Delaware presents one of the most acute substance abuse crises in the United States. Despite being the second smallest state by area, it consistently ranks among the top states for drug overdose death rates — at times nearly double the national average — and places second nationally for per capita alcohol consumption. The data compiled in this report draws on federal and state sources. Together, they paint a detailed picture of a state grappling with entrenched opioid dependency, rising fentanyl contamination of the drug supply, significant youth exposure to substances, and widespread alcohol misuse across all age groups. The report is divided into two sections: drug use and abuse, followed by alcohol use and abuse.
Statistical Data on Drugs in Delaware
Drug Overdose Deaths
Core Overdose Death Metrics
Delaware’s drug overdose death rate is dramatically higher than the national average, having grown from a rate of 6.7 per 100,000 in earlier years to become one of the highest in the country.
- Annual overdose deaths (2022 baseline): 549
- OD deaths as % of all deaths: 5.16%
- OD death rate per 100,000 residents: 55.3 — that is 47.63% above the national average
- Delaware’s share of all nationwide OD deaths: 0.51%
- Change in OD deaths over the last 3 years: +15.21%
- Age-adjusted OD mortality rate in 2021: 54.1 per 100,000 — up 69% from 2016
- Peak OD death rate on record (2019): 48.4 per 100,000 — a seven-fold increase over the historic baseline of 6.7
- National ranking at peak: 2nd highest drug overdose death rate in the country
- Drug overdoses per 100,000 (recent figure): 48.5 — vs. national average of 27 per 100,000
Year-by-Year Overdose Death Trend
After years of escalation, Delaware recorded its first meaningful decline in 2023, followed by a landmark 36% drop in 2024 that outpaced the national average decline of 26.5%.
| Year | Confirmed Drug Deaths | Year-on-Year Change | Note |
| 2010 | 147 | — | Exceeded motor vehicle (111) and firearm (88) deaths that year |
| 2018 | 400 | — | Baseline reference year |
| 2019 | 431 | +7.75% | Fentanyl in 79% of all overdose fatalities |
| 2021 | 514 | — | — |
| 2022 | 537 | +4.3% | 549 deaths used as annual baseline in some data sets |
| 2023 | 527 | −1.8% | First decrease in drug overdose deaths in a decade |
| 2024 | 338 | −35.9% | Outpaced national decline of 26.5%; Virginia −42%, D.C. −33% |
In 2010, drug-induced deaths (16.4 per 100,000) already exceeded the national rate of 12.9 per 100,000, and surpassed deaths from motor vehicle accidents and firearms combined. In 2010–2011, Delaware ranked among the top ten states for past-month illicit drug use (other than marijuana), past-year nonmedical pain reliever use, and illicit drug dependence.
The Opioid Epidemic
Opioid Overdose Death Statistics
Opioids are the dominant force driving Delaware’s overdose crisis, with synthetic opioids — primarily fentanyl — present in the overwhelming majority of cases. The opioid death rate is 95.8% above the national rate.
- Opioid overdose deaths in 2023: 457
- Opioid death rate: 47.0 per 100,000 — 95.8% above the national rate
- Opioids as a factor in all OD deaths: 87.0%
- Synthetic opioids (e.g. fentanyl) in opioid OD deaths: 94.3%
- Heroin as a factor in opioid OD deaths: 5.3%
- Prescription opioids involved in opioid OD deaths: 6.8%
- Fentanyl detected in all overdose fatalities (2019): 79%
- Cocaine detected in overdose fatalities (2019): 39%
- Other opioids detected in overdose fatalities (2019): 29%
- Opioid prescription rate (2019, monthly per 1,000 persons): 33 — above the national average
- Share of residents with enough opioid prescriptions to have one: 39.5%
Fentanyl Contamination of the Drug Supply
Fentanyl has permeated virtually every corner of Delaware’s illicit drug market, dramatically elevating overdose risk across all substance categories.
- 95% of heroin-positive DEA exhibits in Delaware in 2019 also contained fentanyl.
- Nearly 50% of all heroin seized had purity exceeding 60% — vs. less than 25% of heroin seized nationally.
- ~14,000 counterfeit oxycodone tablets pressed with fentanyl were seized in New Castle County in 2019.
- Counterfeit fentanyl-pressed oxycodone pills sold at $13 each, or $10 per pill in bulk quantities over 1,000.
