Drug abuse in Kansas
Kansas has a population of 2,934,582 people. The most recent data from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 379,000 people over the age of 12 had abused illegal substances in the past month, around 12.91% of the population. 356,000 reported marijuana use in the past month and 535,000 in the past year. The report also found that 44,000 Kansas residents had abused cocaine in the past year, 54,000 had abused meth, and 106,000 had abused prescription pain medication. 17,000 people over the age of 18 reported using heroin in the last year. Those reporting opioid misuse including heroin, painkillers, and fentanyl in Kansas totaled 105,000 people.
Alcohol abuse in Kansas
Alcohol misuse was also reported in Kansas with 1,294,000 people over the age of 12 saying they had used alcohol in the last month and 647,000 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 1,049,000 people.
Drug Overdose deaths in Kansas
In 2021, Kansas saw a total of 634 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 534 or 18.2 per 100,000 people.
Addiction treatment statistics in Kansas
The NSDUH report also recorded the total amount of substance abuse disorders in Kansas and those who currently require treatment. The report found that 477,000 were recorded as having a substance use disorder (SUD) and 314,000 had an alcohol use disorder. 79,000 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 212 people in Kansas needed treatment for illicit substance abuse, 302,000 required treatment for an alcohol use disorder, and 416,000 needed treatment for a diagnosed substance use disorder.
Government assistance for addiction in Kansas
Through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability services, the state offers substance use treatment services to help reduce drug and alcohol addiction in the area. They provide assessment and referral services to persons exhibiting current or present signs of drug use.
After a successful assessment, they can refer you to a substance abuse-related treatment facility that will meet your needs and is located within your area. Some of the services provided in Kansas include intensive outpatient treatment, peer monitoring, reintegration treatment, and crisis intervention.
You can also reach the Substance Abuse and Mental Health services administration through the national helpline, which is confidential and available 24 hours a day.