WalletHub’s comprehensive study reveals state-by-state drug sssues
A comprehensive study conducted by WalletHub has cast a revealing light on the pervasive drug issue in the United States, thoroughly assessing 50 states and the District of Columbia using 20 critical indicators.
The study’s objective was to pinpoint the regions most susceptible to drug abuse by meticulously evaluating their overall drug consumption and addiction levels, law enforcement practices, and the prevalence of drug-related health issues and rehabilitation facilities. Among the key metrics considered were arrest and overdose rates, opioid prescription statistics, and employee drug testing legislation.
As per the report’s findings, Indiana ranked 12th, Michigan 10th, Illinois 28th, Ohio 30th, Wisconsin 31st, and Iowa 45th in terms of drug use. Conversely, New Mexico, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, Louisiana, and Colorado emerged as the top five states plagued by the highest drug use, while California was positioned at 39th place.
It is important to acknowledge that the study does not encompass all drug categories, excluding the likes of prescription drug abuse, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Nevertheless, the report offers valuable insights into the drug problems afflicting various states by scrutinizing key metrics, assigning a score of 100 to signify the most severe drug issue.
WalletHub’s timely investigation comes as the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported the confiscation of over 410 million lethal doses of fentanyl in 2022, signaling a transformation in the drug landscape. Despite concerted governmental efforts to curb drug abuse, the 12-month period concluding in November 2022 witnessed more than 103,500 drug overdose fatalities.
The data employed in WalletHub’s analysis was gathered from a diverse range of sources, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
