 15.1 deaths per 100,000

Males are significantly more likely to die from drug overdoses than females.

Education Level

Less than high school: 56.0 deaths per 100,000

Individuals with lower education levels have a higher risk of overdose.

Employment Status

• Unemployed: 50.3 deaths per 100,000
• Employed: 18.2 deaths per 100,000

Unemployment is associated with a higher risk of overdose.

Overall, the data reveals that middle-aged adults, males, and non-Hispanic whites are disproportionately affected by drug overdoses in Pennsylvania. Lower education levels and unemployment are also associated with higher overdose rates, suggesting socioeconomic factors play a significant role in the drug crisis.

Substance Use in Pennsylvania

 

Approximately 293,000 people had an active substance use disorder in the past year.

Substance Abuse Among Youth

• 7.22% of 12- to 17-year-olds reported using drugs in the last month
• 84.85% of teen drug users reported using marijuana in the last month
• 11.92% of all 12- to 17-year-olds reported using marijuana in the last year

While Pennsylvania teens are less likely to use drugs compared to the national average, the rates of substance use among youth are still concerning. Marijuana is the most commonly used drug among teens, suggesting a need for targeted education and prevention efforts.

Prescription Opioid Trends in Pennsylvania (2017)

Opioid Dispensing

• Oxycodone: Over 2.4 million prescriptions for almost 260 million dosage units.
• Hydrocodone: 1.6 million prescriptions for 146 million dosage units.
• Total: Approximately 32 dosage units dispensed for every Pennsylvanian.

Trends from 2016 to 2017

• Oxycodone: 6% decline in dosage units dispensed.
• Hydrocodone: 14% decline in dosage units dispensed.

While there’s a noticeable decline in prescription opioid dispensing, the volume remains significant. The reduction may be attributed to increased awareness and stricter prescribing guidelines, but it may also lead to unintended consequences such as individuals turning to illicit opioids.

Substance Use Treatment in Pennsylvania

Treatment Facilities and Services

• 634 active substance abuse clinics.
• 66,969 clients treated annually.
• 60,407 clients enrolled in outpatient services.
• 5,894 clients enrolled in residential (non-hospital) services.
• Average individual cost: outpatient rehab: $1,706; residential rehab: $56,708

Pennsylvania has a substantial treatment infrastructure, but the high costs of residential treatment may present a barrier to access for many individuals. The significantly lower cost of outpatient services may explain the higher enrollment in these programs.

Treatment Admissions and Demographics

• 68,125 admissions to substance use disorder treatment programs in 2020.
• 58% of treatment admissions were for opioid-related disorders.

Treatment Demographics:

Race/Ethnicity:

• 80% White
• 11% Black/African American
• 6% Hispanic/Latino

Gender: 54% Male

Median Age: 35 years old

The high number of individuals with substance use disorders and treatment admissions underscores the widespread nature of drug addiction in Pennsylvania. Opioids remain the primary reason for seeking treatment, aligning with the high opioid-related death rates.

Treatment Outcomes and Recovery

• Substance use treatment success rate: Approximately 60%.
• Over 30,000 individuals completed treatment programs in 2020.
• 80% reported abstinence six months after completing their program.
• Average length of stay: residential treatment: 30 days; outpatient treatment: 90 days

While treatment success rates are encouraging, there is still room for improvement. The high rate of abstinence reported after six months suggests that completed treatment programs can be effective in supporting recovery.

Naloxone Use and Overdose Survival Rates

Naloxone Administration

Over 30,000 reported naloxone administrations in 2020.

Survival Rates

• Opioid-related overdose survival rate: 37% in 2020 (up from 34% in 2019)
• Fentanyl-related overdose survival rate: 36% in 2020 (up from 33% in 2019)
• Overall overdose survival rates increased by 14% from 2019 to 2020.

The increased use of naloxone and improved overdose survival rates demonstrate the effectiveness of harm reduction strategies. However, the persistently high number of overdose deaths indicates that prevention and treatment efforts must continue to be prioritized.

Naloxone Administration and Survival Rates by Location (2022)

Location	Naloxone Administration Rate	Survival Rate
Rural areas	59%	76%
Urban areas	66%	84%

In general, Pennsylvania faces a significant substance abuse crisis, particularly characterized by a surge in opioid-related overdoses. The comprehensive analysis highlights the severity of the problem, with overdose rates consistently exceeding national averages and fentanyl emerging as a major contributor to fatalities. While there have been efforts to address the crisis, including increased naloxone distribution and treatment programs, the situation remains challenging. Demographic factors, such as age, race, gender, education, and employment status, play a significant role in overdose risk.

Statistical Data on Alcohol in Pennsylvania

This comprehensive report analyzes alcohol consumption patterns, health impacts, and related statistics in Pennsylvania based on recent data. The statistics reveal significant concerns about alcohol use across different age groups and demographics, with particular attention to underage drinking and health consequences.

