Alaska Drug and Alcohol Statistics - World Forum for Mental Health

Alaska faces one of the most severe substance use crises in the United States. The state consistently ranks above national and regional averages for drug use, overdose mortality, alcohol-related deaths, and substance use disorders across nearly every age group. Between 2014 and 2023, drug overdose deaths in Alaska increased by nearly 200%, driven primarily by the spread of fentanyl and the growing role of methamphetamine.

At the same time, alcohol claims an average of 433 lives per year, with Alaska holding the second-highest rate of alcohol-related deaths per capita in the nation. This report compiles all available statistical data on drug and alcohol use in Alaska, drawing on state and federal sources. The data is organized into two sections — drugs and alcohol — and covers overdose deaths, substance use prevalence, youth and young adult use, disorders, treatment access, law enforcement, and sentencing.

Statistical Data on Drugs in Alaska

Drug Overdose Deaths

State-Level Overdose Snapshot

Alaska’s drug overdose death rate substantially exceeds the national average and has risen sharply over the past three years. The figures below summarise the state’s current overdose burden.

254 drug overdose deaths per year (state annual average).
4.59% of all deaths in Alaska are attributable to drug overdose.
OD deaths increased by 97.20% over the last 3 years.
The OD death rate is 34.3 deaths per 100,000 residents — 31.55% more than the national OD death rate.
Alaska accounts for 0.24% of nationwide OD deaths.
In 2023, overdose deaths rose by 44.5% compared to 2022 (247 → 357 deaths).
The overdose death rate in 2023 was 49.5 per 100,000, compared to 33.7 in 2022.
Alaska had the fastest rising rate of overdose deaths in the country (75.3% increase in one year, vs. 15% nationally — CDC, May 2022).
Approximately 89% of overdose deaths were unintentional, 7% were suicide, and 5% were other intents (homicide or undetermined).

State-Level Overdose Snapshot

Overdose Deaths by Year and Intent (2014–2023)

Unintentional deaths dominate the count. A sharp acceleration began in 2021 and has continued through 2023, with 2023 seeing the highest single-year total on record.

Year	Unintentional	Suicide	Other / Undetermined	All Drug Overdose
2014	101	16	6	123
2015	105	9	7	121
2016	106	13	10	129
2017	119	16	6	141
2018	91	6	8	105
2019	110	15	8	133
2020	127	10	9	146
2021	238	9	8	255
2022	228	8	11	247
2023	331	14	12	357
TOTAL (2014–2023)	1,556	116	85	1,757

Unintentional overdose deaths more than doubled between 2020 and 2023. Suicide-related overdoses also ticked up in 2023 after several lower years, indicating a broad worsening of the crisis.

Overdose Death Rates by Sex (2019–2023)

Men consistently experience higher overdose death rates than women. However, both groups saw steep increases in 2023. Rates are shown as count (deaths per 100,000 population).

Sex	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Male	93 (24.4)	94 (24.7)	160 (42.1)	161 (42.2)	225 (59.3)
Female	40 (11.3)	52 (14.9)	95 (27.6)	86 (24.6)	132 (38.8)
Total	133	146	255	247	357

The male overdose death rate reached 59.3 per 100,000 in 2023 — more than 140% above the 2019 rate of 24.4. The female death rate nearly tripled over the same period, from 11.3 to 38.8 per 100,000.

Overdose Death Rates by Race and Ethnicity (2019–2023)

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people have consistently experienced the highest overdose death rates in Alaska. In 2023, their rate of 114.6 per 100,000 was more than three times the rate for White residents. Figures shown as count (rate per 100,000); * = low reliability; ** = suppressed.

White, Black, and AI/AN Populations

Race/Ethnicity	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
White (Alone)	76 (15.1)	77 (15.6)	133 (27.2)	123 (24.5)	170 (34.2)
Black (Alone)	6 (22.6*)	10 (35.5*)	6 (21.5*)	8 (29.5*)	23 (84.6)
AI/AN (Alone)	33 (32.0)	38 (36.3)	80 (75.9)	82 (79.3)	119 (114.6)

Asian/PI, Multiple Race, and Hispanic Populations

Race/Ethnicity	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Asian/PI (Alone)	3 (**)	1 (**)	2 (**)	0 (NA)	5 (**)
Multiple Races	14 (33.5*)	13 (34.1*)	32 (76.5)	32 (74.4)	31 (72.3)
Hispanic (Any Race)	1 (**)	4 (**)	6 (11.7*)	12 (22.9*)	19 (37.4*)

The AI/AN rate of 114.6 per 100,000 in 2023 is nearly double the 2022 figure (79.3), representing an acute and disproportionate burden on Alaska Native communities.

Overdose Death Rates by Age Group

Adults aged 35–54 consistently face the highest overdose death rates. In 2023, the 35–44 cohort reached a rate of 110.0 deaths per 100,000. Figures shown as count (rate per 100,000).

