Statistical Data on Drugs in Louisiana
Louisiana faces a severe drug crisis that significantly exceeds national averages. The state has experienced dramatic increases in overdose deaths, with rates climbing from 13.5 per 100,000 in 2011 to 55.9 per 100,000 in 2021. Synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, have emerged as the primary driver of fatalities, involved in nearly 70% of overdose deaths. Despite these alarming trends, Louisiana ranks as the second worst state for addiction support and overdose prevention due to inadequate treatment infrastructure. The crisis affects all age groups, though young adults aged 18-25 show particularly high rates of substance use disorders.
Overdose Death Statistics
- Annual overdose deaths: 1,267
- Overdose death rate: 28.3 per 100,000 residents
- Percentage above national average: 36.71%
- Percentage of all deaths from overdose: 2.75%
- Louisiana’s share of nationwide OD deaths: 1.80%
- 2020 overdose deaths: 1,925 (47% increase from 2019)
- 2022 overdose deaths: 2,376
Overdose Death Rate Trends
| Year | Louisiana Rate (per 100,000) | National Average | Change from Previous Year |
| 2011 | 13.5 | 13.2 | Baseline |
| 2013 | — | — | 41% increase from 2012 |
| 2016 | — | — | 16% increase |
| 2019 | — | — | Baseline for recent surge |
| 2020 | 26.8 | Lower | 15.2% increase from 2019 |
| 2021 | 55.9 | 32.4 | 28% increase |
| 2022 | 54.5 | Lower (36.71% gap) | 6.65% increase (July 2021-July 2022) |
Louisiana’s overdose death rates have consistently exceeded national averages, with the state experiencing a 36.71% higher rate than the U.S. overall. The dramatic increase from 588 opioid deaths in 2019 to 1,378 in 2021 represents a 134% surge in just two years, reflecting the devastating impact of synthetic opioids entering the drug supply.
County-Level Disparities
| Parish/County | Overdose Death Rate (per 100,000) | Notable Information |
| Orleans Parish | 97 | Highest in state |
| Washington County | 57.5 | 1% of state population |
| Caddo County | 12 | Lowest rate |
| St. Bernard Parish | 48 (2004-2008) | 5th highest nationally |
Overdose death rates vary dramatically across Louisiana parishes, with Orleans Parish experiencing rates more than eight times higher than Caddo County. This geographic disparity suggests that urban areas and specific communities face disproportionate impacts from the drug crisis.
Opioid-Specific Deaths
- Opioid overdose deaths: 444
- Opioid involvement in all overdose deaths: 38.9%
- Opioid death rate: 9.9 per 100,000 residents
- Comparison to national rate: 32.2% below in some measures, above average in others
- 2021 opioid deaths: 1,335 (54% of all drug deaths)
Opioid Death Trends (2014-2021)
| Year | Opioid Deaths | Rate per 100,000 | Change from Previous Year |
| 2015 | 287 | 6.3 | 20% increase |
| 2016 | 346 | 7.7 | Continued increase |
| 2017 | 415 | 9.3 | Continued increase |
| 2019 | 588 | — | Baseline |
| 2021 | 1,378 | 30.5 | 134% increase from 2019, 40% spike from 2020 |
Opioid Deaths by Type (2015-2017)
| Year | Any Opioid | Rx Opioids | Fentanyl | Heroin | Methadone |
| 2015 | 6.3 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 2.9 | Unreliable |
| 2016 | 7.7 | 2.3 | 2.0 (150% increase) | 3.4 | Unreliable |
| 2017 | 9.3 | 3.5 | 3.6 (80% increase) | 3.6 | Unreliable |
| 3-Year Total | 8.1 | 2.7 | 2.2 | 3.3 | 0.3 |
Opioid deaths have increased 432% from 2014 to 2021, with fentanyl emerging as the dominant killer.
