Alabama has seen a rise in drug and alcohol addiction in recent years, with opioids being a particular concern. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 1 in 10 Alabamians struggle with a substance use disorder.2
In 2018, Alabama had a drug overdose death rate of 16.2 per 100,000 people. Opioids were involved in over 70% of these deaths. Three years later, in 2021, Alabama’s drug overdose death rate increased to 30.1 per 100,000 people, with 1,408 overdose fatalities reported that year.3
The significant increase in overdose fatalities has largely been linked to fentanyl. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is many times more powerful than morphine and can cause life-threatening overdoses. Despite its dangers, the drug remains readily available and has led to a surge in addiction cases across the state.
The Alabama Department of Mental Health has released data indicating a significant rise in the number of individuals seeking treatment for fentanyl abuse. In 2020, 150 people were admitted into treatment centers across the state for fentanyl addiction. However, the numbers for 2021 reveal a staggering increase, with 417 people seeking help for fentanyl abuse, indicating a 64% rise in admissions.6 This rise in admissions reflects the growing concern over fentanyl abuse in Alabama, as it continues to take its toll on individuals, families, and communities.
Illicit substance misuse is not the only threat within the state of Alabama. Despite the prevalence of binge drinking in Alabama (13.7%) 4 being slightly lower than the national average (17%) 4, alcohol misuse still claims lives within the state each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, excessive alcohol consumption is a significant contributor to traffic fatalities in Alabama, as 2,608 people were killed in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver in Alabama from 2009-2018.5