Adult Alcohol Consumption

General Usage Statistics

• 54.82% of adults reported alcohol use in the last 30 days
• 60.73% of adults drink alcohol regularly
• 28.8% of adults engage in binge drinking
• Median drinks per binge: 5.5
• Top 25% most active drinkers consume median 7.9 drinks per binge
• Median binge frequency: 1.8 times monthly
• Top 25% most active drinkers binge 3.9 times per month

The data shows a concerning level of regular alcohol consumption among Pennsylvania adults, with a particularly worrying pattern among the heaviest drinkers who consume significantly more alcohol and binge more frequently than the average.

Demographics of Binge Drinking

Category	Percentage	Notable Details
All Adults	17%	Matches national average
Males	21%	Higher than females
Females	13%
Age 18-29	28%	Highest among age groups
Age 65+	5%	Lowest among age groups
College Education	17%
Income $75,000+	21%	Highest among income brackets

Binge drinking shows significant variation across demographics, with young adults and higher-income individuals showing higher rates. The gender disparity is notable, with males being much more likely to binge drink.

Youth Alcohol Consumption

High School Statistics (2023)

Lifetime alcohol use:

• 8th Grade: 21.5% (higher than national average of 20.1%)
• 10th Grade: 32.5% (lower than national average of 35.8%)

30-day use decreased:

• 10th Grade: from 16.1% (2021) to 11.4% (2023)
• 12th Grade: from 27.4% (2021) to 23.8% (2023)

Gender differences:

• 10th Grade: Females 36.1%, Males 31.5%
• 12th Grade: Females 48.1%, Males 43.5%

Accessibility: 49.3% of seniors report easy access to alcohol

75.1% of 12th graders believe they wouldn’t be caught by police for underage drinking

While showing some improvement in recent years, youth alcohol consumption remains concerning. The higher rates among female students and the perception of low risk of getting caught suggest a need for targeted interventions.

Health Impact

Mortality Statistics

Annual Alcohol-Related Deaths

Total: 5,703

Attributed to alcohol use: 2,717

• Males over 21: 1,993
• Females over 21: 724
• Males under 21: 112
• Females under 21: 35

Percentage of deaths under age 21: 2.67%

Death rate due to excess alcohol: 8.3 per 100,000 (lower than national average of 13.1)

Causes of Death

• Chronic causes: 52.4%
• Gender: 69.0% male
• Age: 81.7% adults aged 35 years and older
• Years of potential life lost annually: 149,637
• Alcohol poisoning: 6.5 per 1 million people

Other Alcohol-Related Deaths (5-year averages, 2015-2019)

• Suicides: 465
• Homicides: 332
• Alcohol Dependence Syndrome: 151
• Coronary Heart Disease: 388

The mortality data highlights the disproportionate impact on males and the significant number of preventable deaths. The years of potential life lost indicate a substantial public health burden.

Economic Impact

• Annual cost to taxpayers: $12.885 billion (2022 adjusted)
• Cost per drink: $2.59
• Retail sales reached $2.2 billion in 2022-23 fiscal year (3.5% increase)

Top Selling Categories

Category	Sales (million USD)
Unflavored Vodka	335
American Whiskey	285
Tequila	110

The economic burden of excessive alcohol use is substantial, with taxpayers bearing significant costs. Despite the health and social costs, alcohol sales continue to grow.

Treatment Statistics

• 6,253 admissions for alcohol treatment in 2021
• Treatment admission rate: 165 per 100,000 population
• 6,123 discharges from alcohol treatment in 2021

The treatment statistics indicate a significant demand for alcohol addiction services, though this may represent only a fraction of those needing treatment.

In general, the comprehensive data on alcohol use in Pennsylvania reveals a complex public health challenge. While some positive trends exist, such as decreasing rates of youth alcohol use, other indicators remain concerning. The state faces significant economic and public health burdens from alcohol use, with particular concerns around high rates of binge drinking, especially among young adults and higher-income individuals; substantial gender disparities in both consumption and mortality and a notable treatment gap between those needing and receiving help

Sources:

1. Drug Abuse Statistics
2. Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) 2021: Admissions to and Discharges from Substance Use Treatment Services Reported by Single State Agencies
3. Drug Overdoses in Rural and Urban Pennsylvania: A Progress Report
4. Drug Addiction In Pennsylvania | Peace Valley Recovery
5. The Opioid Threat in Pennsylvania
6. Mental Health and Substance Use State Fact Sheets: Pennsylvania | KFF
7. Pennsylvania Drug Addiction Statistics
8. Pennsylvania Drug Addiction Statistics [2024] at BrighterDay
9. PA YOUTH SURVEY (PAYS) – State Report Snapshot
10. Drug Addiction In Pennsylvania – Stats and Facts | Little Creek Recovery
11. Alcohol deaths spiking in Pennsylvania – Axios Philadelphia
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14. Alcohol Statistics in Pennsylvania