- Illicit opioids (heroin, fentanyl, fentanyl-related substances) comprised approximately 41% of all drug exhibits in Delaware in 2018 — the highest share of any drug category.
Secondary Health Consequences of IV Drug Use
Intravenous opioid use drives severe downstream health crises beyond overdose mortality.
- New hepatitis C cases linked to IV drug use (2022): 8.8
- New HIV/AIDS diagnoses connected to IV drug use (2023): 6.4
- Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (2020): 49.3 cases per 1,000 births
Opioid and Pain Reliever Use Disorder (2022–2023 Annual Averages)
Delaware’s opioid use disorder rate is more than double the regional and national averages. During 2017–2019, the past-year OUD rate for ages 12+ was 1.5% (~12,000 people) — vs. a regional average of 0.8% and national of 0.7%.
| Measure | 12+ | 12–17 | 18–25 | 26+ |
| Opioid Use Disorder — past year (%) | 2.10% | 1.47% | 1.07% | 2.31% |
| Opioid Use Disorder — past year (thousands) | 18 | 1 | 1 | 16 |
| Pain Reliever Use Disorder — past year (%) | 1.88% | 1.49% | 1.16% | 2.02% |
| Pain Reliever Use Disorder — past year (thousands) | 17 | 1 | 1 | 14 |
| Opioid Misuse — past year (%) | 3.19% | 1.71% | 2.79% | 3.40% |
| Prescription Pain Reliever Misuse — past year (%) | 3.17% | 1.66% | 2.82% | 3.38% |
| Prescription Pain Reliever Misuse — past year (thousands) | 28 | 1 | 3 | 24 |
Illicit Drug Use — General Population
Past-Month and Past-Year Use by Age Group (2022–2023 Annual Averages)
Overall illicit drug use in Delaware slightly exceeds the national average (8.99% vs. 8.82%). The 18–25 age group carries the highest use rates of any demographic at 29.94%.
| Measure | 12+ | 12–17 | 18–25 | 26+ | 18+ |
| Illicit Drug Use — past month (%) | 16.68% | 9.17% | 29.94% | 15.66% | 17.37% |
| Illicit Drug Use — past month (thousands) | 146 | 7 | 29 | 111 | 139 |
| Illicit Drug Use other than Marijuana — past month (%) | 3.58% | 2.00% | 3.22% | 3.79% | 3.72% |
| Illicit Drug Use other than Marijuana — past month (thousands) | 31 | 1 | 3 | 27 | 30 |
| Cocaine Use — past year (%) | 1.57% | 0.18% | 2.79% | 1.55% | 1.70% |
| Cocaine Use — past year (thousands) | 14 | 0 | 3 | 11 | 14 |
| Heroin Use — past year (%) | — | — | 0.06% | 0.63% | 0.56% |
| Heroin Use — past year (thousands) | — | — | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Hallucinogen Use — past year (%) | 2.73% | 1.70% | 8.08% | 2.11% | 2.82% |
| Hallucinogen Use — past year (thousands) | 24 | 1 | 8 | 15 | 23 |
| Methamphetamine Use — past year (%) | 0.65% | 0.11% | 0.35% | 0.75% | 0.70% |
| Methamphetamine Use — past year (thousands) | 6 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 |
| Prescription Pain Reliever Misuse — past year (%) | 3.17% | 1.66% | 2.82% | 3.38% | 3.32% |
| Prescription Pain Reliever Misuse — past year (thousands) | 28 | 1 | 3 | 24 | 27 |
Risk Perception Regarding Drug Use (2022–2023)
Risk perception is lowest among 18–25 year olds across all substances, which aligns with their disproportionately high usage rates. Youth (12–17) show the lowest perception of heroin risk relative to their age.
| Risk Perception Measure | 12+ | 12–17 | 18–25 | 26+ |
| Perceive great risk — smoking marijuana once a month (%) | 18.41% | 20.71% | 9.28% | 19.42% |
| Perceive great risk — using cocaine once a month (%) | 65.18% | 47.41% | 59.31% | 67.84% |
| Perceive great risk — trying heroin once or twice (%) | 82.57% | 55.77% | 77.51% | 86.03% |
Marijuana Use in Detail
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit substance in Delaware, with use among youth and young adults exceeding both regional and national averages.