2019–2021

Age Group	2019	2020	2021
<5 Years	1 (**)	0 (NA)	0 (NA)
5–14 Years	0 (NA)	0 (NA)	0 (NA)
15–24 Years	7 (7.5*)	18 (18.6*)	27 (27.4)
25–34 Years	46 (41.0)	33 (29.5)	72 (66.1)
35–44 Years	34 (35.0)	36 (36.6)	57 (56.5)
45–54 Years	19 (22.2*)	29 (34.2)	54 (65.5)
55–64 Years	17 (17.4*)	24 (25.1)	32 (34.3)
65–74 Years	7 (11.3*)	5 (**)	10 (14.4*)
75–84 Years	2 (**)	1 (**)	3 (**)
State Total	133	146	255

2022–2023

Age Group	2022	2023
<5 Years	1 (**)	2 (**)
5–14 Years	0 (NA)	0 (NA)
15–24 Years	16 (16.3*)	27 (27.2)
25–34 Years	58 (54.5)	75 (70.5)
35–44 Years	68 (66.3)	115 (110.0)
45–54 Years	45 (54.8)	67 (81.8)
55–64 Years	43 (47.0)	51 (58.1)
65–74 Years	14 (19.4*)	19 (25.9*)
75–84 Years	1 (**)	1 (**)
State Total	247	357

The 35–44 age group had the highest 2023 rate (110.0 per 100,000), followed by 45–54 (81.8) and 25–34 (70.5). No overdose deaths among 5–14-year-olds were recorded in any year between 2019 and 2023.

Overdose Death Rates by Region (2019–2023)

Anchorage has consistently recorded the highest regional overdose death rates in Alaska, reaching 79.9 per 100,000 in 2023 — nearly double the statewide rate of 49.5. Figures shown as count (rate per 100,000).

Region	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Anchorage	57 (19.3)	90 (31.1)	142 (49.1)	142 (48.2)	230 (79.9)
Gulf Coast	16 (18.8*)	12 (12.6*)	30 (39.6)	16 (18.0*)	22 (26.6)
Interior	22 (19.3)	10 (8.1*)	20 (16.4)	24 (23.6)	27 (25.1)
Mat-Su	15 (15.0*)	20 (18.7)	28 (25.3)	32 (29.2)	37 (32.3)
Northern	5 (**)	3 (**)	3 (**)	4 (**)	3 (**)
Southeast	11 (15.3*)	7 (10.6*)	24 (34.9)	20 (28.3)	29 (40.1)
Southwest	7 (16.9*)	4 (**)	8 (20.1*)	9 (21.1*)	9 (23.0*)
Statewide	133 (18.1)	146 (20.0)	255 (35.2)	247 (33.7)	357 (49.5)

Anchorage accounts for the majority of Alaska’s overdose deaths. Its 2023 rate (79.9 per 100,000) is three times higher than the Interior (25.1) and Mat-Su (32.3) regions.

Notes

* Estimate has low statistical reliability.

** Estimate suppressed due to small sample size (fewer than 10 cases).

Opioid Epidemic

Key Opioid Statistics

Opioids — especially synthetic varieties such as fentanyl — are the dominant driver of Alaska’s overdose crisis. Alaska’s opioid death rate significantly exceeds the national average.

290 people died from opioid overdose in 2023.
The opioid death rate is 40.1 per 100,000 — 67.1% more than the national rate.
Opioids are a factor in 80.8% of all overdose deaths.
Synthetic opioids (e.g., fentanyl) are involved in 94.5% of all opioid overdose deaths.
Heroin is a factor in 5.5% of opioid overdose deaths.
11.0% of opioid overdose deaths involve prescription opioids.
Fentanyl overdose deaths increased by 193% from 2019 to 2020.
Fentanyl accounted for approximately 49% of all drug overdoses in Alaska in 2020.
In 2020, 26.6 of every 1,000 births were diagnosed with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
Doctors write enough opioid prescriptions for 30.4% of residents to have one.
Intravenous drug use was connected to approximately 1.8 new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in 2023.

Opioid Overdose Deaths by Drug Type

The tables below detail overdose deaths by specific narcotic drug type. Fentanyl-related deaths have surged dramatically since 2019, while heroin deaths have sharply declined. Figures shown as count (rate per 100,000).

2019–2021

Drug (ICD-10)	2019	2020	2021
Total Narcotics (T400–T409)	88 (11.7)	107 (14.5)	201 (27.7)
Opioids (T400–T404, T406)	83 (11.0)	102 (13.8)	198 (27.4)
Heroin (T401)	45 (6.0)	31 (4.3)	66 (9.2)
Analgesic Opioids (T402–T404)	60 (7.8)	88 (11.9)	179 (24.9)
Analgesics Excl. Synthetic (T402–T403)	46 (6.0)	44 (5.7)	81 (11.1)
Other Opioids (T402)	41 (5.3)	37 (4.7)	74 (10.2)
Methadone (T403)	9 (1.2*)	8 (1.1*)	12 (1.6*)
Other Synthetic Narcotics (T404)	23 (3.2)	61 (8.5)	150 (21.0)
Fentanyl (T404 w/ Fentanyl cited)	15 (2.2*)	58 (8.1)	145 (20.3)
Cocaine (T405)	7 (0.9*)	21 (2.9)	11 (1.3*)

Opioid Overdose Deaths by Drug Type

2022–2023

Drug (ICD-10)	2022	2023
Total Narcotics (T400–T409)	191 (25.9)	292 (40.6)
Opioids (T400–T404, T406)	185 (25.0)	286 (39.8)
Heroin (T401)	40 (5.5)	16 (2.1*)
Analgesic Opioids (T402–T404)	179 (24.2)	283 (39.4)
Analgesics Excl. Synthetic (T402–T403)	55 (7.5)	47 (6.3)
Other Opioids (T402)	49 (6.7)	34 (4.6)
Methadone (T403)	10 (1.2*)	14 (1.9*)
Other Synthetic Narcotics (T404)	156 (21.1)	270 (37.9)
Fentanyl (T404 w/ Fentanyl cited)	151 (20.4)	265 (37.2)
Cocaine (T405)	21 (2.9)	31 (4.1)

Fentanyl deaths surged from 15 in 2019 to 265 in 2023 — a 1,667% increase in four years. Heroin deaths declined from 45 to just 16 over the same period, consistent with fentanyl displacing heroin in the drug supply.