Fentanyl and Synthetic Opioids
- Fentanyl involvement in overdose deaths: 91%
- Fentanyl almost always mixed with: Other drugs, especially methamphetamine
- Synthetic opioid deaths (2020): Nearly 70% of all overdose deaths
- Fentanyl trend: 150% increase in 2016, 80% increase in 2017
Case Example: Calcasieu Parish
| Year | Total Overdoses | Fentanyl-Related | Percentage |
| 2022 | 64 | 52 | 81.3% |
| 2023 | 66 | 41+ | 62.1%+ (some pending) |
Fentanyl has become the primary driver of overdose deaths in Louisiana, with involvement in up to 91% of fatal overdoses. The synthetic opioid is almost always found mixed with other drugs, particularly methamphetamine, making drug use exponentially more dangerous even for those who may not intentionally seek out opioids.
Current Substance Use Rates
Illicit Drug Use (All Ages, Past Month)
- Total illicit drug use: 7.52% (550,000 people) vs. 8.82% national average
- Illicit drugs other than marijuana: 4.14% vs. 3.6% national average
- Marijuana use (past month): 497,000 people
- Past-year marijuana use: 12.4% (475,000 people)
- Illicit drug use other than marijuana: 140,000 people
Youth (12-17 years)
- Past-month illicit drug use: 5.8% (21,000) vs. 8.2% national
- Past-month marijuana use: 4.1% (15,000) vs. 6.8% national
- 23.76% less likely to use drugs than average American teen
- 78.26% of teen drug users report marijuana use
- Youth first-time marijuana use: 2.8% (10,000) vs. 5.2% national
Young Adults (18-25 years)
- Past-month drug use: 129,000
- 22.27% less likely to use drugs than national average
- Past-year marijuana use: 28.6% (136,000)
- Past-month marijuana use: 133,000
Prescription Drug Misuse
- Past-year pain reliever misuse: 4.5% (174,000 people)
- Comparison to national average: Higher (4.5% vs. 3.7%)
- Youth pain reliever misuse: 2.49%
- Opioid misuse (all ages): 156,000 people
Marijuana remains the most commonly used illicit drug, though Louisiana’s youth use rates are actually lower than national averages. However, prescription pain reliever misuse affects nearly 175,000 residents, and the state’s opioid prescription rate far exceeds the national average.
Youth Substance Use – Historical Context
Lifetime and Recent Use (2011 Survey)
| Measure | Louisiana | National | Male | Female |
| Lifetime marijuana use | 34% | 40% | 40% | 29% |
| Past 30-day marijuana use | 17% | 23% | 20% | 14% |
| Marijuana on school property | 4% | 6% | 7% | 2% |
By Race (2011)
| Measure | Caucasian | African American |
| Lifetime use | 34% | 35% |
| Past 30-day use | 18% | 16% |
| On school property | 4% | 4% |
By Grade Level (2011)
| Grade | Lifetime Use | Past 30-Day Use | On School Property |
| 9th | 32% | 17% | 3-5% |
| 10th | 32% | 19% | 3-5% |
| 11th | 39% | 17% | 3-5% |
| 12th | — | 12% | 3-5% |
School Drug Exposure
- Offered/sold drugs on school property (12 months): 25% Louisiana vs. 26% national
- Male exposure: 30%
- Female exposure: 21%
- By race: 26% Caucasian, 25% African American
- By grade: Decreases from 26% (9th/10th) to 22% (12th)
Youth marijuana use in Louisiana has remained relatively stable and below national rates. However, school-based drug exposure remains concerning, with one in four students reporting being offered drugs on school property.
Opioid Prescribing Rates
- Current opioid prescriptions per 100 persons: 74.4
- National average: 43.3 per 100 persons
- Percentage of residents with prescription access: 79.4%
- 2008 peak rate: 113.7 per 100 persons
- 2017 rate: 89.5 per 100 persons
- Decrease from peak (2008-2017): 21%
- Medicaid prescription changes: Pills per prescription decreased over 25% after new limits
Louisiana’s opioid prescribing rates are dramatically higher than national averages, with enough prescriptions written for nearly 80% of all residents.
