Drug abuse in Iowa
Iowa has a population of 3,193,079 people. The most recent data from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 413,000 people over the age of 12 had abused illegal substances in the past month, around 12.93% of the population. 384,000 reported marijuana use in the past month and 619,000 in the past year. The report also found that 58,000 Iowa residents had abused cocaine in the past year, 84,000 had abused meth, and 108,000 had abused prescription pain medication. 18,000 people over the age of 18 reported using heroin in the last year. Those reporting opioid misuse including heroin, painkillers, and fentanyl in Iowa totaled 104,000 people.
Alcohol abuse in Iowa
Alcohol misuse was also reported in Iowa with 1,569,000 people over the age of 12 saying they had used alcohol in the last month and 754,000 reporting binge drinking. The perceived risk of people over 12 years of age indulging in problematic alcohol use (5 or more drinks twice a week) in a month was 1,078,000 people.
Overdose deaths in Iowa
In 2021, Iowa saw a total of 426 recorded drug-related overdose deaths. This includes those that were accidental or unidentifiable but excludes those that were related to suicide or homicide. The total number of alcohol-related deaths (including overdose and all other causes) was 608 or 19.1 per 100,000 people.
Substance abuse and treatment in Iowa
The NSDUH report also recorded the total amount of substance abuse disorders in Iowa and those who currently require treatment. The report found that 590,000 were recorded as having a substance use disorder (SUD) and 371,000 had an alcohol use disorder. 75,000 people were recorded as having an opioid use disorder including those with painkiller, heroin, and other opioid-based drug use disorders. There are also many who have been diagnosed with or reported a substance, illicit drug, or alcohol use disorder that require rehab treatment and are not receiving it. The report found that 246 people in Iowa needed treatment for illicit substance abuse, 347,000 required treatment for an alcohol use disorder, and 497,000 needed treatment for a diagnosed substance use disorder.
Government assistance for rehab in Iowa
The Bureau of Substance Abuse in the Iowa Department of Public Health collects and uses data from licensed treatment agencies that help with decision-making to improve addiction treatment services. The data also aids in program delivery for addicted individuals.
The Bureau of Substance Abuse also provides technical assistance and support to help prevent substance abuse in Iowa. They do this by collaborating with state-funded agencies on a community level to help deliver programs and initiatives aimed at preventing the use of alcohol and other drugs.
If you are dealing with alcohol, drugs, or gambling problems, contact the Bureau of Substance Abuse by visiting YourLifeIowa.org or calling (855)581-8111.