Overdose Death Rates by Drug Category (2014–2023)

The overall drug overdose death rate in Alaska more than doubled between 2014 and 2023. Psychotropics — which include methamphetamine — have shown the most dramatic proportional growth. All figures are deaths per 100,000.

Narcotics and Psychotropics (2014–2023)

Drug Category	2014	2016	2018	2020	2022	2023	% Change
Total Drug Overdose	16.6	17.1	14.0	20.0	33.7	49.5	+198%
Narcotics	11.6	13.4	9.3	14.5	25.9	40.6	+250%
Psychotropics	6.0	8.6	8.2	10.3	20.5	29.9	+398%
Sedatives	4.2	4.1	3.6	3.6	5.0	7.1	+69%

Psychotropic-related deaths (driven primarily by methamphetamine) rose 398% from 2014 to 2023 — the highest proportional increase of any drug category. Narcotic deaths (driven primarily by fentanyl) rose 250%.

Methamphetamine’s Role in Overdose Deaths

Methamphetamine plays a significant and growing role in Alaska’s overdose crisis, most commonly in combination with opioids.

A little over half of fatal overdoses from 2017 to 2023 involved methamphetamine use.
About 60% of Alaska overdose deaths from 2017 to 2023 involved more than one drug.
From 2017 to 2023, Alaska’s methamphetamine-related death rate increased by about 25%.
In 2023, there were 198 psychostimulant overdose deaths (rate: 27.2 per 100,000), up from 140 in 2022.
193 of those 198 psychostimulant deaths specifically cited methamphetamine.
The psychostimulant overdose death rate was 27.2 per 100,000 in 2023, compared to 19.2 in 2022.

Multidrug Overdose Combinations

Overview

The majority of Alaska’s overdose deaths involve more than one substance. Between 2019 and 2023, 59.3% of all overdose deaths involved more than one drug type. The most common lethal pairing was synthetic narcotics combined with psychostimulants (primarily fentanyl + methamphetamine).

36.5% of overdose deaths (2019–2023) involved only a single drug.
30.7% involved two drugs.
28.6% involved three or more drugs.

Drug Overdose Deaths by Number of Drugs Involved (2019–2023)

Drugs	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2019–2023 Total
One Drug	48 (36.1%)	57 (39.0%)	88 (34.5%)	92 (37.2%)	130 (36.4%)	415 (36.5%)
Two Drugs	29 (21.8%)	36 (24.7%)	69 (27.1%)	77 (31.2%)	138 (38.7%)	349 (30.7%)
Three or More	42 (31.6%)	43 (29.5%)	92 (36.1%)	71 (28.7%)	78 (21.8%)	326 (28.6%)
Other/Unspecified	14 (10.5%)	10 (6.8%)	6 (2.4%)	7 (2.8%)	11 (3.1%)	48 (4.2%)
Total	133	146	255	247	357	1,138

Two-drug combinations increased as a share of deaths from 21.8% in 2019 to 38.7% in 2023, while three-or-more drug combinations declined proportionally. This suggests a shift toward more concentrated, high-potency two-drug combinations.

Top 10 Multidrug Overdose Combinations (2019–2023, N = 778 multidrug deaths)

Rank	Drug A	Drug B	Deaths	% of Multidrug ODs
1	Other Synthetic Narcotics (T404)	Psychostimulants (T436)	344	30.2%
2	Heroin (T401)	Psychostimulants (T436)	151	13.3%
3	Other Opioids (T402)	Psychostimulants (T436)	131	11.5%
4	Other Opioids (T402)	Other Synthetic Narcotics (T404)	125	11.0%
5	Heroin (T401)	Other Synthetic Narcotics (T404)	99	8.7%
6	Heroin (T401)	Other Opioids (T402)	73	6.4%
7	Heroin (T401)	Other/Unspecified Narcotics (T406)	68	6.0%
8	Other/Unspecified Narcotics (T406)	Psychostimulants (T436)	65	5.7%
9	Benzodiazepines (T424)	Other Synthetic Narcotics (T404)	63	5.5%
10	Cocaine (T405)	Other Synthetic Narcotics (T404)	58	5.1%

Synthetic narcotics combined with psychostimulants (Rank 1) accounted for nearly one in three multidrug overdose deaths over the five-year period — the single most lethal drug combination in Alaska.

Drug Use Prevalence

General Population Benchmarks (Age 12+)

Alaska consistently exceeds national and regional averages for drug use. Key benchmarks from 2021–2023 NSDUH data are listed below.

In 2021–2023, 23.1% of Alaskans aged 12+ used illicit drugs in the past month — higher than the regional average (18.5%) and the national average (15.9%).
22.7% used marijuana in the past month — higher than regional (17.0%) and national (14.5%) averages.
3.4% misused opioids in the past year — similar to regional (3.0%) and national (3.2%) averages.
21.6% had a substance use disorder — higher than regional (17.4%) and national (17.0%) averages.
14.4% had a drug use disorder — higher than regional (10.0%) and national (9.3%) averages.
Historical: 13.65% of Alaska residents reported past-month illicit drug use — national average was 8.82%.