| Marijuana Measure | 12+ | 12–17 | 18–25 | 26+ | 18+ |
| Past-year use (%) | 21.80% | 11.94% | 37.02% | 20.76% | 22.72% |
| Past-year use (thousands) | 191 | 9 | 36 | 147 | 182 |
| Past-month use (%) | 14.93% | 7.49% | 27.83% | 13.94% | 15.62% |
| Past-month use (thousands) | 131 | 6 | 27 | 98 | 125 |
| First use in past year among those at risk (%) | 2.38% | 4.53% | 6.87% | 1.25% | 2.00% |
| First use in past year among those at risk (thousands) | 11 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 8 |
During 2017–2019, past-month marijuana use among youth 12–17 was 9.1% (~6,000) — higher than the regional average (6.2%) and the national average (6.8%). For young adults 18–25, past-year use was 39.3% (~37,000). For all Delawareans aged 12 or older, past-year use was 17.2% (~141,000) — higher than the regional average of 14.6%. Past-year marijuana use disorder was 1.9% (~15,000) among ages 12+, similar to the national average of 1.6%.
Heroin Use Trends
Heroin use in Delaware increased sharply between 2002–2004 and 2017–2019, and the state’s rate far exceeds both regional and national averages.
- Past-year heroin use rate (2017–2019, ages 12+): 1.27% (~10,000 people)
- Regional average: 0.48%
- National average: 0.30%
- Heroin geographic availability: Primarily northern Delaware
- Heroin contamination with fentanyl (2019 DEA data): 95% of heroin exhibits also contained fentanyl
Substance Use Disorder — General Population
SUD Prevalence by Age Group (2022–2023 Annual Averages)
More than 140,000 Delaware adults are estimated to be living with a substance use disorder. Delaware’s overall SUD rate exceeds regional and national benchmarks. During 2017–2019, the SUD rate was 9.6% (~79,000) — higher than regional (7.0%) and national (7.4%) averages.
| SUD Measure | 12+ | 12–17 | 18–25 | 26+ | 18+ |
| Substance Use Disorder — past year (%) | 17.88% | 10.34% | 28.86% | 17.18% | 18.58% |
| Substance Use Disorder — past year (thousands) | 157 | 8 | 28 | 121 | 149 |
| Drug Use Disorder — past year (%) | 9.67% | 8.94% | 17.92% | 8.62% | 9.74% |
| Drug Use Disorder — past year (thousands) | 85 | 7 | 17 | 61 | 78 |
| Alcohol Use Disorder — past year (%) | 10.87% | 2.76% | 16.57% | 10.95% | 11.63% |
| Alcohol Use Disorder — past year (thousands) | 95 | 2 | 16 | 77 | 93 |
Treatment Need vs. Actual Treatment Receipt (2022–2023)
The gap between treatment need and access is severe across all age groups. Overall, 77.6% of those who need substance use treatment in Delaware are not receiving it. Less than 10% of alcohol abusers and less than 30% of illicit drug users receive the help they need.
| Treatment Access Measure | 12+ | 12–17 | 18–25 | 26+ |
| Classified as needing treatment (%) | 19.75% | 11.94% | 29.95% | 19.18% |
| Classified as needing treatment (thousands) | 173 | 9 | 29 | 135 |
| Received treatment (%) | 4.41% | 4.17% | 4.46% | 4.43% |
| Received treatment (thousands) | 39 | 3 | 4 | 31 |
| Not receiving treatment — among those who need it (%) | 77.60% | 65.16% | 85.33% | 76.78% |
| Not receiving treatment — among those who need it (thousands) | 135 | 6 | 24 | 105 |
Youth Drug Use (Ages 12–17)
Key Youth Drug Use Statistics
Delaware teens use drugs at rates 26.4% higher than the national average. Marijuana dominates youth drug use, accounting for 85.71% of past-month illicit substance use among this age group.
- Past-month illicit drug use (12–17): 9.17% — approximately 7,000 youth
- Compared to average American teen: +26.40% more likely to have used drugs in the past month
- Delaware’s national rank for youth illicit drug use: 47th out of 50 states (9.2%)
- Past-year marijuana use (12–17): 11.94%
- Past-month marijuana use (12–17): 7.49%
- Share of past-month drug users who used marijuana: 85.71%
- Past-year cocaine use (12–17): 0.18%
- Past-year methamphetamine use (12–17): 0.11%
- Past-year prescription pain reliever misuse (12–17): 1.66%
- Drug Use Disorder in past year (12–17): 8.94%
- Alcohol Use Disorder in past year (12–17): 2.76%
- More likely to use alcohol than national peers (12–17): +6.99%
- Past-month alcohol use (12–17): 7.36%
- National rank for youth alcohol use (12–17): 31st — 7.4% past-month use
Youth Substance Initiation (Annual Averages, 2017–2019)
First-time substance use among Delaware youth was broadly in line with national trends, with alcohol as the most common first substance.