Naloxone Access
- Naloxone prescriptions per 100,000 (2020): 159.8
- National rate: 182.8
- Louisiana deficit: 12.6% below national average
Louisiana lags behind the national average in naloxone distribution, with pharmacy dispensing rates 12.6% below the U.S. rate.
Substance Use Disorder Prevalence
Overall Population (12+ years)
- Total with substance use disorder: 422,000 people (11.2%)
- Drug use disorder: 396,000 people (10.35%)
- Opioid use disorder: 114,000 people (2.99%)
- Pain reliever use disorder: 104,000 people (2.72%)
- Needing but not receiving treatment (drugs): 316,000 people (8.27%)
- Needing but not receiving treatment (any substance): 607,000 people (15.89%)
Age Group Breakdown
| Age Group | Substance Use Disorder | Drug Use Disorder | Opioid Use Disorder |
| 12-17 | 40,000 (10.77%) | 34,000 (9.18%) | 4,000 (1.10%) |
| 18-25 | 120,000 (26.48%) | 80,000 (17.66%) | 7,000 (1.44%) |
| 26+ | 537,000 (17.95%) | 281,000 (9.40%) | 104,000 (3.46%) |
| 18+ | 657,000 (19.07%) | 361,000 (10.48%) | 110,000 (3.20%) |
Over 400,000 Louisiana residents—more than one in ten people aged 12 and older—struggle with substance use disorders. The treatment gap is massive, with over 600,000 people needing but not receiving care at specialty facilities.
Perceptions of Risk
All Ages (12+, in thousands)
| Substance | Perceiving Great Risk | Activity |
| Marijuana (once monthly) | 896,000 | Smoking monthly |
| Cocaine (once monthly) | 2,707,000 | Using monthly |
| Heroin (once or twice) | 3,237,000 | Trying once/twice |
Youth (12-17, in thousands)
| Substance | Perceiving Great Risk | Activity |
| Marijuana | 106,000 | Smoking monthly |
| Cocaine | 209,000 | Using monthly |
| Heroin | 236,000 | Trying once/twice |
Risk perception data reveals concerning gaps in understanding drug dangers. While most Louisiana residents recognize cocaine and heroin as high-risk, perceptions of marijuana risk are relatively low despite evidence of use disorders developing in vulnerable populations.
Treatment Admissions and Facility Data
Treatment Facilities and Capacity
- Active treatment facilities: 151
- Total patients treated annually: 10,633
- Outpatient patients annually: 9,008
- Residential (non-hospital) patients: 1,297
- Hospital-based patients: 328
- Free treatment facilities: 6
Treatment Admission Trends
- 2020 total admissions: 17,574
- Opiate-related admissions: 24% (2011-2020)
- Primary heroin admissions: Portion of 24% opiate admissions
- Alcohol admissions trend: Declined over 15 years
- Opioid admissions (non-heroin, non-meth): Increased over 15 years
Single-Day Treatment Count (March 2019)
- Total enrolled: 10,633 (down from 12,011 in 2015)
- Drug problem only: 58.5%
- Alcohol problem only: 10.6%
- Both drug and alcohol: 30.9%
Treatment by Primary Drug
| Drug | Annual Admissions |
| Marijuana | 6,022 |
| Cocaine | 3,798 |
| Prescription drugs | 3,324 |
| Heroin | 1,866 |
| Amphetamines | 1,229 |
Louisiana has 151 treatment facilities serving over 10,000 patients annually, but capacity is insufficient for the scale of need. The shift from alcohol to opioid admissions reflects changing patterns of addiction, with opiates accounting for nearly a quarter of all treatment entries.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Methadone Treatment
| Year | Patients Receiving Methadone |
| 2015 | 3,502 |
| 2019 | 3,008 (decrease of 14%) |
Buprenorphine Treatment
| Year | Patients Receiving Buprenorphine |
| 2015 | 1,153 |
| 2019 | 1,673 (45% increase) |
Use of evidence-based medications for opioid use disorder shows mixed trends. While buprenorphine prescriptions increased by 45% from 2015 to 2019, methadone treatment decreased.