General Population Benchmarks

Illicit Drug Use by Age Group — Percentages (2022–2023 Annual Average)

The following table presents drug use rates by substance and age group. Young adults (18–25) report the highest rates across nearly all categories.

Use and Misuse Rates

Measure	12+	12–17	18–25	26+	18+
Illicit Drug Use in Past Month	23.01%	6.52%	31.15%	23.96%	24.85%
Marijuana Use in Past Year	29.73%	10.61%	41.76%	30.48%	31.88%
Marijuana Use in Past Month	22.31%	4.99%	28.26%	23.67%	24.25%
Illicit Drug (excl. Marijuana) Past Month	3.25%	1.62%	5.62%	3.12%	3.43%
Cocaine Use in Past Year	1.30%	0.18%	2.75%	1.23%	1.42%
Heroin Use in Past Year	—	—	0.23%	0.88%	0.80%
Hallucinogen Use in Past Year	3.03%	1.99%	6.70%	2.65%	3.15%
Methamphetamine Use in Past Year	1.42%	0.05%	0.88%	1.67%	1.57%
Prescription Pain Reliever Misuse/Year	3.23%	2.22%	2.91%	3.41%	3.35%
Opioid Misuse in Past Year	3.18%	2.23%	3.42%	3.27%	3.29%

Estimated Numbers by Age Group (Thousands)

Measure	12+	12–17	18–25	26+	18+
Illicit Drug Use in Past Month	135	4	21	111	131
Marijuana Use in Past Year	175	6	28	141	169
Marijuana Use in Past Month	131	3	19	110	128
Cocaine Use in Past Year	8	0	2	6	8
Heroin Use in Past Year	—	—	<1	4	4
Hallucinogen Use in Past Year	18	1	4	12	17
Methamphetamine Use in Past Year	8	0	1	8	8
Prescription Pain Reliever Misuse/Year	19	1	2	16	18
Opioid Misuse in Past Year	19	1	2	15	17

Approximately 135,000 Alaskans aged 12+ used illicit drugs in the past month. Young adults (18–25) show the highest rates relative to their population size, with nearly one in three reporting past-month illicit drug use.

Youth Drug Use (Ages 12–17)

Current Use Statistics (2022–2023)

Teenage drug use in Alaska has declined over the long term but remains a meaningful public health concern, particularly for marijuana and opioids.

4,000 (6.52%) of 12–17-year-olds report using drugs in the last month.
Teenagers in Alaska are 10.13% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen.
Among 12–17-year-olds who used illicit drugs in the last month, 75.00% reported marijuana use.
10.61% of 12–17-year-olds used marijuana in the last year.
0.18% of 12–17-year-olds used cocaine in the last year.
0.05% of 12–17-year-olds used methamphetamine in the last year.
2.22% of 12–17-year-olds misused pain relievers in the last year.
6.41% of teenagers aged 12–17 met the criteria for Drug Use Disorder in the last year.
2.25% of teenagers aged 12–17 met the criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder in the last year.

Historical Youth Drug Use Trends

Youth drug and marijuana use declined meaningfully from 2002–2004 to 2017–2019, though Alaska has historically ranked among the highest states for youth drug dependence.

During 2017–2019, past-month illicit drug use among youth was 8.1% — lower than the regional average (11.0%) but similar to the national average (8.2%).
Past-month marijuana use among youth in 2017–2019 was 7.3% — similar to regional (9.8%) and national (6.8%) averages.
7.9% of youth used marijuana for the first time in 2017–2019 — similar to regional (5.6%) but higher than national (5.2%) averages.
6.9% of youth used alcohol for the first time in 2017–2019 — similar to regional (9.4%) but lower than national (9.3%) averages.
Past-month illicit drug use among youth decreased between 2015–2017 and 2017–2019.
Past-month marijuana use among youth decreased between 2002–2004 and 2017–2019.
Alaska has historically been among the top 10 states for illicit drug dependence among ages 12–17.

Young Adult Drug Use (Ages 18–25)

Current Use Statistics (2022–2023)

Young adults in Alaska aged 18–25 show the highest drug use rates of any age group, with nearly one in three reporting past-month illicit drug use.

21,000 adults aged 18–25 used drugs in the last month.
18–25-year-olds in Alaska are 16.63% more likely to use drugs than the average American in the same age group.
31.15% of 18–25-year-olds used illicit drugs in the past month.
41.76% of 18–25-year-olds used marijuana in the past year.
27.04% of 18–25-year-olds had a Drug Use Disorder in the past year.
30.71% of 18–25-year-olds had a Substance Use Disorder in the past year.

Historical Trends — Young Adults (2017–2019 Annual Averages)

Past-year marijuana use was 38.3% (28,000) — similar to regional (43.0%) and national (35.0%) averages.
Past-year marijuana use disorder was 7.3% — similar to regional (6.3%) and national (5.6%) averages.
Past-year opioid use disorder was 1.0% — similar to regional (0.8%) and national (1.0%) averages.
Past-year illicit drug use disorder was 8.4% — similar to regional (7.7%) and national (7.5%) averages.
Past-year substance use disorder was 19.4% (14,000) — higher than the national average (14.7%).