- First-time alcohol use in the past year: 9.9% (~7,000) — similar to regional 9.4% and national 9.3%
- First-time marijuana use in the past year: 4.3% (~3,000) — similar to regional 5.0% and national 5.2%
- First-time cigarette use in the past year: 1.9% (~1,000) — similar to regional 2.1% and national 2.3%
Youth Drug Use Trends
- Youth prescription pill abuse change (2017–2021): −21%
- Youth self-reported prescription pain med use without prescription (2013–2018): −41% (from approximately 1,186 to fewer users)
- Past-month marijuana use among youth 12–17 (2017–2019): 9.1% (~6,000) — higher than regional 6.2% and national 6.8%
- Past-month illicit drug use among youth 12–17 (2017–2019): 9.7% (~7,000) — similar to regional 7.5% and national 8.2%
- In 2009, 40% of 11th graders reported attending a party where parents bought the alcohol.
Young Adults and Drug Use (Ages 18–25)
Drug Use and Disorder Among 18–25 Year Olds
Young adults carry the highest drug use and disorder rates of any age group in Delaware. The 18–25 cohort has the largest share of unmet treatment needs in the state at 85.33%.
- Adults aged 18–25 who used drugs in the past month: 29,000 (29.94%)
- More likely to use drugs than national peers: +12.11%
- Past-year marijuana use (18–25): 37.02% (~36,000)
- Past-month marijuana use (18–25): 27.83% (~27,000)
- Past-year hallucinogen use (18–25): 8.08%
- Past-year cocaine use (18–25): 2.79%
- Drug Use Disorder — past year (18–25): 17.92% (~17,000)
- Substance Use Disorder — past year (18–25): 28.86% (~28,000)
- Marijuana use disorder (2017–2019, ages 18–25): 7.2% (~7,000) — vs. regional 5.7% and national 5.6%
- Illicit drug use disorder (2017–2019, ages 18–25): 8.7% (~8,000) — vs. regional 7.8% and national 7.5%
- SUD rate (2017–2019, ages 18–25): 17.0% (~16,000) — vs. national 14.7%
- Not receiving treatment among those who need it (18–25): 85.33% — highest of any age group
- 18–25 is the largest age group with unmet rehabilitation needs in Delaware: confirmed by state data
Substance Use Treatment
Treatment Access and Unmet Need
Despite a significant treatment infrastructure, the vast majority of those who need substance use treatment in Delaware are not receiving it.
| Treatment Measure (2022–23 Avg) | 12+ | 12–17 | 18–25 | 26+ |
| Classified as Needing Treatment (%) | 19.75% | 11.94% | 29.95% | 19.18% |
| Received Treatment (%) | 4.41% | 4.17% | 4.46% | 4.43% |
| Not Receiving Treatment (among those who need it) (%) | 77.60% | 65.16% | 85.33% | 76.78% |
| Classified as Needing Treatment (thousands) | 173 | 9 | 29 | 135 |
| Received Treatment (thousands) | 39 | 3 | 4 | 31 |
Less than 10% of alcohol abusers and less than 30% of illicit drug users receive the help they need in Delaware. Overall, 77.6% of those classified as needing treatment are not receiving it.
Rehabilitation Clinics and Costs
Delaware has 56 active rehabilitation clinics serving thousands of patients annually, with costs varying significantly by treatment type.
- 56 active rehabilitation clinics in Delaware.
- 17,307 clients served annually (in-treatment enrollment as of March 2019 single-day count, up from 10,327 in 2015).
- 17,183 patients enrolled in outpatient services annually.
- 87 patients enrolled in residential (non-hospital) services.
- 37 patients in Delaware hospitals for drug rehabilitation.