Treatment Gap Analysis
- Total needing treatment for substances: 607,000 (15.89%)
- Needing treatment for drugs specifically: 316,000 (8.27%)
- Actual treatment enrollment (March 2019 count): 10,633
- Treatment gap: Approximately 596,000 people (98.3% not receiving needed care)
A massive treatment gap exists in Louisiana, with over 600,000 people needing substance use treatment but not receiving it at specialty facilities. This represents nearly 16% of the entire population aged 12 and older, highlighting the severe shortage of treatment capacity relative to need.
Treatment Costs
| Service Type | Average Individual Cost | State Spending | % of U.S. Total |
| Outpatient | $1,795 | $16.17 million | 0.7% |
| Residential (non-hospital) | $56,822 | $73.7 million | 1.42% |
- State ranking for residential cost: 32nd (cheapest to most expensive)
- State ranking for outpatient cost: Top 10 most expensive
Louisiana ranks as the 32nd most expensive state for residential treatment but is among the top 10 most expensive for outpatient care. The stark difference in individual costs—$56,822 for residential versus $1,795 for outpatient—creates significant financial barriers to accessing the most intensive levels of care.
Medicaid Spending on Treatment
| Year | Buprenorphine | Naltrexone | Naloxone | Total |
| 2016 | $12,102,145 | $308,138 | $193,524 | $12,688,603 |
| 2017 | $21,568,180 | $1,109,879 | $129,498 | $22,861,767 |
| 2018 | $25,780,202 | $1,818,336 | $231,894 | $27,843,513 |
Medicaid expansion impact: Provided coverage to 324,000 people in Louisiana
Louisiana Medicaid spending on opioid treatment medications more than doubled from 2016 to 2018, reflecting both Medicaid expansion and the growing need for treatment. Buprenorphine dominates spending, increasing 113% over this period.
Federal Funding
Overall Funding Changes
| Fiscal Year | Total Funding | Per Capita |
| 2017 | $48,259,917 | $10 |
| 2018 | $82,567,684 | $18 |
| Increase | 71% | 80% |
Funding by Department (FY2018)
| Department | FY2017 | FY2018 |
| Health and Human Services | $39,355,629 | $66,603,880 |
| SAMHSA | $37,972,317 | $50,820,229 |
| CDC | $997,702 | $4,159,002 |
| HRSA | $0 | $8,969,833 |
| Administration for Children and Families | $385,610 | $1,661,377 |
| NIH | $0 | $993,439 |
| ONDCP | $5,480,170 | $5,815,883 |
| Department of Justice | $3,424,118 | $9,513,672 |
Funding by Category (FY2018)
- Treatment and Recovery: 24%
- Prevention: 21%
- Mixed Treatment/Recovery and Prevention: 36%
- Criminal Justice: 13%
- Law Enforcement: 6%
- Research: 1%
Geographic Disparity Example
- Washington County death rate: 57.5 per 100,000
- Washington County population: 1% of state
- Washington County funding (FY2017): $3.04 per capita (0.2% of state funding)
- Washington County funding (FY2018): $3.35 per capita (0.2% of state funding)
Federal opioid funding to Louisiana increased 71% from 2017 to 2018, reflecting national recognition of the crisis. However, geographic distribution of funds does not align with need—Washington County has the highest death rate but received only 0.2% of funding.
Medical Consequences
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
- Rate (2017): 10.7 cases per 1,000 hospital births
- National comparison: Nearly triple the national average
- Opioid withdrawal syndrome rate: 0.56% of hospital births
Injection Drug Use Consequences
- Hepatitis C cases from IV drug use: 50,000
- HIV/AIDS cases from IV drug use: 20,424
- 2019 new HIV diagnoses from injection use: 22%
- 2019 acute Hepatitis C with injection use as primary risk: 59%
Healthcare Utilization
- Opioid-related hospitalizations (2013): 6,850
- Opioid-related hospitalizations (2016): 13,300 (94% increase)
- Uninsured visit rate (2013): 28%
- Uninsured visit rate (2016): 16%
- Suspected opioid overdose ED visits increase (2019-2020): 35%
Injection drug use drives substantial infectious disease transmission, with thousands of hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS cases attributable to needle sharing. Neonatal abstinence syndrome affects more than 1 in 200 births, nearly triple the national rate, reflecting widespread opioid use among pregnant women.
