Statistical Data on Drugs in Oregon
Oregon faces a significant substance use crisis that ranks among the worst in the United States. The state consistently ranks in the top positions for illicit drug use, prescription opioid misuse, and methamphetamine use. Despite high rates of substance use disorders, Oregon simultaneously ranks last (50th) in the nation for providing adequate treatment to those who need it. This comprehensive statistical overview presents data on drug use patterns, overdose deaths, treatment accessibility, and demographic trends across all age groups in Oregon, drawing from multiple years of state and national surveys.
Overdose Deaths
- Annual Overdose Deaths: 615 per year
- Percentage of All Deaths: 1.70%
- OD Death Rate: 14 deaths per 100,000 residents
- Comparison to National Average: 32.37% lower
- Oregon’s Share of National OD Deaths: 0.87%
- Annual Rate of Increase: 5.64% over last 3 years
Drug Overdose Death Rates (per 100,000)
| Year | Oregon | United States |
| 2011 | 13.5 | 13.2 |
| 2021 | 26.8 | 32.4 |
Annual Overdose Deaths Timeline
| Year | Total Deaths |
| 2007 | 564 |
| 2009 | 576 |
| 2019 | 626 |
| 2020 | ~700 (30% increase from 2019) |
| 2021 | 1,165 |
| 2022 | 1,257 |
| 2023 | 1,800+ (record level) |
Comparative Mortality (2007 Data)
- Drug Overdose Deaths: 564
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: 490
- Firearms: 387
Comparative Mortality (2009 Data)
- Drug Overdose Deaths: 576
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: 391
- Firearms: 417
Emergency Room Visits (2023)
- Statewide: 11,125 trips to hospital emergency rooms due to drug overdoses
- Jackson County: 736 overdose-related ER visits; 130 deaths
Drug overdose deaths in Oregon have nearly doubled from 2011 to 2021, with particularly sharp increases in recent years. Overdoses have surpassed motor vehicle accidents and firearm deaths as a leading cause of injury death.
Opioid Epidemic
Opioid Overdose Statistics
- Annual Opioid Overdose Deaths: 339 (earlier data) to 1,400 (2023)
- Deaths per 100,000: 8.0 (earlier) to 18.7 (recent)
- Percentage of All Overdose Deaths: 62% (earlier) to 67% (2021)
- Comparison to National Rate: 45.2% below (earlier data)
- Oregon’s Share of National Opioid Deaths: 0.62%
Opioid Death Rate Timeline (per 100,000)
| Year | Oregon | United States |
| 2011 | 10.1 | 7.3 |
| 2021 | 18.1 | 24.7 |
Opioid Type Breakdown
- Prescription Opioids: 44.5% of opioid overdose deaths
- Heroin: 45.4% of deaths
- Synthetic Opioids: 28.6% of deaths
National Context
- 2000: Opioid overdoses represented 48% of drug overdose deaths in the U.S.
- 2021: Opioid overdoses represented 75% of drug overdose deaths in the U.S.
Additional Opioid-Related Statistics
- Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome: 0.62% of hospital births
- Prescription Rate: Doctors write enough prescriptions for 57.3% of residents
- Hepatitis C Cases (from IV drug use): 48,700
- HIV/AIDS Cases (from IV drug use): 6,879
- Weekly Prescription Opioid Overdose Deaths: Average of 3 Oregonians
Opioids account for the majority of overdose deaths in Oregon, with synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) driving a dramatic surge. Opioid deaths increased 400% in just three years, with fentanyl now representing 90% of all opioid-related fatalities.
Fentanyl Crisis
- Percentage of Opioid Fatalities: 90% by 2022
- Growth Rate: 400% increase in three years (synthetic opioids)
Fentanyl Overdose Deaths
| Year | Deaths |
| 2019 | 75 |
| 2020 | 298 |
| 2022 | 1,257 (synthetic opioids total) |
Fentanyl has emerged as the dominant driver of overdose deaths in Oregon, with deaths increasing nearly 400% from 2019 to 2020 and continuing to rise dramatically.
Methamphetamine Use
- National Ranking: 1st in the nation (2020)
- Past-Year Use Rate: 1.93% (2021) to 1.18% (2021-2022 average)
- Death Rate Increase: 26% from 2017-2020
- Annual Users (2021-2022): 43,000 people aged 12+
Age Group Breakdown (2021-2022)
| Age Group | Users, in thousands |
| 12-17 | 0 |
| 18-25 | 2 |
| 26+ | 41 |
Treatment Admissions
- 2010: 6,558 people entered treatment for amphetamines
- Largest Population: 26-30 year olds
- Gender Distribution: 49.3% male, 50.7% female
Oregon ranks first nationally for methamphetamine misuse, with deaths increasing by 26% from 2017 to 2020.