- No facilities in Delaware offer free drug rehabilitation for all clients.
| Treatment Type | Average Individual Cost | Total Public Spending (Delaware) |
| Outpatient rehabilitation | $1,707 per patient | $29.34 million (1.27% of U.S. total) |
| Residential (non-hospital) | $53,690 per patient | $4.67 million (0.09% of U.S. total) |
Delaware has the 4th cheapest residential rehabilitation services in the nation. South Carolina and Delaware share the same average cost for outpatient drug rehabilitation. The CDC appropriated $3,415,187 for overdose prevention activities in Delaware in FY2023.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Delaware has expanded its use of medication-assisted treatments for opioid use disorder, with significant growth in methadone programs.
- In March 2019, 5,153 people were receiving methadone in opioid treatment programs — up from 3,266 in 2015.
- In March 2019, 752 people were receiving buprenorphine as part of substance use treatment — down from 2,425 in 2015.
- Among treatment enrollees in March 2019: 57.0% received treatment for a drug problem only; 8.9% for alcohol only; and 34.1% for both drug and alcohol problems.
Historical Treatment Admissions (2009)
2009 data provides a historical baseline for treatment patterns by substance, gender, and race.
| Category | Count / Value |
| Total admitted for alcohol and drug rehab | 7,814 |
| Admitted for marijuana (2nd most abused substance) | 1,813 |
| Admitted for heroin addiction | 1,668 |
| Admitted for opiates other than heroin | 1,403 |
| Admitted for alcoholism (primary / secondary) | 1,935 |
| Admitted for cocaine dependence | 668 |
| Admitted: Male | 73% |
| Admitted: Female | 27% |
| Admitted: White | 69.3% |
| Admitted: African-American | 27.9% |
| Largest age group among opiate admissions | Ages 26–30 (25.9% of opiate admissions) |
| Facilities — substance abuse treatment only | 57.5% |
| Facilities offering in-house detox | 23% |
| Facilities treating multiple conditions | 25% |
Commonly Abused Drugs and Street Pricing
Drug Profiles
Heroin
- Primarily available in northern Delaware.
- Nearly 50% of seized heroin had purity exceeding 60% — vs. less than 25% nationally.
- 95% of heroin exhibits also contained fentanyl (2019).
- In 2009, 1,668 people entered treatment for heroin — tied with marijuana as the 2nd most common treatment substance.
- Trafficking organization relocation has increased heroin availability in areas formerly dominated by cocaine.
Marijuana
- Six medical marijuana dispensaries were operating in Delaware at end of 2019, serving 8,200 active cardholders.
- Cardholders were projected to reach 9,000 by end of 2020 — approximately 1% of Delaware’s population.
- In 2009, 1,813 people were admitted to treatment for marijuana.
- 18–25 year olds were the largest age group abusing marijuana per state data.
Cocaine
- Approximately 28% of all drug exhibits in 2018 contained cocaine.
- Average purity of DEA-seized cocaine in 2019: 66%.
- Cocaine is the second greatest overall drug threat in Delaware (U.S. Dept of Justice).
- In 2009, 668 individuals entered rehab for cocaine dependence.
- 18–25 year olds were the largest group abusing cocaine per state records.
Methamphetamine
- Average purity of crystal methamphetamine seized in 2019: 98%.
- In Sussex County, outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMGs) produce meth sold at $500/oz, cheaper than Mexican-produced meth at $700/oz.
- Delaware has experienced an increase in methamphetamine lab operations in recent years.
Illicit Opioids (Heroin, Fentanyl, FRS)
- Illicit opioids comprised approximately 41% of all drug exhibits in Delaware in 2018 — the highest proportion of any drug category.
- Fentanyl was present in 79% of all 2019 overdose fatalities — the most frequently identified drug in toxicology results.
Street Drug Pricing (Delaware, 2019 — Law Enforcement Data)
The following prices were reported by Delaware law enforcement in 2019. The economic accessibility of many substances, particularly fentanyl-pressed counterfeit pills, contributes directly to the overdose crisis.