Final Words
Louisiana confronts a critical drug crisis with overdose death rates 36.71% above the national average and a staggering 432% increase in opioid deaths since 2014. Fentanyl now dominates the landscape, involved in up to 91% of fatal overdoses, while over 600,000 residents need but cannot access substance use treatment. The state’s combination of excessive opioid prescribing rates, inadequate treatment infrastructure, and severe geographic disparities in both overdose deaths and funding allocation demands immediate, comprehensive intervention to prevent further loss of life.
Statistical Data on Alcohol in Louisiana
Louisiana faces a severe alcohol crisis that ranks among the worst in the nation. The state has the highest rate of under-21 drinkers among alcohol-related deaths nationally and ranks second highest for excessive drinkers overall, with over 1.02 million resident drinking excessively. An average of 2,278 deaths occur annually from excessive alcohol use, with the death rate increasing by as much as 41.9% between 2015 and 2019. Despite these alarming statistics, only 7.1% of Louisiana residents suffering from alcohol dependence receive treatment. The state’s alcohol problem spans all age groups, with particularly concerning rates among youth and young adults.
Annual Alcohol Deaths and Impact
- Total annual alcohol-related deaths: 2,278
- Deaths per 10,000 adults: 6.38
- Deaths per capita ratio: 1 death for every 2,045 people aged 18+
- Percentage of deaths that are male: 71.4%
- Percentage of deaths that are female: 28.6%
- Deaths from chronic causes (e.g., Alcohol Use Disorder): 48.9%
- Deaths among adults 35 years and older: 79.0%
- Deaths among people under age 21: 4.13%
- Under-21 alcohol-induced deaths (annual): 113
- Years of potential life lost annually (CDC estimate): 62,928
- Years of potential life lost (under-21 population): 6,832
- 5-year increase in death rate (2015-2019): Up to 41.9%
Louisiana’s alcohol death toll of 2,278 annually represents a rate of 6.38 deaths per 10,000 adults, with males comprising over 71% of fatalities. The dramatic 41.9% increase in death rates from 2015 to 2019 indicates a rapidly worsening crisis, while the loss of 62,928 years of potential life demonstrates the devastating long-term impact on Louisiana communities.
Alcohol Use by Age Group
Past-Month Alcohol Use (2021)
| Age Group | Alcohol Use | Percentage | Binge Drinking | Percentage |
| 12+ | 1,681,000 | 43.99% | 900,000 | 23.54% |
| 12-17 | 26,000 | 6.94% | 15,000 | 4.00% |
| 18-25 | 215,000 | 47.48% | 129,000 | 28.39% |
| 26+ | 1,440,000 | 48.10% | 756,000 | 25.25% |
| 18+ | 1,655,000 | 48.02% | 885,000 | 25.67% |
| Ages 12-20 | 76,000 | 13.59% | 45,000 | 8.15% |
Over 1.68 million Louisiana residents used alcohol in the past month, with nearly 900,000 engaging in binge drinking. Young adults aged 18-25 show the highest rates of problematic drinking, with 28.39% binge drinking monthly—a pattern that contributes to long-term health consequences and addiction risk.