Substance Use Disorders and Treatment Gap

Substance Use Disorder Prevalence (2022–2023)

Alaska exceeds national benchmarks for substance use disorder rates across most age groups. The data below covers both the prevalence of disorders and the treatment gap. All figures are annual averages for 2022–2023.

Disorder Rates — Percentages by Age Group

Measure	12+	12–17	18–25	26+	18+
Substance Use Disorder in Past Year	21.11%	8.34%	30.71%	21.39%	22.55%
Drug Use Disorder in Past Year	13.32%	6.41%	27.04%	12.26%	14.09%
Pain Reliever Use Disorder	1.59%	0.79%	1.11%	1.76%	1.68%
Opioid Use Disorder	2.07%	0.78%	1.33%	2.34%	2.22%

Disorder Numbers — Estimated (Thousands) by Age Group

Measure	12+	12–17	18–25	26+	18+
Substance Use Disorder	124	5	20	99	119
Drug Use Disorder	78	4	18	57	75
Pain Reliever Use Disorder	9	<1	1	8	9
Opioid Use Disorder	12	<1	1	11	12

In 2021–2023, 21.6% of Alaskans aged 12+ had a substance use disorder — above regional (17.4%) and national (17.0%) averages. Drug use disorder at 14.4% was significantly higher than regional (10.0%) and national (9.3%) norms.

Treatment Gap

The large majority of Alaskans who need substance use treatment do not receive it. The gap is most acute among young adults (18–25).

22.34% of Alaskans aged 12+ were classified as needing substance use treatment.
Only 4.56% of those aged 12+ received substance use treatment in the past year.
78.91% of those who needed treatment did not receive it.
Among 18–25-year-olds: 86.09% of those who need treatment are not receiving it.

Treatment Numbers — Estimated (Thousands) by Age Group

Measure	12+	12–17	18–25	26+	18+
Received Treatment	27	3	3	21	24
Classified as Needing Treatment	131	7	21	103	124
Not Receiving Treatment (of Those Needing)	101	4	19	78	96

Roughly 4 out of 5 Alaskans who need treatment go without it. Among those who do receive treatment, the breakdown is: 68.0% treated for a drug problem only, 12.5% for alcohol only, and 19.5% for both.

Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers

Treatment Capacity and Costs

Alaska has a relatively small treatment infrastructure for its population. Residential costs are the second-lowest in the nation, yet outpatient costs are among the top 10 highest.

101 active substance abuse centers in the state.
9,477 patients are served annually across all settings.

Outpatient Services

9,070 patients enroll in outpatient services annually.
Average individual outpatient cost: $1,783.
0.7% ($16.17 million) of U.S. public spending on outpatient services goes to Alaska.
Alaska is among the top 10 most expensive states for outpatient drug rehabilitation.

Residential (Non-Hospital) Services

399 patients enroll in residential (non-hospital) services annually.
Average individual residential cost: $52,030.
0.4% ($20.76 million) of U.S. public spending on residential treatment goes to Alaska.
Alaska has the 2nd cheapest residential rehabilitation (non-hospital) services in the nation.

Hospital and Free Services

8 clients are in Alaska’s hospitals for drug rehab.
Only 1 facility in Alaska offers free drug rehab treatment for patients.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioids

MAT enrollment expanded significantly between 2015 and 2019, with both methadone and buprenorphine programs showing substantial growth.

In March 2019, 848 people were receiving methadone in opioid treatment programs — up from 331 in 2015 (a 156% increase).
In March 2019, 120 people were receiving buprenorphine — up from 91 in 2015.
Total treatment enrollment rose from 3,363 in 2015 to 9,477 in 2019 — a 182% increase.

Drug Seizures and Law Enforcement

Annual Seizure Totals (2023 vs. 2024)

The State Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) reported a 76% total increase in drug seizures from 2023 to 2024. Methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana remained the highest-volume substances seized.

Opioids and Stimulants

Drug Type	2023 (grams)	2024 (grams)	% Change
Fentanyl	83,260.74	93,853.94	+13%
Heroin	9,460.62	14,875.95	+57%
Methamphetamine	78,581.43	148,316.16	+89%
Cocaine	32,118.46	30,818.64	−4%
Crack	17.90	303.30	+1,594%
Amphetamine	3.20	95.00	+2,869%

Cannabis and Prescription/Other Drugs

Drug Type	2023 (grams)	2024 (grams)	% Change
Marijuana	84,514.88	144,877.25	+71%
Marijuana Edibles	11,701.16	64,128.14	+448%
THC Liquid	4,061.50	62,745.01	+1,445%
THC Resin	14,772.32	1,584.20	−89%
Marijuana BC Bud	43.91	1,166.50	+2,557%
Psilocybin	4,177.52	5,419.12	+30%
Alprazolam	138.81	1,404.60	+912%
Oxycodone	6.80	65.80	+868%
Hydrocodone	22.60	310.10	+1,272%
Buprenorphine	460.79	278.16	−40%
MDMA	31.90	72.95	+129%
Tramadol	—	1,353.30	New
Methadone	—	396.30	New
Ketamine	—	124.88	New
TOTAL ALL DRUGS	324,766.64	572,536.90	+76%

The most dramatic single-substance increases were in THC Liquid (+1,445%), Marijuana BC Bud (+2,557%), and Amphetamine (+2,869%). Buprenorphine seizures fell 40%, possibly reflecting tighter diversion controls.

