Philadelphia Addiction Stats

Drug use and overdose deaths are major public health issues nationwide, but in Philadelphia — the City of Brotherly Love — these problems are especially severe for its residents.

With a poverty rate of 22.8%, Philadelphia is the poorest of America’s largest cities, and research shows that substance use disorders — including opioid, stimulant, and alcohol use — disproportionately affect individuals living in poverty. In response, the city has implemented a range of innovative strategies to address substance abuse. From nonprofits like Prevention Point Philadelphia to harm reduction programs and recovery centers, the city and its residents are working diligently to combat this ongoing crisis.

Here’s a closer look at Philadelphia addiction statistics, along with insights into the most effective prevention and rehabilitation efforts.

Overall Philadelphia Addiction Statistics

In recent years, an opioid crisis has swept through the U.S., and Philadelphia is no exception. While stimulant use is on the rise, opioids continue to play a role in the majority of unintentional overdoses and unintentional overdose deaths.

According to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), in 2021, 82% of unintentional overdose deaths in Philadelphia involved opioids, with fentanyl detected in 94% of those cases. Stimulants were present in 67% of overdose deaths, and fatalities involving both opioids and stimulants increased by 14% from the previous year.

By 2022, the number of overdose deaths in Philadelphia had risen to 1,413, an 11% increase from 2021 and a 16% increase since 2020. More than half (55%) of these fatalities involved both an opioid and a stimulant, reflecting shifts in the illicit drug supply and patterns of substance use.

Some of the most commonly abused substances in Philadelphia include:

Fentanyl remains the leading cause of overdose fatalities in Philly, often found in combination with other substances. Cocaine, xylazine, and benzodiazepines are also frequently involved in fatal overdoses.

Information from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH).

Alcohol Usage in Philadelphia

Although alcohol isn’t a major cause of overdose deaths in particular, the CDC reports that excessive drinking is actually a bigger long-term killer than opioids in Pennsylvania. Each year, more than 6,600 Pennsylvanians die due to excessive drinking, but because alcohol is legal and carries less stigma than 'illicit' drugs, its impact on substance use disorder-related deaths is significantly overlooked

According to the most recent data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 25.7% of individuals aged 12 and older in the Philadelphia metropolitan area reported binge drinking in the past month. This rate is lower than the Pennsylvania state average (26.9%) but slightly higher than the national average (24.5%).

Alcohol-Related Deaths

Alcohol-related deaths have been rising in Philadelphia, following a statewide trend. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Pennsylvania has seen a 45.4% increase in alcohol-related deaths per capita, with an average of 5,703 deaths each year linked to alcohol use. These deaths are often caused by alcohol poisoning, liver disease, drunk driving, and other accidents while intoxicated.

Alcohol abuse doesn’t just affect physical health — it’s also closely tied to mental health struggles, including depression and suicide. As Pennsylvania’s largest city, Philadelphia is at the center of these concerns, and there is a growing need for better support, prevention, and education to address alcohol misuse in the community.

Graph from AXIOS Philidelphia, information from KFF.

Drug Usage Trends in the Philly Area

Substance use trends in the Philly area have shifted significantly in recent years. One of the newest drugs on the scene — and one involved in an increasing number of fatal overdoses — is xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer also known as “tranq.”

In 2022, tranq was detected in 34% of Philadelphia’s overdose deaths, and its presence in the local drug supply has risen sharply. Still, when it comes to overdose, opioids — fentanyl in particular — are still the most dangerous. In 2021, 77% of all unintentional overdose deaths in Philadelphia involved fentanyl or a fentanyl analog.

Another growing concern in Philadelphia’s overdose crisis is drug contamination, where substances are mixed — often unknowingly — leading to a higher risk of fatal overdoses. Many opioid-related deaths also involve stimulants like cocaine, methamphetamine, and crack, as well as xylazine (tranq), making overdoses more difficult to reverse and increasing their severity.

Marijuana Use in Philly

Marijuana is another drug worth discussing. In 2014, Philadelphia decriminalized marijuana, partly due to racial disparities in arrests and prosecutions. Although marijuana is not technically legal, possessing a small amount (30 grams or less) will not result in arrest in Philadelphia; however, a fine may still be imposed. Since the decriminalization, the city has experienced a significant decrease in marijuana-related arrests and jail time.

Still, marijuana dependency is a real issue, and Philadelphians seeking help for this dependency can find treatment options available.

Explaining the Trends

To tackle substance use disorders and their related harms, the city of Philadelphia, along with the Philadelphia Public Health Department — particularly through the outreach programs of the Division of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction — has been collaborating with various nonprofits, treatment programs, and centers, as well as engaged citizens. Together, they are working diligently to intervene, mitigate the harms associated with addiction, and support individuals seeking treatment.

One important intervention is the overdose reversal drug Naloxone (commonly known by its brand name Narcan®), which can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Many Philadelphia treatment programs and health organizations provide access to Naloxone, as well as fentanyl test strips, xylazine test strips, and other harm reduction tools to help reduce the risk of overdose in our communities.