Marijuana Use
Overall Population Statistics (Ages 12+, 2021-2022)
| Metric | Number | Percentage |
| Past-Year Use | 1,144,000 | 31.22% |
| Past-Month Use | 800,000 | 21.84% |
| First Use in Past Year | 55,000 | 4.11% |
Past-Year Marijuana Use Trends (Ages 12+)
| Time Period | Oregon | Regional Avg | National Avg |
| 2002-2004 | Lower | – | – |
| 2017-2019 | 27.7% | 24.7% | 16.2% |
Marijuana Use Disorder
- Overall Rate (Ages 12+): 2.3% (81,000 people) in 2017-2019
- National Ranking: Higher than national average (1.6%)
Treatment Statistics
- 2010: 8,014 people entered treatment for marijuana dependence
- Age Distribution: 40.9% were 12-17 years old
- Status: Most commonly cited drug among primary treatment admissions
Oregon ranks second nationally for marijuana use, with rates significantly higher than both regional and national averages across all age groups.
Heroin Use
- Past-Year Use (2021-2022): 13,000 people (0.37%)
- Past-Year Use (2017-2019): 17,000 people (0.47%)
- National Ranking: 11th in the nation
- Percentage of Opioid Overdose Deaths: 45.4%
Treatment Admissions (2010)
- Total Admissions: 4,218 people
- Gender Distribution: 62.3% male, 37.7% female
- Largest Age Group: 21-25 years old
While heroin use rates are relatively low compared to other substances, the drug remains a significant factor in overdose deaths and treatment admissions.
Cocaine Use
- Past-Year Use: 74,000 people (2.03%)
- National Ranking: 7th in the U.S.
Age Group Breakdown (2021-2022)
| Age Group | Number | Percentage |
| 12-17 | 0 | 0.14% |
| 18-25 | 20,000 | 4.90% |
| 26+ | 54,000 | 1.82% |
Oregon ranks 7th nationally for cocaine use, with rates significantly higher than the national average.
Prescription Drug Misuse
- National Ranking: 1st in the nation (2021)
- Adult Misuse Rate: 4.46% (highest in the nation)
- Weekly Overdose Deaths: Average of 3 Oregonians
Current Statistics (2021-2022, Ages 12+)
- Past-Year Pain Reliever Misuse: 140,000 people (3.82%)
- Past-Year Opioid Misuse: 134,000 people (3.67%)
- Pain Reliever Use Disorder: 57,000 people (1.55%)
- Opioid Use Disorder: 67,000 people (1.84%)
Historical Data
- 2017-2019 Pain Reliever Misuse: 5.1% (183,000) – higher than national average (3.7%)
- 2013 Youth Misuse: 15,000 adolescents (5.3%)
Prescription Rate
- Opioid Prescriptions: 54% of all prescriptions in Oregon
- Coverage: Enough prescriptions for 57.3% of residents
Treatment Admissions
- 2010: 2,408 individuals admitted for opiates (not including heroin)
- Trend: Number doubled within five years
Oregon leads the nation in prescription opioid misuse, with rates consistently higher than national averages and a treatment admission rate that doubled over five years.