Regional Distribution of Seizures (2024)

The vast majority of drug seizures occur in Anchorage. The percentages below reflect the share of each drug’s total seizures occurring in the Municipality of Anchorage Borough.

78.3% of all drug seizures were in the Municipality of Anchorage Borough.
94.7% of all heroin seizures were in Anchorage.
87.3% of all cocaine seizures were in Anchorage.
79.3% of all methamphetamine seizures were in Anchorage.
71.0% of all fentanyl seizures were in Anchorage.
Fairbanks North Star Borough: 12.1% of all seizures.
City and Borough of Juneau: 2.5% of all seizures.
Matanuska-Susitna Borough: 2.4% of all seizures.

Drug Street Prices by Location

Street prices vary significantly by region, reflecting the added cost and risk of trafficking drugs to remote communities. The table below shows the most commonly traded substances across Alaska’s major regions.

Cocaine, Fentanyl Pill, and Heroin

Drug	Location	Quantity/Unit	Price
Cocaine	Anchorage	8-ball	$350
Cocaine	Mat-Su	8-ball	$300
Cocaine	Fairbanks	Gram	$100
Cocaine	Fairbanks	Ounce	$200–$1,500
Cocaine	Kenai Peninsula	Gram	$150–$200
Cocaine	Kodiak	Gram	$250
Fentanyl Pill	Anchorage	Pill	$8
Fentanyl Pill	Fairbanks	Pill	$20
Fentanyl Pill	Juneau	Pill	$10–$20
Fentanyl Pill	Ketchikan	Pill	$50
Fentanyl Pill	Outlying SE Communities	Pill	$20–$40
Fentanyl Pill	Kenai Peninsula	Pill	$10–$15
Fentanyl Pill	Kodiak	Pill	$30–$80
Fentanyl Pill	Dillingham	Pill	$50
Heroin	Juneau	Gram	$100
Heroin	Kenai Peninsula	Gram	$100

Fentanyl Powder, Methamphetamine, and Marijuana

Drug	Location	Quantity/Unit	Price
Fentanyl Powder	Dillingham	1/10 gram	$50
Fentanyl Powder	Fairbanks	1/10 gram	$80–$100
Fentanyl Powder	Juneau	Gram	$300
Fentanyl Powder	Mat-Su	Gram	$300
Fentanyl Powder	Kenai Peninsula	1/4 ounce	$750
Methamphetamine	Dillingham	1/10 gram	$100
Methamphetamine	Juneau	Gram	$100
Methamphetamine	Kenai Peninsula	Gram	$50–$70
Methamphetamine	Ketchikan	Gram	$150
Methamphetamine	Kodiak	Gram	$150
Methamphetamine	Outlying SE Communities	Gram	$100–$200
Methamphetamine	Anchorage	Ounce	$300–$500
Methamphetamine	Fairbanks	Ounce	$400–$500
Methamphetamine	Kenai Peninsula	Ounce	$450
Methamphetamine	Mat-Su	Ounce	$350
Marijuana Bud	Dillingham	Gram	$50
Marijuana Concentrate	Dillingham	Gram	$100

Fentanyl Powder, Methamphetamine, and Marijuana

Remote communities such as Dillingham and Ketchikan show substantially higher prices than Anchorage — for example, fentanyl pills cost $8 in Anchorage but up to $80 in Kodiak and $50 in Dillingham. Note: 1 ounce = 28.35 grams.

Drug Offense Sentencing

Court Dispositions (2024)

In 2024, Alaskan courts processed 425 drug-related cases and 72 alcohol-related cases, for a total of 497. The breakdown of outcomes is shown below.

Disposition	Alcohol Cases	Drug Cases	Total
Guilty	50	223	273
Dismissed	20	182	202
Suspended Imposition of Sentence	—	18	18
No True Bill	—	2	2
Consolidated	—	2	2
TOTAL	72	425	497

Average Drug Sentences

The following figures reflect average sentencing outcomes across all drug conviction types in 2024.

Average incarceration: 101 days jail / 3 years (overall).
Jail sentences: average 88 days.
Jail suspended: average 110 days.
Probation: average 180 days / 2 years.
Fine: average $250.
SIS — Jail: average 120 days / 1 year.
SIS — Probation: average 180 days / 2 years.
Average drug conviction restitution: $26,230.50.

Drug Offense Categories and Convictions (2024)

The table below shows conviction counts by offense type. The most common offenses involve possession of controlled substances and manufacture/delivery of Schedule II and Schedule IIA substances.

Offense Description	Dismissed	Guilty	SIS	Total
MICS 5 — Possess Any Amount (I/II/III/IV/VA)	46	60	—	106
MICS 3 — Manufacture/Deliver IIA or IIIA	29	55	7	93
MICS 2 — Manufacture/Deliver IA	40	13	—	53
MICS 5	14	32	3	49
MICS 4 — Prev. Conviction MICS 5 Preceding 10 yr	23	22	2	47
MICS 5 — Manufacture/Deliver/Possess <1 oz VIA	4	17	—	21
MICS 3	3	4	3	10
MICS 5 — Fail to Keep/Furnish Required Record	5	5	—	10
MICS 4 — Manufacture/Deliver/Possess IVA or VA	—	6	—	6
MICS 4 — Provide Facility to Distribute	—	6	—	6
MICS 6 — Use/Display Any Amount VIA	1	3	—	4
MICS 2	—	4	—	4
MICS 3 — Possess IA or IIA Near School	2	—	—	2
TOTAL (Drug Offenses)	182	223	18	425

Possession offenses (MICS 5) account for the largest single category (106 cases), followed by manufacture/delivery of Schedule II or IIA substances (93 cases). The combined dismissal rate across all drug cases was 42.8%.