| Drug | Price | Quantity / Unit |
| Cocaine | $32–$48 | Per gram |
| Cocaine | $160–$170 | Per 1/8 oz (8-ball) |
| Cocaine | $850–$1,300 | Per ounce |
| Cocaine | $24,000–$40,000 | Per kilogram |
| Crack Cocaine | $150 | Per 1/8 oz (8-ball) |
| Crack Cocaine | $1,200–$1,600 | Per ounce |
| Fentanyl (counterfeit pill) | $10–$13 ($10 bulk >1,000 units) | Per pill |
| Heroin | $15–$70 | Per bundle |
| Heroin | $47–$60 | Per gram |
| Heroin | $170–$600 | Per “Log” (10 bundles) |
| Marijuana | $1,200–$2,000 | Per pound |
| Methamphetamine (Mexican) | $700 | Per ounce |
| Methamphetamine (OMG/biker-produced) | $500 | Per ounce |
| Methamphetamine | $3,500–$7,500 | Per pound |
| Oxycodone (controlled prescription) | $10–$30 | Per pill |
| Suboxone | $75 | Per strip |
| Adderall | $7.50 | Per pill |
Drug-Related Law Enforcement and Legal Statistics
DUI and Arrest Statistics
- Total DUI arrests in 2009: 3,804
- Juvenile DUI arrests in 2009: 314
- Fatal crashes involving people under the influence of drugs (2009): 10% of all fatal crashes
- Middle-aged driver (25–54) share of all crash fatalities (2009): 58%
- Most common prescription drugs on impaired drivers: Codeine, Xanax, Valium, Percocet, Nembutol, cough syrups
- Federal drug offenses as share of all sentenced defendants in Delaware (2005): ~18.6%
- Federal drug cases involving crack cocaine: ~44%
- Drug courts in Delaware (as of 2006): 7 — operating for more than 2 years
- Prison treatment beds — adults and adolescents combined (2010): 1,456
- Direct drug-use deaths (2007): 102 people
- Drug-induced deaths (2010): 147 — exceeding motor vehicle (111) and firearm (88) deaths
Key Public Health Trend Indicators
| Indicator | Most Recent Value | Reference Period | Trend |
| Drug Overdose Death Rate (age-adjusted per 100,000) | 54.1 | 2021 | +69% from 2016 to 2021 |
| Suspected Non-Fatal Drug Overdoses (monthly per 10,000) | 2.7 | Jun 2020 | −41% from Jun 2019 to Jun 2020 |
| Opioid Prescriptions Filled (monthly per 100 people) | 2.8 | Mar 2025 | No change (Mar 2024–Mar 2025) |
| Youth Prescription Pill Abuse (%) | 8.0% | 2021 | −21% from 2017 to 2021 |
| Depression among adults (%) | 20.1% | 2023 | +19% from 2018 to 2023 |
| Suicide deaths (annually) | 134 | 2021 | +13% from 2016 to 2021 |
| Adults who smoke (%) | 11.4% | 2023 | −31% from 2018 to 2023 |
Statistical Data on Alcohol in Delaware
Alcohol-Related Deaths
Core Alcohol Death Statistics
Excessive alcohol use contributes to hundreds of deaths in Delaware every year. The per capita death rate from alcohol increased by up to 65.3% between 2015 and 2019, representing one of the sharpest escalations in the country.
- Average annual deaths attributable to excessive alcohol use: 466
- Deaths per 10,000 adults: 5.95
- One alcohol-related death per every N adults aged 18+: 2,124 adults
- Deaths that are male: 70.2%
- Deaths among adults aged 35 and older: 81.3%
- Deaths from chronic causes (e.g. Alcohol Use Disorder): 53.6%
- Deaths under age 21: 2.79% (also reported as just over 4% in other data sets)
- Years of potential life lost annually (CDC estimate): 12,543
- 5-year increase in per capita excessive alcohol death rate (2015–2019): Up to 65.3%
- Taxpayer cost of excessive alcohol use (2010): $803.8 million — equivalent to ~$1.085 billion in 2022 dollars, or $2.21 per drink
- Annual alcohol-related deaths (CDC estimate, 2013): ~250 — representing ~7,400 years of life
Alcohol Use — General Population
Binge and Heavy Drinking
Delaware ranks 10th nationally for excessive drinking and 2nd for per capita alcohol consumption — trailing only New Hampshire. Despite recent declines, binge drinking remains a major public health concern across all age groups.
