Drug abuse in New Mexico
New Mexico has a population of 2,115,877 people. The most recent data from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 421,000 people over the age of 12 had abused illegal substances in the past month, around 19.90% of the population. 382,000 reported marijuana use in the past month and 474,000 in the past year. The report also found that 37,000 New Mexico residents had abused cocaine in the past year, 50,000 had abused meth, and 73,000 had abused prescription pain medication. 16,000 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 76,000 people.
Alcohol abuse in New Mexico
Alcohol misuse was also reported in New Mexico with 890,000 people over the age of 12 saying they had used alcohol in the last month and 453,000 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 918,000 people.
Overdose deaths in New Mexico
In 2021, New Mexico saw a total of 1002 recorded drug-related overdose deaths. This includes those that were accidental or unidentifiable but excludes those that were related to suicide or homicide. people per 100,000. The total number of alcohol-related deaths (including overdose and all other causes) was 1091 or 51.6 per 100,000 people.
Addiction treatment statistics in New Mexico
The NSDUH report also recorded the total amount of substance abuse disorders in New Mexico and those who currently require treatment. The report found that 448,000 were recorded as having a substance use disorder (SUD) and 270,000 had an alcohol use disorder. 76,000 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 224 people in New Mexico needed treatment for illicit substance abuse, 259,000 required treatment for an alcohol use disorder, and 401,000 needed treatment for a diagnosed substance use disorder.
Government assistance for addiction treatment in New Mexico
The New Mexico Department of Health works with partners and the community to ensure the health and well-being of all people in New Mexico.
The New Mexico government is actively fighting to prevent drug and alcohol addiction in the area. They do this through various prevention programs supporting the implementation of treatment services and highlighting useful resources to addict and their family members.
You can reach the New Mexico Health Department at odette.desgeorges@state.nm.us.