Pennsylvania Addiction Stats

Pennsylvania, like much of the U.S., is grappling with a wide range of addiction issues that affect every corner of the state. This report will discuss Pennsylvania’s substance abuse trends and drug addiction statistics to offer insights into how different types of substances affect our communities and our loved ones. We’ll also explore the state’s evolving response to the addiction crisis and how treatment programs help participants reclaim their lives.

Overall Pennsylvania Addiction Statistics

Over the past decade, drug overdoses in Pennsylvania have surged, with opioids leading the charge in most overdose deaths. In 2022 alone, Pennsylvania saw over 5,169 overdose deaths, placing the state among those hardest hit by the opioid epidemic. But while opioids have been at the center of attention, alcohol, cocaine, and methamphetamine also contribute to the state's substance use challenges. In 2021, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) identified the most commonly abused substances in Pennsylvania that led to the most rehabilitation admissions. They included:

• Alcohol: (17,842 admissions)

• Heroin: (6,123 admissions)

• Methamphetamine: (5,085 admissions)

• Marijuana/Hashish: (2,158 admissions)

• Other Opiates/Synthetics: (1,943 admissions)

• Cocaine: (1,603 admissions​)

Alcohol Usage

Despite the attention opioids have received, alcohol remains one of the most commonly abused substances in Pennsylvania. According to 2022 data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 18.4% of Pennsylvania adults are regular binge drinkers, which means they’re at extremely high risk for serious health complications. Alarmingly, 9.5% of Pennsylvania’s youth also binge drink, according to the 2023 Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS). Moreover, a staggering 46.9% of 12th graders reported the use of alcohol in their lifetime, underscoring the need for serious intervention.

Alcohol-Related Deaths

Likely due to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Pennsylvania saw an unsettling 45.4% increase in alcohol-related deaths per capita, averaging 5,703 deaths each year due to alcohol abuse. These fatalities are often caused by alcohol poisoning, long-term health issues such as liver disease, and fatal accidents related to drunk driving or reckless behavior while intoxicated. Alcohol use extends beyond physical harm; it's also closely linked to mental health crises, including depression and suicide.

Graph from AXIOS Philidelphia, information from KFF.

Drug Usage

Opioid abuse, particularly involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl, remains the leading cause of overdose deaths in Pennsylvania. Fentanyl is a major concern because it is extremely potent and often mixed with other substances, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, which makes it even more dangerous. Many individuals develop opioid dependency through legitimate medical prescriptions, often for pain management, and later turn to illegal substances as their addiction progresses. This cycle has been a significant factor in the state's opioid epidemic.

Prescription opioids can indeed be a starting point for addiction, and the transition from prescribed opioids to illicit drugs, like fentanyl, is common. Fentanyl has been referred to as a "silent killer" because it's often undetected in street drugs, significantly increasing the risk of overdose.

Drug Deaths

Pennsylvania has consistently ranked high in drug overdose deaths compared to the national average. According to state-specific data from the 2021-2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), Pennsylvania continues to face significant challenges with substance abuse, particularly with opioids, which have heavily contributed to the state’s elevated overdose death rates.

From 2017 to 2023, Pennsylvania saw a rapid increase in deaths due to synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, which is reflected in the sharp rise in overdose deaths across the state. Nationally, opioid-related deaths have also been on the rise, but Pennsylvania’s rate is particularly concerning, with provisional data indicating that the state’s overdose death rate remains high in comparison to the rest of the U.S.

Graph and data from the CDC.

Cocaine

Cocaine use in Pennsylvania remains a concern, particularly among young adults. From 2021-2022, approximately 1.94% of individuals aged 12 and older reported using cocaine​. However, cocaine use is notably higher in the 18-25 age group, with 3.45% of young adults reporting cocaine use​. Despite lower overall prevalence compared to other substances like opioids, cocaine’s impact is still significant, especially as it is often mixed with other dangerous substances like fentanyl, increasing the risk of overdose.

Heroin

Heroin use in Pennsylvania is less prevalent compared to other opioids but remains a serious issue. During 2021-2022, 0.39% of individuals aged 12 and older reported using heroin​. This rate was slightly higher among adults aged 26 and older, at 0.41%, while use among younger populations remains rare. The dangers of heroin are exacerbated by its frequent combination with synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

Opioids

According to the latest NSDUH data set, 3.25% of Pennsylvanians reported opioid misuse, which includes both prescription pain relievers and heroin​. Additionally, 2.96% of individuals reported prescription pain reliever misuse, which is slightly higher than the national average​. Opioid misuse was particularly prevalent in adults aged 26 and older, with 3.42% in this age group reporting misuse​.

Synthetic Opioids

The rise of synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, has had devastating effects in Pennsylvania. Fentanyl, often mixed with other substances like heroin or cocaine, is especially dangerous due to its potency and has been the fatal factor in most overdose deaths in the state.