Demographic Insights

In Philadelphia, the overdose crisis exhibits significant disparities across various demographic groups. Notably, in 2022, non-Hispanic Black males experienced the highest number of overdose fatalities, with a median age of death at 55 years.

Geographically, overdose deaths are not evenly distributed across Philadelphia, with certain areas experiencing significantly higher fatality rates. The 19134 ZIP code, which includes neighborhoods like Kensington and Harrowgate, reported the highest number of overdose fatalities in 2022, totaling 193 deaths — a 14% increase from the previous year. Unintentional drug overdose deaths are far more concentrated in the River Wards near the Delaware River than in the suburbs, highlighting how location impacts healthcare access, substance use trends, and the risk of fatal overdose.

Age and Drug Use in Philadelphia

Unintentional overdose deaths in Philadelphia impact adults across all age groups, but the highest rates are seen among individuals aged 35–44. While overdose deaths occur across ages 25–64, the 25–34 age group experiences slightly lower rates compared to older age brackets.

Race and Gender Statistics in Philly Substance Users

Overwhelmingly, being born male dramatically increases a Philadelphians’ likelihood of overdose and overdose death. In 2021, 72% of all unintentional fatal overdoses were males. As for racial demographic data, it seems the pandemic shifted trends. Before 2020, non-Hispanic white individuals experienced the highest number of unintentional overdose deaths. By the end of 2020, the number of unintentional overdose fatalities among non-Hispanic Black individuals was up 29%, while the overdose death rate among non-Hispanic white individuals decreased by 10%.

That trend has continued with Black non-Hispanic people experiencing unintentional overdose death at a rate that surpasses the death rate among non-Hispanic white individuals.

Treatment Disparities and Challenges

Pennsylvania’s Medicaid expansion has improved access to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, with the majority of treatment facilities now accepting Medicaid. However, financial barriers, limited availability, and geographic disparities still prevent many from receiving care.

In addition, high demand for reputable programs leads to long wait times, while transportation, insurance gaps, and personal responsibilities — such as work and childcare — make treatment inaccessible for many. Without more flexible, community-based options, treatment disparities will persist, leaving many without the help they need from skilled, qualified providers.

Treatment, Recovery, and Relapse

In Philadelphia, as in the rest of the United States, treatment options range from peer support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) to more structured, intensive programs. While AA and NA offer valuable community support, many individuals require personalized addiction treatment, such as inpatient or outpatient rehab, medication-assisted treatment, or therapy, to address the complexity of their recovery needs.

There are many outpatient and inpatient treatment programs in Philadelphia County, and many of these programs are tailored to specific populations, like teenagers, first responders, people with Medicaid, and more. Many also take commercial insurance, while some are self-pay. Some of these programs also provide recovery support programs to help prevent relapse.

Relapse Prevention and Statistics

When taken as a whole, some data shows relapse rates for people with substance use disorder are between 40% and 60%. However, a person’s drug of choice largely determines their relapse vulnerability, and it’s important to note that 40% to 60% of individuals with substance use disorders maintain their recovery without experiencing a relapse.

Recognizing that substance use disorder is a chronic condition emphasizes the necessity of continuous care. Remaining in treatment, developing a strong support network, and adopting healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the likelihood of relapse.

Prevention Efforts

As was mentioned earlier, there are a number of harm prevention strategies taking place in Philadelphia. Naloxone distribution is common, and the obstacles to accessing it are lower than in previous years — canvassers have even gone door to door to pass it out. Needle exchange programs are also available to help substance users inject safely, which reduces additional harm to their health and may eventually assist them in addressing their addiction.

Fentanyl and tranq test strips are becoming more widely available to help ensure that individuals using substances have access to a safer drug supply. This is especially important as unintentional overdoses caused by unknown drug contamination are increasing in Philadelphia and across the country.

Unsafe Heroin Supply in Philadelphia

Recent analyses by the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) have found that Philadelphia’s heroin supply is widely contaminated with fentanyl and xylazine. In a 2023 study, CFSRE tested 344 drug samples and confirmed that a significant portion contained these dangerous additives.

Because fentanyl and xylazine greatly increase the risk of overdose, harm reduction efforts — such as making test strips widely available — are essential for keeping Philadelphians safe. These solutions help prevent overdoses, reduce emergency room visits, and allow individuals with opioid use disorder more time to lean on loved ones and seek the support they need if they choose to pursue treatment.

Summary of Findings

Substance use remains a significant challenge in Philadelphia, with opioid overdoses — particularly those linked to drug contamination — continuing to pose a serious threat. While prevention efforts and harm reduction strategies are crucial in improving community safety, access to effective treatment remains essential. Unfortunately, barriers to care persist across demographics, limiting treatment availability for many in need.

As in many cities across the U.S., the demand for treatment outpaces availability. If you or a loved one needs support for substance use in the Philadelphia area, contact Caron right away to explore treatment options and secure a space in one of our programs as soon as possible.

FAQs About Philadelphia Drug Statistics