- Adults who binge drink (current): 13.6% — meets public health target of 17.4%
- Adults who drink heavily (current): 5.2% — meets public health target of 6.6%
- Adults who report excessive drinking (combined binge + heavy): 15.0% — ranked 10th nationally
- Adults who binge drink at least once per month: 18.3%
- Median drinks per binge episode: 5.3
- Median drinks per binge — top 25% most active drinkers: 7.3
- Median binge episodes per month (all binge drinkers): 1.7
- Binge episodes per month — top 25% most active drinkers: 4.4
- State rank for excessive drinking nationally: 10th
- Per capita alcohol consumption (ethanol): ~4.01 gallons — 2nd highest in the country
- Change in adult binge drinking (2018–2023): −17%
Alcohol Use by Age Group (2022–2023 Annual Averages)
Alcohol use is widespread across all adult age groups in Delaware. The 26+ demographic shows the highest overall past-month consumption rates (58.11%), while 18–25 year olds lead in binge drinking (29.53%).
| Alcohol Measure | 12+ | 12–17 | 18–25 | 26+ | 18+ |
| Alcohol Use — past month (%) | 53.10% | 7.36% | 51.73% | 58.11% | 57.35% |
| Alcohol Use — past month (thousands) | 466 | 5 | 50 | 410 | 460 |
| Binge Alcohol Use — past month (%) | 22.89% | 3.36% | 29.53% | 24.05% | 24.71% |
| Binge Alcohol Use — past month (thousands) | 201 | 3 | 28 | 170 | 198 |
| Perceive great risk from 5+ drinks once or twice weekly (%) | 42.53% | 40.94% | 37.00% | 43.44% | 42.67% |
| Perceive great risk — 5+ drinks weekly (thousands) | 373 | 31 | 36 | 307 | 342 |
Alcohol Use Among Youth and Young Adults
Among people aged 12–20, alcohol use and binge drinking remain significant concerns, with Delaware youth 6.99% more likely to drink than the national average.
- Past-month alcohol use (ages 12–20): 14.82% (~16,000)
- Past-month binge alcohol use (ages 12–20): 8.13% (~9,000)
- First-time alcohol use in past year — youth 12–17 (2017–2019): 9.9% (~7,000) — similar to regional 9.4% and national 9.3%
- Past-month alcohol use — youth 12–17 (2017–2019): 9.7% (~7,000) — similar to regional 9.1% and national 9.4%
- Past-month binge alcohol use — young adults 18–25 (2017–2019): 35.1% (~33,000) — similar to regional 37.9% and national 35.4%
- Youth (12–17) more likely to drink than national peers: +6.99%
- Delaware state rank for youth alcohol use (12–17): 31st — 7.4% past-month use
- In 2009, 40% of Delaware 11th graders reported attending a party where parents bought the alcohol.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
AUD Prevalence by Age Group (2022–2023 Annual Averages)
Alcohol Use Disorder in Delaware runs approximately 1% above the national average among adults. The 18–25 age group has the highest AUD rates of any demographic at 16.57%.
| AUD Measure | 12+ | 12–17 | 18–25 | 26+ |
| Alcohol Use Disorder — past year (%) | 10.87% | 2.76% | 16.57% | 10.95% |
| Alcohol Use Disorder — past year (thousands) | 95 | 2 | 16 | 77 |
| AUD among ages 12–20 (%) | 5.58% | — | — | — |
| AUD among ages 12–20 (thousands) | 6 | — | — | — |
During 2017–2019, the past-year AUD rate for Delawareans aged 12 or older was 6.9% (~56,000) — higher than the regional average (5.1%) but similar to the national average (5.3%). Among young adults 18–25, AUD prevalence was 11.1% (~10,000) — similar to regional (9.8%) and national (9.8%) averages, and a decrease from the 2002–2004 period. Adults with AUD in Delaware are reported at approximately 5× the rate of adolescents.
Adolescent AUD and Drinking Highlights
- Teenagers (12–17) meeting AUD criteria in the last year: 2.76%
- Adolescent AUD vs. national average: Slightly below the national average
- Delaware’s adult AUD rate vs. national average: Approximately 1% higher
- Adults reporting binge drinking in the last 30 days: ~17%
- Adults with AUD vs. adolescents with AUD: Approximately 5× more adults than adolescents meet AUD criteria
Historical Alcohol Treatment Admissions (2009)
- Admitted for alcoholism as primary addiction or with secondary substance: 1,935 individuals
- Total admitted for alcohol and drug rehab: 7,814
- Share admitted for substance abuse treatment only: 57.5% of all facilities
- Facilities offering in-house detox treatment: 23%
Recovery Residences by County
County-Level Recovery Residence Data
Delaware has 104 recovery residences statewide. New Castle County holds the greatest share (65 of 104), while Sussex County has the highest county-level drug and alcohol mortality rate at 47.80 per 100,000.