Youth Alcohol Use (Historical – 2011 Survey)
Lifetime Alcohol Use
| Measure | Louisiana | National | Male | Female |
| Lifetime alcohol use | 76% | 71% | 73% | 78% |
| By race (Caucasian) | 82% | — | — | — |
| By race (African American) | 70% | — | — | — |
| 9th/10th grade | 70% | — | — | — |
| 11th grade | 80% | — | — | — |
| 12th grade | 86% | — | — | — |
Past 30-Day Alcohol Use (Recent Use)
| Measure | Louisiana | National | Male | Female |
| Recent alcohol use | 44% | 39% | 43% | 46% |
| Caucasian students | 50% | — | — | — |
| African American students | 37% | — | — | — |
| 9th grade | 42-44% | — | — | — |
| 10th grade | 42-44% | — | — | — |
| 11th grade | 50% | — | — | — |
| 12th grade | 42-44% | — | — | — |
Episodic Heavy Drinking (Binge Drinking)
| Measure | Louisiana | National | Male | Female |
| 5+ drinks in few hours | 23% | 22% | 27% | 19% |
| Caucasian students | 31% | — | — | — |
| African American students | 12% | — | — | — |
| 9th grade | 20-23% | — | — | — |
| 10th grade | 20-23% | — | — | — |
| 11th grade | 29% | — | — | — |
| 12th grade | 20-23% | — | — | — |
Drinking on School Property
| Measure | Louisiana | National | Male | Female |
| Drank alcohol on school property | 6% | 5% | 7% | 5% |
| Caucasian students | 4% | — | — | — |
| African American students | 6% | — | — | — |
| All grade levels | 4-8% | — | — | — |
Louisiana youth historically have shown higher rates of lifetime and recent alcohol use compared to national averages. The 2011 data reveals that three-quarters of high school students had consumed alcohol at some point, with rates increasing sharply by grade level. Caucasian students and upper-grade students show particularly elevated drinking rates.
Current Youth Alcohol Statistics
- Youth (12-17) past-month alcohol use: 6.9%
- National ranking: 20th
Current data shows that youth alcohol use in Louisiana remains a concern but has improved relative to historical levels. At 6.9% past-month use, Louisiana ranks 20th nationally—a middle-tier ranking that suggests neither exceptional performance nor crisis levels compared to other states.
Additional Youth Data
- Youth (12-20) reporting alcohol use in past month: 24.7% (142,000)
- Youth (12-17) past-month alcohol use (2017-2019): 11.8% (43,000)
Youth Alcohol Trends (2002-2004 to 2017-2019)
- Past-month alcohol use (2017-2019): 11.8% (43,000)
- Comparison to regional average: Similar (11.8% vs. 9.4%)
- Comparison to national average: Similar (11.8% vs. 9.4%)
- Trend: Decreased between 2002-2004 and 2017-2019
Louisiana youth alcohol use decreased significantly over the 15-year period from 2002-2004 to 2017-2019, converging with national averages. This represents one of the few positive trends in the state’s substance use data, though 11.8% of youth still reported past-month drinking.
Young Adult Drinking Patterns (2017-2019)
- Past-month binge drinking: 35.2% (167,000)
- Comparison to regional average: Similar (35.2% vs. 32.2%)
- Comparison to national average: Similar (35.2% vs. 35.4%)
- Change between 2015-2017 and 2017-2019: No significant change
- Alcohol use disorder: 9.7% (46,000)
- Change in AUD (2002-2004 to 2017-2019): Decreased
Young adults aged 18-25 in Louisiana show concerning patterns of binge drinking, with more than one-third engaging in this behavior monthly. While the state’s rates are similar to national averages, the consistency of high binge drinking across years indicates an entrenched pattern of risky alcohol use in this age group.
