Utah Drug and Alcohol Statistics - Methadone dot org (NAMA Recovery)

Statistical Data on Drugs in Utah

Utah, like many states in the U.S., faces significant challenges related to substance abuse and drug overdoses. This report compiles key statistics on drug use, overdose deaths, treatment admissions, and related issues in Utah. The data presented here offers insights into the state’s ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and other substance abuse problems.

Drug Overdose Deaths

Drug Overdose Statistic in Utah

In 2022, there were 541 drug overdose deaths in Utah, with 74% involving an opioid.
Drug overdose has been the leading cause of injury deaths in Utah since 2002.
The age-adjusted drug overdose death rate in Utah increased from 19.5 per 100,000 in 2011 to 21.1 per 100,000 in 2021.
In 2020, the drug overdose death rate in Utah was 20.5 per 100,000.
An average of 475 people die each year from unintentional drug overdose in Utah.

The data shows a concerning trend of increasing drug overdose deaths in Utah over the past decade, with opioids playing a significant role in these fatalities.

Drug Poisoning Deaths By Year in Utah:

Year	Number of Deaths
2018	264
2019	217
2020	190
2021	178
2022	166

While there’s been a general downward trend in drug poisoning deaths since 2018, the numbers remain concerning.

Opioid-Specific Statistics

In 2022, there were 446 opioid overdose deaths in Utah, accounting for 67% of all drug overdose deaths.
The age-adjusted death rate due to opioid overdose in Utah remained relatively stable, changing from 14.6 per 100,000 in 2011 to 14.1 per 100,000 in 2021.
Annual opioid-related deaths in Utah:

Drug Type	2019	2020	% Change
All Drugs	495	531	+7%
Prescription Opioids	218	189	-13%
Heroin	145	143	-1%
Fentanyl	54	123	+128%
Cocaine	38	46	+21%
Methamphetamine	203	207	+2%

While the overall opioid death rate has remained relatively stable, the rise in synthetic opioid deaths, particularly fentanyl, is a growing concern.

Fentanyl-Related Statistics

Fentanyl-Related Statistics in Utah

Fentanyl-involved overdose deaths increased by 128% from 2019 to 2020 and continued to rise.
In 2022, 86% of fentanyl-involved overdoses involved at least one other drug.
Methamphetamine was present in 43% of fentanyl-involved overdose cases in 2022.
Males between the ages of 18-44 have significantly higher fentanyl-involved overdose death rates than females in the same age range.

The dramatic increase in fentanyl-related deaths, often in combination with other drugs, represents a critical public health challenge for Utah.

Youth Substance Use

2017-2019 Annual Averages

3.6% of youth aged 12-17 used marijuana in the past month.
5.1% of youth aged 12-17 used illicit drugs in the past month.
4.6% of youth aged 12-17 used alcohol for the first time in their lives.
3.3% of youth aged 12-17 used marijuana for the first time in their lives.

2021 Data

Alcohol use among grades 9-12: 8.1%
Marijuana use among grades 9-12: 7.8%
Alcohol use among grades 8, 10, and 12 (SHARP data): 5.3%
Marijuana use among grades 8, 10, and 12 (SHARP data): 5.9%

Substance Use Disorders

Between 2017 and 2019, an average of 2.8% of Utah residents over age 12 had a past-year illicit drug use disorder.
In the same period, an average of 3.8% had an alcohol use disorder.

While Utah’s substance use disorder rates are comparable to or lower than national averages, they still represent a significant portion of the population struggling with addiction.

Treatment Admissions (2020)

Treatment Admissions Statistic in Utah

29,186 people were enrolled in substance use treatment.
2,719 were receiving methadone in opioid treatment programs.
5,725 were receiving buprenorphine.

Primary drug reported at treatment admission:

Drug Type	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021 Q1
Prescription Pain Medicine	8%	6%	3%	3%	5%
Heroin	64%	62%	67%	67%	63%
Fentanyl	0%	0%	0%	1%	3%
Crack/Cocaine	27%	16%	15%	13%	11%
Methamphetamine / Speed	65%	71%	73%	76%	75%
Cannabis/Marijuana	21%	21%	20%	25%	34%
Alcohol	16%	13%	12%	14%	15%
Benzodiazepines	7%	5%	7%	6%	7%

Methamphetamine and heroin remain the most commonly used drugs among new treatment clients, with a notable increase in marijuana use and emerging fentanyl use.