Statistical Data on Alcohol in Alaska

Alcohol-Related Deaths and Economic Cost

Key Mortality Statistics

Alaska has one of the highest rates of alcohol-related deaths in the United States, with 433 lives lost annually on average. Deaths disproportionately affect men and older adults.

Alaska has the nation’s second-highest number of alcohol-related deaths per capita.
Alaska sees the highest rate of female deaths from alcohol in the nation.
An average of 433 annual deaths in Alaska are attributable to excessive alcohol use.
Alaska averages 1 death from excessive alcohol use for every 1,694 people aged 18+, or 7.83 deaths per 10,000 adults.
65.4% of those who die from excessive alcohol use are male.
52.4% of excessive alcohol use deaths are from chronic causes such as Alcohol Use Disorder.
77.1% of deaths are adults aged 35 and older.
3.93% of those who die from excessive alcohol use are under the age of 21 (approximately 17 deaths per year).
The 5-year average annual rate of excessive alcohol deaths per capita increased by up to 45.0% from 2015 to 2019.
The CDC estimates 13,285 years of potential life are lost to excessive alcohol use each year in Alaska.

Key Alcohol Mortality Statistics

Opioid Dashboard: Alcohol-Overlap Indicators

Opioid Overdose Deaths (March 2024–February 2025): 245.
Opioid-Related Emergency Department Visits (March 2025): 91.
All Drug-Related Emergency Department Visits (March 2025): 251.

Economic Cost of Excessive Alcohol Use

Alaska taxpayers spent $827.2 million on consequences of excessive alcohol use in 2010.
Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to approximately $1.17 billion or $3.04 per drink in 2022 US dollars.

Alcohol Use Prevalence

Adult Drinking Overview

Alaska’s binge drinking rates are broadly in line with national averages, though the state has significantly higher rates of alcohol-related mortality. Key adult benchmarks include:

16.0% of Alaska adults over 18 binge drink at least once per month.
The median number of drinks per binge is 5.4; the top 25% of drinkers consume a median of 7.1 drinks per binge.
Binge drinking adults binge a median 1.9 times monthly; the top 25% binge 4.4 times per month.
18.4% of adults reported binge or heavy drinking — Alaska’s national rank is 39th.

Alcohol Use by Age Group — Percentages (2022–2023 Annual Average)

Adults aged 26 and over have the highest rates of past-month alcohol use (52.82%), while young adults (18–25) lead in binge drinking frequency.

Measure	12+	12–17	18–25	26+	18+
Alcohol Use in Past Month	46.96%	6.40%	42.11%	52.82%	51.50%
Binge Alcohol Use in Past Month	19.26%	3.16%	23.55%	20.71%	21.06%
Perception of Great Risk from 5+ Drinks 1–2×/Week	42.22%	39.28%	37.24%	43.29%	42.55%
Alcohol Use Past Month (Ages 12–20)	12.52%	—	—	—	—
Binge Alcohol Use Past Month (Ages 12–20)	6.72%	—	—	—	—
Perception of Great Risk 5+ Drinks (Ages 12–20)	38.74%	—	—	—	—

Estimated Numbers — Alcohol Use (Thousands, 2022–2023)

Measure	12+	12–17	18–25	26+	18+
Alcohol Use in Past Month	276	4	28	244	272
Binge Alcohol Use in Past Month	113	2	16	96	111
Perception of Great Risk from 5+ Drinks 1–2×/Week	248	23	25	200	225
Alcohol Use in Past Month (Ages 12–20)	11	—	—	—	—
Binge Alcohol Use in Past Month (Ages 12–20)	6	—	—	—	—
Perception of Great Risk 5+ Drinks (Ages 12–20)	33	—	—	—	—

In 2021–2023, 20.5% of Alaskans aged 12+ engaged in binge drinking in the past month — similar to regional (20.7%) and national (21.7%) averages. An estimated 276,000 Alaskans aged 12+ drank alcohol in the past month.

Youth and Underage Alcohol Use

Current Youth Drinking Statistics

6.40% of all 12–17-year-olds used alcohol in the last month (Alaska rank: 17th in the nation).
12–17-year-olds in Alaska are 6.95% less likely to use alcohol than the average American in their age group.
Alcohol use among youth has declined from 2002–2004 levels.
During 2017–2019, past-month alcohol use among youth (12–17) was 8.7% — similar to regional (10.9%) and national (9.4%) averages.

Treatment Admissions for Alcohol (2010)

Historical treatment admission data from 2010 shows the scale of alcohol dependence requiring formal intervention.

2,961 people were admitted to substance abuse treatment in Alaska with alcohol as the primary substance of abuse.
An additional 2,027 entered treatment for alcohol combined with a secondary drug.
Total alcohol-related treatment admissions in 2010: approximately 4,988.

Past-Month Alcohol Use and Binge Drinking by Age Group (Underage)

Drinking and binge drinking rates rise sharply with age within the underage cohort. The 18–20 group has rates approaching those of older adults.