Explaining the Trends

The recent availability of life-saving medications like Naloxone (Narcan) has contributed to a noticeable reduction in opioid-related overdose deaths in Pennsylvania. This intervention has been critical, helping reduce fatal overdoses by reversing the effects of opioids during emergency situations. However, while fewer overdose deaths are a positive development, this does not necessarily reflect a decrease in drug use overall.

The availability of Narcan, although crucial for saving lives, is just the first step in addressing the larger issue of substance abuse. The real challenge lies in moving beyond immediate overdose prevention and focusing on long-term addiction recovery. To do so, Pennsylvania needs comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs that emphasize sustained sobriety, mental health support, and relapse prevention. Without addressing the underlying factors contributing to drug dependency, such as mental health disorders and socioeconomic challenges, the state may continue to see high rates of drug misuse, even with reduced overdose fatalities.

Demographic Insights

Substance abuse in Pennsylvania affects individuals across a wide range of demographics, but certain patterns have emerged that align with trends seen across the United States. Men are more likely than women to suffer from substance use disorders, and young adults are particularly vulnerable. In urban areas, such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, there is a higher prevalence of drug use, particularly cocaine and heroin. However, rural areas have also been deeply impacted by the opioid crisis, where access to healthcare and treatment programs is often more limited.

Information from U.S. statistics according to the CDC.

Treatment, Recovery, and Relapse

Research shows that addiction is highly treatable with the right health care and recovery programs. Pennsylvania offers a range of addiction treatment options, from outpatient counseling to inpatient drug rehab. In 2021, the state saw thousands of admissions for substance use treatment, with alcohol, heroin, and methamphetamine being the most commonly treated substances.

While Pennsylvania offers a variety of treatment options, gaps in services remain, leaving many individuals without the help needed to recover or prevent relapse. In the United States, relapse rates for substance use disorders typically fall between 40% and 60%, but without participation in recovery programs, these rates can soar to as high as 85%. On the other hand, individuals who engage in long-term recovery support, such as counseling or 12-step programs, often experience significantly better outcomes.

Information from NIH, JSAT, AA, and NA.

Prevention Efforts

Preventing addiction is just as important as treating it. Pennsylvania has implemented several harm reduction strategies, including needle exchange programs and the widespread distribution of Naloxone. These efforts have helped prevent overdose deaths and reduce the spread of diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C.

However, long-term prevention requires a focus on comprehensive treatment programs that not only address the immediate health needs of individuals but also provide life skills training, counseling, and family support to help maintain long-term sobriety.

Summary of Findings

Pennsylvania’s battle with substance abuse is ongoing. Opioid addiction and overdose deaths continue to rise, but the state’s efforts to expand access to treatment, distribute life-saving medications like Naloxone, and promote harm-reduction strategies are helping to slow the tide. If you or someone you love is facing addiction, Caron Pennsylvania offers personalized, comprehensive treatment that focuses on healing the whole person. Our programs are designed to help individuals achieve lasting recovery and reduce the likelihood of relapse.

Learn more about Caron’s addiction treatment and recovery programs in Pennsylvania.

FAQs About Pennsylvania Drug Statistics

How bad is Pennsylvania’s drug problem?

Pennsylvania’s drug problem is severe, especially due to the ongoing opioid crisis. The state has been hit hard by the opioid overdose deaths in the U.S., particularly involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl. According to the CDC, Pennsylvania recorded over 5,000 drug overdose deaths in 2022, with opioids contributing to the majority of these fatalities. This places Pennsylvania among the top American states for opioid-related overdose deaths. Source

Where in Pennsylvania has the highest overdose rate?

Urban areas such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh consistently report some of the highest rates of drug overdose incidents in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, in particular, has been severely affected by opioid use, with fentanyl contributing to a large portion of overdose deaths. However, rural areas in Pennsylvania have also experienced rising overdose rates, highlighting that the opioid crisis is affecting communities across the state, regardless of location. Source

What is the fastest-growing drug problem in the United States?

Prescription drug abuse remains the fastest-growing drug problem in the United States. The misuse of prescription medications, including opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants, has fueled a surge in addiction and overdose cases across the country. In Pennsylvania, this issue has been compounded by the availability of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which are often mixed with other substances that increase emergency room visits and fatal overdoses. Source

Which drugs cause the most deaths in the United States?

Opioids, particularly synthetic opioids like fentanyl, are responsible for the majority of drug-related deaths in the U.S., and Pennsylvania is no exception. In 2022, opioids were involved in approximately 85% of all drug overdose deaths in the state. Fentanyl, in particular, has been a driving force behind the rise in overdose fatalities, often laced into other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, making them even more dangerous. Source