Economic Impact and Treatment Facilities

Average individual total cost for residential drug rehabilitation treatment in Utah: $56,782
In Utah, there are 322 active treatment facilities.
29,186 patients are serviced annually for drug rehab.
26,918 patients enroll in Utah’s drug rehab outpatient services annually.
1.99% or $45.97 million of the U.S. public’s total is spent on outpatient services in Utah.
On average, an individual patient in outpatient rehab in Utah can expect to pay $1,708.
2,020 patients enroll in Utah’s drug residential (non-hospital) services.
2.21% or $114.7 million of the U.S. public’s total is spent on residential treatment in Utah.
248 patients are in Utah’s hospitals for drug rehab.
3 facilities in Utah offer free drug rehab treatment for all patients.

The high cost of residential treatment may present a significant barrier to accessing care for many Utah residents. The presence of some free treatment facilities is positive, but the small number suggests a potential gap in affordable treatment options. The substantial public spending on treatment services underscores the economic impact of substance use disorders.

Comparison with U.S. Rates

Comparison With US

Utah’s high school current alcohol use (8.1%) was lower than the U.S. rate (29.2%) in 2019
Utah’s high school current marijuana use (7.8%) was lower than the U.S. rate (21.7%) in 2019
Utah had the lowest reported rate of high school binge drinking (4.3%) among all 41 reporting states in 2019

Crime Lab Submissions (2020):

Overall submissions decreased by approximately 30% compared to 2019
Methamphetamine was the most common substance submitted
68% of methamphetamine submissions were in crystalline form
60% of fentanyl samples were in the form of counterfeit pills or tablets
Only 13% of fentanyl samples had other drugs present

The decrease in crime lab submissions likely reflects reduced law enforcement activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The high prevalence of counterfeit fentanyl pills is concerning due to their potential lethality.

Opioid Prescribing and Overdose

Opioid Prescribing and Overdose in Utah

Opioid dispensing rate in Utah (2020): 48.4 per 100 people (down from 87 in 2006)
In 2021, there were 446 opioid overdose deaths, accounting for 67% of all drug overdose deaths in the state.

The age-adjusted death rate due to opioid overdose in Utah was 14.1 per 100,000 in 2021.

The substantial decrease in opioid prescribing rates indicates that efforts to address overprescribing have been effective. However, the high number of opioid overdose deaths suggests that illicit opioids, particularly fentanyl, have largely replaced prescription opioids as the primary concern.

Regional Variations in Youth Substance Use (2021):

Highest rates of current alcohol use: Southeast (9.3%), Summit County (8.7%), and Weber-Morgan (8.7%)
Lowest rates of current alcohol use: Utah County (3.0%) and Davis County (4.3%)
Highest rates of current marijuana use: Southeast (11.3%), Weber-Morgan (8.2%), and Salt Lake County (7.3%)
Lowest rates of current marijuana use: Central (4.0%) and Utah County (3.7%)

There are significant regional variations in youth substance use across Utah, which could inform targeted prevention efforts.

Statistical Data on Alcohol in Minnesota

Utah’s relationship with alcohol is complex, with statistics revealing both concerning trends and areas where the state performs better than national averages. This report compiles various alcohol-related statistics for Utah, focusing on binge drinking, heavy drinking, and their impacts on public health and the economy.

Binge Drinking Statistics

Year	Utah (%)	U.S. (%)
2011	12.0	18.3
2012	11.2	16.9
2013	12.3	16.8
2014	11.4	16.0
2015	11.6	16.3
2016	12.5	16.9
2017	11.5	17.4
2018	10.6	16.2
2019	11.2	16.7
2020	11.3	15.7
2021	11.7	15.4
2022	12.8	17.0

Utah consistently maintains lower binge drinking rates compared to the national average. In 2022, Utah’s binge drinking rate was 12.8%, while the national rate was 17.0%. This difference could be attributed to cultural and religious factors prevalent in Utah that influence attitudes toward alcohol consumption.