Youth Drug Use (Ages 12-17)
| Metric | Oregon | Comparison |
| Past-Month Drug Use | 11.46% (34,000 teens) | 37.62% more likely than average American teen |
| Past-Month Alcohol Use | 10.79% | 17.91% more likely than average American |
| Illicit Drug Use Disorder | 4.38% | – |
| Alcohol Use Disorder | 2.36% | – |
Past-Month Illicit Drug Use Trends (Ages 12-17)
| Time Period | Oregon | Regional Avg | National Avg |
| 2015-2017 | Similar | – | – |
| 2017-2019 | 11.4% | 11.0% | 8.2% |
Past-Month Marijuana Use (Ages 12-17)
| Time Period | Oregon | Regional Avg | National Avg |
| 2002-2004 | Lower | – | – |
| 2017-2019 | 10.4% | 9.8% | 6.8% |
Detailed Youth Substance Use (2021-2022, Ages 12-17)
| Substance/Metric | Number | Percentage |
| Past-Month Illicit Drug Use | 29,000 | 9.46% |
| Past-Year Marijuana Use | 43,000 | 13.96% |
| Past-Month Marijuana Use | 27,000 | 8.93% |
| Marijuana Use Disorder | 28,000 | 9.24% |
| Past-Year Cocaine Use | 0 | 0.14% |
| Past-Year Hallucinogen Use | 8,000 | 2.50% |
| Past-Year Methamphetamine Use | 0 | 0.08% |
| Prescription Pain Reliever Misuse | 6,000 | 1.87% |
| Opioid Misuse | 6,000 | 1.87% |
Youth Marijuana Use Details
- 94.12% of youth drug users report using marijuana in the last month
- 18.54% of all youth report using marijuana in the last year
Other Youth Drug Use
- Cocaine: 0.67% past-year use
- Methamphetamines: 0.34% use
- Heroin: Up to 0.17% (limited data)
- Pain Relievers: 3.03% misuse
- Non-medical Use of Pain Relievers (2013): 15,000 adolescents (5.3%)
First-Time Use (Initiation) Rates (2017-2019, Ages 12-17)
| Substance | Oregon | Regional Avg | National Avg |
| Alcohol | 10.4% (31,000) | 9.4% | 9.3% |
| Marijuana | 5.6% (17,000) | 5.6% | 5.2% |
| Cigarettes | 2.8% (8,000) | 2.6% | 2.3% |
Youth National Ranking
- Illicit Drug Use: Rank 44 nationally (9.5% value)
Oregon youth show significantly higher rates of drug use compared to national averages, with marijuana use being particularly prevalent. Youth in Oregon are 37.62% more likely to have used drugs than the average American teen.
Young Adults (Ages 18-25)
| Metric | Number | Percentage |
| Past-Month Illicit Drug Use | 160,000 | 38.61% |
| Past-Year Marijuana Use | 212,000 | 51.12% |
| Past-Month Marijuana Use | 146,000 | 35.24% |
| Substance Use Disorder | 148,000 | 35.69% |
| Drug Use Disorder | 104,000 | 25.05% |
Comparison to National Average
- Drug Use: 25.51% more likely to use drugs than average American in same age group
- Total Users: 196,000 young adults aged 18-25 used drugs in the last month
Past-Year Marijuana Use Trends (Ages 18-25)
| Time Period | Oregon | Regional Avg | National Avg |
| 2002-2004 | Lower | – | – |
| 2017-2019 | 49.4% | 43.0% | 35.0% |
Marijuana Use Disorder (Ages 18-25)
| Time Period | Oregon | Regional Avg | National Avg |
| 2002-2004 | Similar | – | – |
| 2017-2019 | 6.4% (27,000) | 6.3% | 5.6% |
Detailed Substance Use (2021-2022, Ages 18-25)
| Substance/Metric | Number | Percentage |
| Past-Year Cocaine Use | 20,000 | 4.90% |
| Past-Year Heroin Use | 1,000 | 0.21% |
| Past-Year Hallucinogen Use | 60,000 | 14.51% |
| Past-Year Methamphetamine Use | 2,000 | 0.48% |
| Prescription Pain Reliever Misuse | 18,000 | 4.42% |
| Opioid Misuse | 19,000 | 4.69% |
| Pain Reliever Use Disorder | 5,000 | 1.28% |
| Opioid Use Disorder | 6,000 | 1.34% |
Substance Use Disorder Statistics (2017-2019, Ages 18-25)
| Disorder Type | Oregon | Regional Avg | National Avg |
| Illicit Drug Use Disorder | 8.4% (35,000) | 7.7% | 7.5% |
| Opioid Use Disorder | 0.7% (3,000) | 0.8% | 1.0% |
| Substance Use Disorder | 17.2% (71,000) | 15.7% | 14.7% |
Young adults in Oregon show the highest rates of substance use across all age groups, with nearly half reporting past-year marijuana use and over one-third meeting criteria for substance use disorder.