Adult Drinking Patterns
- Adults who binge drink at least once per month: 18.1%
- Adults who drink excessively: 17.4%
- Median drinks per binge: 5.5
- Median drinks per binge (top 25% most active): 7.4
- Median monthly binge frequency: 2.0 times
- Median monthly binge frequency (top 25% most active): 4.7 times
By Demographics (2006 Data)
| Characteristic | Binge Drinkers | Heavy Drinkers | Any Alcohol (Past 30 Days) |
| Overall | 13.1% | 4.6% | 46.0% |
| Age 18-34 | 19.2% | 6.4% | 51.7% |
| Age 35-54 | 14.4% | 4.6% | 51.1% |
| Age 55+ | 4.7% | 2.8% | 33.5% |
| Male | 19.1% | 6.1% | 54.5% |
| Female | 7.7% | 3.3% | 38.3% |
| White | 15.2% | 5.2% | 51.1% |
| Black | 7.9% | 3.1% | 36.0% |
| < High School | 7.9% | 4.4% | 27.5% |
| High School Grad | 12.5% | 5.1% | 38.8% |
| Some College/Grad | 14.8% | 4.4% | 55.7% |
| Income < $25,000 | 7.8% | 3.8% | 31.0% |
| Income $25,000-$49,999 | 14.1% | 4.4% | 48.7% |
| Income $50,000+ | 18.0% | 5.5% | 60.5% |
| Employed | 16.3% | 4.8% | 54.0% |
| Self-employed | 8.9% | 3.7% | 40.0% |
| Unemployed | 13.0% | 6.4% | 40.9% |
| Unable to Work | 3.7% | 2.1% | 20.9% |
Nearly one in five Louisiana adults engages in binge drinking monthly, with the most active drinkers consuming 7.4 drinks per binge and binging nearly five times monthly. These patterns of heavy episodic drinking contribute directly to the state’s high rates of alcohol-related deaths and health consequences.
Parish-Level Variations
| Parish | Excessive Drinking Rate |
| Lafourche Parish | 24% |
| Livingston Parish | 23% |
| Several other parishes | 23% |
| Multiple parishes | 22% |
| State Average | 22% |
| National Average | 19% |
Excessive drinking rates vary across Louisiana parishes, with Lafourche Parish reporting the highest rate at 24%—higher than both the state and national averages. Several parishes cluster around 22-23% excessive drinking, indicating widespread geographic distribution of problematic alcohol use.
Alcohol Use Disorder Prevalence
By Age Group (2021)
| Age Group | Number with AUD | Percentage | Needing Treatment Not Receiving |
| 12+ | 399,000 | 10.45% | 398,000 (10.40%) |
| 12-17 | 10,000 | 2.72% | 10,000 (2.80%) |
| 18-25 | 61,000 | 13.48% | 60,000 (13.22%) |
| 26+ | 328,000 | 10.96% | 327,000 (10.93%) |
| 18+ | 389,000 | 11.29% | 387,000 (11.23%) |
Historical Data (2017-2019)
- Overall population (12+) with AUD: 6.3% (242,000)
- Comparison to regional average: Higher (6.3% vs. 4.9%)
- Comparison to national average: Similar (6.3% vs. 5.3%)
- Young adults (18-25) with AUD: 9.7% (46,000)
Additional Statistics
- Residents with alcohol use or dependence (annual): 228,000 (6%)
- Confirmed heavy drinkers (4-year period): 238,000 (7.5%)
- Treatment admission rate (4-year period): 7.1% of those with alcohol dependence
Nearly 400,000 Louisiana residents suffer from alcohol use disorder, representing over 10% of the population aged 12 and older. The disorder is most prevalent among young adults aged 18-25 (13.48%) and adults 26+ (10.96%), yet the vast majority—398,000 people—need but are not receiving treatment at specialty facilities.
Treatment Gap
- Total needing but not receiving alcohol treatment: 398,000 (10.40%)
- Total needing but not receiving substance use treatment: 607,000 (15.89%)
- Percentage of those with alcohol dependence receiving treatment: 7.1%
- Treatment gap: Approximately 97% of those with AUD not receiving care
The treatment gap for alcohol use disorder is massive, with 398,000 people needing but not receiving specialty treatment—representing 99.7% of those with AUD. This near-complete lack of access to care ensures the crisis will continue without major expansion of treatment infrastructure and accessibility.
