10 States With The Highest Rates Of Drug Addiction

Addiction is a serious health problem that affects every person in the United States. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, there were about 20 million Americans who were affected by substance use disorders in 2016. The Center for Disease Control, however, estimates that the number of people with an addiction is much higher. A 2017 report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration points out that roughly 18 percent of the U.S. population has an addiction problem. These states have the highest rates of addiction in the United States.

1. West Virginia

West Virginia has the highest rate of drug abuse and addiction among all states. In fact, it has the highest rate of drug addiction in the country. This, in large part, is due to the high concentration of labor-intensive jobs within the state. As an area rich in natural resources such as coal and timber, mining and logging are common jobs for West Virginians. These jobs also come with risk for injury, leading to possible opioid use and addiction. High poverty levels within the state are also a large factor in the prevalence of drug abuse. The combination of these two factors acts as an incubator for drug abuse and addiction.

2. Louisiana

Louisiana has the second highest rate of drug addiction in the country. This may be because the state has a high rate of drug-related deaths. In addition, Louisiana has a large number of addiction treatment centers. The state has a total of 362 treatment centers in the state, which is the second most in the country. Due to the high number of treatment centers and deaths caused by drug addiction, Louisiana has also implemented legislation that makes it illegal to possess small amounts of drugs. Louisiana has a population of 4,818 people per square mile.

3. Mississippi

Mississippi has the third highest rate of addiction within the United States. This is not surprising, considering the state is one of the poorest in the nation. The state has a poverty rate of 23.1 percent, compared to the national rate of 13.9 percent. The state also has one of the highest rates of deaths caused by drug abuse. In addition, Mississippi has the sixth highest rate of drug possession charges. The state has a population of 2,870 people per square mile.

4. Kentucky

Kentucky has the fourth highest rate of addiction in the country. The state also has the fourth lowest rate of drug possession charges. The state has a population of 2,896 people per square mile. Kentucky has the second most drug-related deaths in the country. In addition, the state is one of the few that has not passed legislation that makes it illegal to possess small amounts of drugs.

5. Alabama

Alabama comes in fifth for rates of addiction within the U.S. This is due to the fact that a large number of the state’s residents are addicted to drugs. Alabama has the fourth most drug-related deaths in the country. The state also has the third most drug-related arrests. In addition, the state has passed legislation that makes it illegal to possess small amounts of drugs.

6. Oklahoma

Oklahoma has the sixth highest rate of addiction in the country. This is due to the fact that the state has a large Native American population, which is especially susceptible to drug addiction. The state has a Native American population of 2,201 people per square mile. As with most other states, Oklahoma has also passed legislation that makes it illegal to possess small amounts of drugs.

7. Indiana

Indiana comes in seventh place for highest rates of drug addiction in America. This is due to the high rate of drug-related deaths in the state. In addition, the state has a large number of drug treatment centers. The state has a population of 3,576 people per square mile. Similar to many other states, Indiana has also passed legislation that makes it illegal to possess small amounts of drugs.

8. Tennessee

Tennessee has the eighth highest rate of drug addiction in the country. The state also has the eighth most drug-related deaths in the country. The state has a population of 3,358 people per square mile. As with most other states, Tennessee has also passed legislation that makes it illegal to possess small amounts of drugs.

9. Massachusetts

Massachusetts has the ninth highest rate of drug addiction in the country. This is due to the high rate of drug-related deaths and arrests in the state. The state has a population of 3,509 people per square mile. Similar to most other states, Massachusetts has also passed legislation that makes it illegal to possess small amounts of drugs.

10. Colorado

Colorado has the 10th highest rate of drug addiction in the country. The state has a high rate of drug-related deaths and arrests. The state has a population of 3,610 people per square mile. Colorado has also passed legislation that makes it illegal to possess small amounts of drugs.

Oasis Recovery Center Can Help 

If you feel that you or a loved one may be struggling with substance abuse, you are not alone. Substance abuse and addiction can affect anyone. If you or a loved one are currently struggling with addiction, help is available! We encourage you to reach out to the professionals at Oasis Recovery to learn more about our personalized treatment programs and mental health services.

 Oasis Recovery was founded from firsthand experience of addiction and recovery, with a mission of providing a space where people can heal from addiction in a compassionate, creative, open-minded, and heart-centered environment. We believe recovery is always possible. Our experts work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your needs. Common treatment programs include:

• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
• Full-time Addiction Treatment on campus
• Aftercare Services

Contact us today for more information about how our programs and services can help you get your life back on track. You no longer have to struggle with addiction on your own. We are here to help.