| County | Population | Recovery Residences | Per 100,000 | Drug/Alcohol Mortality Rate (per 100,000) | RUCC |
| Delaware (state total) | 957,248 | 104 | 10.86 | 19.80 (statewide) | — |
| Kent | 176,699 | 17 | 9.62 | 42.70 | Urban |
| New Castle | 556,165 | 65 | 11.69 | 45.70 | Urban |
| Sussex | 224,384 | 22 | 9.80 | 47.80 | Urban |
Alcohol — Key Trend Indicators and Summary
Trend Summary
Adult binge drinking has declined 17% from 2018 to 2023, reflecting positive public health progress. However, the underlying mortality rate from excessive alcohol use escalated sharply during 2015–2019 before recent improvements. Tobacco use has also declined significantly, dropping 31% between 2018 and 2023.
| Indicator | Most Recent Value | Period | Trend |
| Adults who engage in binge drinking (%) | 13.6% | 2023 | −17% from 2018 to 2023 |
| Adults who smoke (%) | 11.4% | 2023 | −31% from 2018 to 2023 |
| 5-year increase in excessive alcohol death rate per capita | Up to +65.3% | 2015–2019 | Increased sharply |
| Alcohol Use Disorder — adults 12+ (%) | 10.87% | 2022–23 avg. | ~1% above national average |
| Estimated adults with SUD or AUD | 140,000+ | Current | Ongoing challenge |
Economic and Social Cost of Alcohol Abuse
- Taxpayer cost of excessive alcohol use (2010): $803.8 million
- Inflation-adjusted cost in 2022 dollars: ~$1.085 billion
- Cost per drink equivalent (2022 dollars): $2.21
- Years of potential life lost annually due to alcohol (CDC): 12,543
- Annual deaths attributed to excessive alcohol use (2013 CDC estimate): ~250 (~7,400 years of life)
- Annual deaths — most recent average: 466
- National comparison: Delaware has a lower-than-average per capita death rate overall, but elevated rates in specific demographics, especially youth under 21
Conclusion
The statistics in this report make clear that substance abuse in Delaware is not a marginal or isolated problem — it touches every age group, every county, and every dimension of public health. The opioid crisis remains the most acute emergency: with a death rate nearly double the national average and fentanyl present in over 94% of opioid fatalities, the margin for error is vanishingly small. The 36% drop in overdose deaths recorded in 2024 is a genuine milestone, and one that outpaced the national trend, but it follows years of escalation and arrives against a backdrop in which fewer than one in four people who need treatment are receiving it. On the alcohol side, Delaware’s per capita consumption ranks second in the country, the economic cost of excessive drinking exceeds a billion dollars in today’s terms, and the death toll has risen sharply over the past decade. What unites both crises is the same underlying gap: demand for help vastly outstrips available care, with 77.6% of those who need substance use treatment going without it. Sustained investment in prevention, treatment access, and harm reduction remains the critical unfinished work.
Sources:
- Drug Overdose Death Statistics [2025]: Opioids, Fentanyl & More
- Average Cost of Drug Rehab [2026]: by Type, State & More
- Teenage Drug Use Statistics [2025]: Data & Trends on Abuse
- Opioid Crisis Statistics [2025]: Prescription Opioid Abuse
- Delaware Sees a Decrease in Drug Overdose Deaths
- The Prevalence of SUD (Substance Use Disorder) in Delaware
- Delaware Sees First Decrease in Drug Overdose Deaths in a Decade
- The Drug Situation in Delaware 2020
- Explore Illicit Drug Use – Youth in Delaware | AHR
- Substance Use and Perceptions of Great Risk
- Delaware Agencies Announce Substantial Reduction in Drug Overdose Deaths
- DELAWARE DRUG CONTROL UPDATE
- Injury Center State Funding
- Delaware Sees 36% Drop in Drug Deaths in 2024
- My Healthy Community
- Behavioral Health Barometer: Delaware, Volume
- Delaware County Substance Use Profile
- Delaware Drug Statistics | Recovery Connection
- Alcohol Abuse Statistics [2026]: National + State Data – NCDAS
- Explore Excessive Drinking in Delaware | AHR
- DELAWARE
- Explore Alcohol Use – Youth in Delaware | AHR
- Alcohol Abuse – Atlantic Family Physicians