Alcohol-Impaired Driving
- Increase in alcohol-related driving deaths (2019-2020): 8.9%
- Motor vehicle crash deaths involving alcohol (2021): 31%
- Context: Increase occurred despite fewer drivers on road due to COVID-19
Despite fewer drivers on the road during the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol-impaired driving deaths increased by 8.9% from 2019 to 2020, indicating that drinking and driving remained a persistent deadly problem. In 2021, nearly one-third of motor vehicle crash deaths involved alcohol impairment, a rate that remains disturbingly high.
Economic Cost
- Total taxpayer cost (2010): $3.801 billion
- Adjusted for inflation (2022 US$): $5.132 billion
- Cost per drink (2022 US$): $2.58
The economic burden of excessive alcohol use in Louisiana is staggering, with taxpayers spending the equivalent of $5.132 billion in 2022 dollars. This translates to $2.58 per alcoholic drink consumed, reflecting costs from healthcare, lost productivity, criminal justice, and other alcohol-related consequences.
National Rankings and Comparisons
- National ranking for excessive drinking: 31st (17.4% rate)
- National ranking for excessive drinkers: 2nd highest (22%)
- Ranking for addiction rate: 4th highest in America
- Under-21 death rate ranking: Highest in the nation
- Percentage under 21 among alcohol deaths: 4.1% (highest nationally)
- Louisiana vs. U.S. average for excessive drinking: 22% vs. 19%
Louisiana consistently ranks near the bottom nationally for alcohol-related metrics. The state’s second-place ranking for excessive drinkers and highest rate of under-21 deaths among alcohol fatalities demonstrate the breadth of the crisis across age groups. These rankings place Louisiana among the states with the most severe alcohol problems in America.
Final Words
Louisiana faces a catastrophic alcohol crisis, ranking second nationally for excessive drinkers (22% of adults) and first for under-21 deaths among alcohol fatalities. With 2,278 annual deaths—a rate that increased 41.9% from 2015 to 2019—and nearly 400,000 residents suffering from alcohol use disorder, the state confronts a severe public health emergency. Despite this dire situation, only 7.1% of those with alcohol dependence receive treatment, leaving 97% without care and ensuring the $5.132 billion annual crisis will persist without immediate, comprehensive intervention.
Conclusion
Louisiana faces dual public health crises in both drug and alcohol abuse that rank among the worst in the nation. Drug overdose deaths have surged 36.71% above the national average with fentanyl driving up to 91% of fatal overdoses, while alcohol claims 2,278 lives annually with the state ranking second nationally for excessive drinkers and first for under-21 alcohol deaths. Despite over one million residents struggling with substance use disorders, a catastrophic treatment gap leaves 97-98% without access to specialty care. Without immediate, comprehensive intervention including expanded treatment infrastructure, harm reduction services, and targeted prevention programs, Louisiana’s combined $5+ billion annual substance abuse crisis will continue claiming thousands of lives and devastating communities across the state.
Sources:
- Drug Abuse Statistics
- Mental Health and Substance Use State Fact Sheets | KFF
- LOUISIANA DRUG CONTROL UPDATE Drug Use Trends in Louisiana Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions Data
- LOUISIANA – National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- Addiction and Overdose Statistics in Louisiana
- Opioid Deaths in Louisiana
- Avenues Recovery Analyzes Louisiana’s Substance Abuse Statistics
- Addiction and Overdose Statistics in Louisiana
- How bad is the drug problem in Louisiana? Where can families get help?
- Louisiana ranks among the highest in overdose death rates, according to CDC
- Behavioral Health Barometer: Louisiana, Volume 6
- STATE CASE STUDIES Louisiana
- Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Surveys 2011 & School Health Profiles Comparison 2010
- Addiction and Overdose Statistics in Louisiana | Avenues Recovery
- Louisiana’s addiction rate 4th highest in America
- Alcohol Use
- Excessive drinking above national average in Louisiana | Louisiana Health | nola.com
- Explore Alcohol Use – Youth in Louisiana | AHR
- Explore Excessive Drinking in Louisiana | AHR
- Map: These Louisiana parishes are home to the most excessive drinkers, study finds