Age Group	Measure	% of Group	Estimated Number
Ages 12–20	Past-Month Alcohol Use	24.7%	22,000
Ages 12–20	Past-Month Binge Alcohol Use	16.7%	15,000
Ages 12–14	Past-Month Alcohol Use	5.5%	2,000
Ages 12–14	Past-Month Binge Alcohol Use	2.4%	1,000
Ages 15–17	Past-Month Alcohol Use	24.0%	7,000
Ages 15–17	Past-Month Binge Alcohol Use	14.7%	4,000
Ages 18–20	Past-Month Alcohol Use	44.2%	13,000
Ages 18–20	Past-Month Binge Alcohol Use	32.7%	10,000

Binge drinking rates rise from 2.4% among 12–14-year-olds to 32.7% among 18–20-year-olds. The 18–20 group drinks at a rate (44.2%) nearly as high as adults aged 26+ (52.82%).

Alcohol-Attributable Harms (Under Age 21)

Alcohol-attributable deaths under age 21: 17 per year.
Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL) under age 21: 1,000 per year.
Traffic fatalities involving alcohol among drivers ages 15–20: 1 (representing 13.0% of all traffic fatalities in that age group).

Alcohol Use Disorder

AUD Prevalence by Age Group (2022–2023)

Alcohol Use Disorder affects a significant share of Alaska’s population. Young adults (18–25) have the highest AUD rate at 15.27%.

Disorder Rates — Percentages

Measure	12+	12–17	18–25	26+	18+
Alcohol Use Disorder in Past Year	10.05%	2.52%	15.27%	10.27%	10.89%
AUD — Ages 12–20	5.13%	—	—	—	—

Disorder Numbers — Estimated (Thousands)

Measure	12+	12–17	18–25	26+	18+
Alcohol Use Disorder	59	1	10	48	58
AUD — Ages 12–20	4	—	—	—	—

In 2021–2023, 11.2% of Alaskans aged 12+ had an AUD — similar to regional (10.7%) and national (10.4%) averages. In 2017–2019, AUD among 18–25-year-olds was 13.3% — higher than the national average (9.8%). Alaska has historically been among the states with the highest rates of alcohol dependence across multiple age groups.

Historical Trends — Binge Drinking and AUD (2017–2019 Annual Averages)

Past-month binge alcohol use among young adults (18–25) was 33.5% (24,000) — similar to regional (33.4%) and national (35.4%) averages.
Past-year AUD among young adults (18–25) was 13.3% (10,000) — similar to regional (10.7%) but higher than national (9.8%) averages.
Past-year AUD among all people aged 12+ was 7.6% (45,000) — similar to regional (6.5%) but higher than national (5.3%) averages.

In 2005–2006, rates of past-year alcohol dependence for Alaskans aged 12+, 12–17, and 26+ were among the highest in the country. The rate for the 18–25 age group was among the 10 lowest.

Alcohol Enforcement and Seizures

Alcohol Seizures in 2024

Alaska’s local option laws allow communities to prohibit the sale, importation, or possession of alcohol. In 2024, alcohol seizures increased dramatically — nearly 400% compared to 2023 — as a result of enforcement of illegal imports into dry communities.

Total alcohol seized in 2024: 2,439 bottles / 8,504.3 liters.
Distilled spirits: 2,319 bottles / 8,407.22 liters.
Malted beverage: 108 bottles / 39.33 liters.
Wine: 12 bottles / 57.75 liters.

Alcohol Offense Court Dispositions (2024)

Importing alcohol into dry communities is by far the most prosecuted alcohol offense. Of 72 total alcohol cases processed, 50 resulted in guilty verdicts.

Offense Description	Dismissed	Guilty	SIS	Total
Import Alcohol — Dry Area — Small Amount	3	30	—	33
Import Alcohol — Dry Area — Large Amount	5	9	1	15
Sell Alcohol Without License — Dry Area	6	5	1	12
Alcoholic Beverage Transport by Common Carrier	2	3	—	5
Sell Alcohol Without License — Wet Area	1	3	—	4
No Alcohol License — Orders, Dry Area	2	—	—	2
Possess Homebrew Ingredient in Dry Area	1	—	—	1
TOTAL	20	50	2	72

Average Sentences for Alcohol Convictions (2024)

Alcohol convictions carry shorter jail terms than drug convictions on average, but fines are substantially higher — reflecting the serious treatment of dry community violations.

Average jail sentence (Guilty): 67 days.
Average jail suspended (Guilty): 83 days.
Average probation: 2 years.
Average fine (Guilty): $2,843.75.
Fine suspended: $3,500 average.

Average Sentences for Alcohol Convictions

Conclusion

The data presented in this report paints a consistent picture: Alaska’s substance use crisis is deep, broad, and worsening. Drug overdose deaths more than doubled between 2020 and 2023, fentanyl deaths increased by over 1,600% in four years, and the overdose death rate now stands at 49.5 per 100,000 — nearly three times the 2014 figure. The burden falls hardest on specific groups: American Indian and Alaska Native people face an overdose death rate more than three times that of White residents; men die at higher rates than women; and adults aged 35–54 account for the largest share of fatalities.

On the treatment side, nearly 4 out of 5 Alaskans who need substance use treatment do not receive it. Alcohol compounds the picture further, with chronic excessive drinking accounting for more than half of alcohol-related deaths and costs to Alaska taxpayers running into the billions. While some indicators — such as youth drug and alcohol use — have declined from earlier peaks, the overall trajectory remains alarming. Addressing this crisis will require sustained investment in treatment capacity, harm reduction, and targeted support for the communities most at risk.