Drug Use Statistics in New Mexico
New Mexico has a population of 2,130,256 people. The most recent data from the 2023-2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that approximately 428,000 people over the age of 12 had used illegal substances in the past month, around 20.09% of the population. 406,000 reported marijuana use in the past month and 554,000 in the past year.
The report also found that 32,000 New Mexico residents had used cocaine in the past year, 32,000 had used meth, and 57,000 had misused prescription pain medication. 3,000 people over the age of 18 reported using heroin in the last year. Those reporting opioid misuse, including heroin, painkillers, and fentanyl in New Mexico totaled 55,000 people.
Alcohol Use in New Mexico
Alcohol misuse was also reported in New Mexico, with 823,000 people over the age of 12 saying they had used alcohol in the last month and 354,000 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 915,000 people.
Addiction Treatment Statistics in New Mexico
The NSDUH report also recorded the total number of substance use disorders in New Mexico and those who currently require treatment. The report found that approximately 358,000 were recorded as having a substance use disorder (SUD) and 173,000 had an alcohol use disorder. 36,000 people were recorded as having an OUD, including those with painkiller, heroin, and other opioid-based drug use disorders.
The NSDUH report also measures the gap between the people who need SUD treatment and those who actually receive it. It found that 372,000 people in New Mexico were classified as needing treatment in the past year, 75,000 received treatment for an SUD, and 292,000 did not receive the treatment they were classified as needing.
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