Binge Drinking by Age and Gender (2022)

Males:
- 18-34: 20.5%
- 35-49: 19.4%
- 50-64: 13.8%
- 65+: 3.5%
Females:
- 18-34: 14.8%
- 35-49: 11.6%
- 50-64: 5.8%
- 65+: 1.6%

Binge drinking rates are consistently higher among males across all age groups. The highest rates are observed in the 18-34 age group for both genders, with a significant decline in the 65+ age group.

Alcohol Use by Age Group in Utah (2017-2018 Annual Averages)

Age Group	Estimate (thousands)	95% Confidence Interval
12+	694	636 – 756
12-17	16	11 – 22
18-25	127	110 – 146
26+	551	498 – 608
18+	679	620 – 739

The data shows that alcohol use is most prevalent among adults aged 26 and older, with this group accounting for the majority of alcohol users in Utah.

Heavy Drinking Statistics

Heavy Drinking Statistics in Utah

In 2022, 5.0% of Utah adults reported heavy drinking in the past 30 days, compared to 6.9% of U.S. adults.
Heavy drinking rates in Utah have fluctuated between 3.3% and 5.0% from 2011 to 2022.

Utah’s heavy drinking rates are consistently lower than the national average, aligning with the trend observed in binge drinking statistics.

Youth Alcohol Use in Utah

Past-month alcohol use among youth aged 12-17 (2017-2019): 4.3% (13,000 individuals)
Past-month binge alcohol use among young adults aged 18-25 (2017-2019): 21.8% (88,000 individuals)
Past-year alcohol use disorder among young adults aged 18-25 (2017-2019): 6.4% (26,000 individuals)

While youth alcohol use is lower than the national average, it still affects a significant number of young people in Utah, particularly in the 18-25 age group.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Statistics

Alcohol Use Disorder Statistics in Utah

Past-year alcohol use disorder among people aged 12 or older in Utah (2017-2019): 3.8% (95,000 individuals)
This rate is lower than both the regional average (6.9%) and the national average (5.3%)

Utah’s lower rate of alcohol use disorder compared to regional and national averages aligns with the state’s generally lower rates of alcohol consumption.

Alcohol-Related Deaths and Costs

Annual alcohol-related deaths in Utah: 903
Years of potential life lost annually due to excessive alcohol use: 26,746
Cost of excessive alcohol use in Utah (2022): $2.209 billion (adjusted for inflation)
Cost per drink in Utah (2022): $3.70

Despite lower drinking rates, alcohol use still has a significant impact on public health and the economy in Utah.

Binge Drinking by Local Health District (2022)

Local Health District	Binge Drinking Rate (%)
Salt Lake County	16.6
Tooele	17.6
Summit	14.5
Weber-Morgan	14.1
TriCounty	13.9
Southeast	12.6
Davis County	12.1
Central	11.4
Wasatch	11.2
Utah County	8.3
Bear River	8.1
Southwest	7.8

Areas with low rates:

Provo/BYU, Provo (East City Center), Orem (East): Data not available or very low rates

There’s significant variation in binge drinking rates across Utah’s health districts, with Tooele and Salt Lake County showing the highest rates, while Southwest and Bear River have the lowest rates among reported data.

Binge Drinking by Race (2022)

Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander: 18.1%
Asian: 16.3%
Black, African American: 16.1%
American Indian/Alaska Native: 15.6%
White: 12.4%
Hispanic/Latino: 5.6% (95% CI: 4.1% – 7.7%)
Non-Hispanic/Latino: 4.9% (95% CI: 4.3% – 5.7%)

Binge drinking rates vary across racial groups in Utah, with Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations showing the highest rates, while White populations have the lowest rates among the reported data.

Alcohol-Related Emergency Department Visits (2019)

Emergency department visits due to alcohol poisoning: 398
Non-fatal motor vehicle crashes related to alcohol: 786

These statistics highlight the immediate health and safety risks associated with excessive alcohol use in Utah.

This comprehensive overview of alcohol use statistics in Utah reveals a complex picture. While the state generally has lower rates of binge and heavy drinking compared to national averages, alcohol use still poses significant public health and economic challenges. The data suggests a need for continued efforts in alcohol abuse prevention and treatment, particularly among high-risk groups and regions.