Adults (Ages 26+)
| Metric | Number | Percentage |
| Past-Month Illicit Drug Use | 691,000 | 23.49% |
| Past-Year Marijuana Use | 889,000 | 30.20% |
| Past-Month Marijuana Use | 627,000 | 21.29% |
| Illicit Drug Use Other Than Marijuana | 132,000 | 4.49% |
| Past-Year Cocaine Use | 54,000 | 1.82% |
| Past-Year Heroin Use | 12,000 | 0.40% |
| Past-Year Hallucinogen Use | 138,000 | 4.69% |
| Past-Year Methamphetamine Use | 41,000 | 1.39% |
| Prescription Pain Reliever Misuse | 116,000 | 3.93% |
| Opioid Misuse | 109,000 | 3.71% |
Substance Use Disorder (Ages 26+)
| Disorder Type | Number | Percentage |
| Substance Use Disorder | 614,000 | 20.87% |
| Drug Use Disorder | 292,000 | 9.92% |
| Pain Reliever Use Disorder | 49,000 | 1.65% |
| Opioid Use Disorder | 59,000 | 2.00% |
Historical Data
- 2007-2008: Oregon ranked first for past-month illicit drug use among persons 26 and older
- Prescription Opioid Misuse: 0.80% (specific demographic data point)
While adults 26 and older show lower rates of substance use than younger age groups, they represent the largest absolute number of users and face significant challenges with prescription opioid misuse.
Demographic Disparities
Age Group SUD Prevalence
| Demographic Group | SUD Prevalence | Key Substance |
| Youth (12-17) | 7.57% | Marijuana |
| Young Adults (18-25) | 28.83% | Meth & Polysubstance |
| Older Adults (26+) | 0.80% (Rx Opioids) | Prescription Opioid |
Racial Disparities
- American Indian/Alaska Native: Overdose death rates 2-3 times higher than white populations
- Black Communities: Overdose death rates 2-3 times higher than white populations
Substance use disorder prevalence varies significantly across age groups and demographic populations, with certain communities facing overdose death rates 2-3 times higher than white populations.
Regional Comparisons
- Oregon SUD Rate: 18.22%
- Comparison to National Average: 27.6% higher
State-by-State Comparison
| Location | Opioid Death Rate (per 100,000) | Estimated SUD Treatment Gap (%) |
| Oregon | 18.7 | 51 |
| Washington | 14.5 | 42 |
| Idaho | 12.1 | 45 |
| National Average | 15.0 | 37 |
Oregon’s substance use disorder rate and opioid death rate exceed those of neighboring states and the national average, while also facing a larger treatment gap.
Treatment Statistics
- National Ranking for Treatment Access: 50th (worst state)
- Overall Treatment Gap: Over 50% of Oregonians needing SUD treatment lack access to services
- Estimated SUD Treatment Gap: 51%
- Mental Health Treatment Among Overdose Victims: Only 5.8% receive mental health treatment
Treatment Access and Gaps (2022)
| Age Group | Classified as Needing Treatment | Received Treatment | Not Receiving Treatment |
| 12+ | 23.54% (863,000) | 5.25% (192,000) | 79.09% (713,000) |
| 12-17 | 13.52% (41,000) | 4.77% (14,000) | Data limited |
| 18-25 | 39.46% (166,000) | 6.38% (27,000) | 83.05% (135,000) |
| 26+ | 22.28% (656,000) | 5.13% (151,000) | 79.16% (556,000) |
| 18+ | 24.45% (822,000) | 5.29% (178,000) | 79.91% (691,000) |
Treatment Enrollment Trends
Single-day count (March):
- 2015: 30,401 people enrolled
- 2019: 20,268 people enrolled (33% decrease)
Treatment Focus (2019 Single-Day Count)
| Treatment Type | Percentage |
| Drug Problem Only | 48.5% |
| Alcohol Problem Only | 17.5% |
| Both Drug and Alcohol | 34.0% |
Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT)
Methadone (single-day count in March):
- 2015: 4,663 people
- 2019: 5,146 people (10% increase)
Buprenorphine (single-day count in March):
- 2015: 601 people
- 2019: 1,976 people (229% increase)
Treatment Facilities
- Active Substance Abuse Clinics: 265
- 2002: 232 facilities
- 2006: 224 facilities
- Free Treatment: 1 facility offers free drug rehab treatment for all clients
Annual Treatment Services
- Total Clients Treated: 20,268 annually
- Outpatient Services: 19,520 clients annually
- Residential (Non-Hospital) Services: 705 clients annually
- Hospital Treatment: 43 clients
Oregon faces a severe treatment gap, ranking worst in the nation for access to substance use disorder treatment. Nearly 80% of those who need treatment do not receive it, and the number of enrolled patients has declined significantly.
Cost of Treatment
Average Individual Costs
| Service Type | Cost |
| Residential Rehab | $58,894 |
| Outpatient Rehab | $1,704 |
Public Spending on Treatment
| Service Type | Annual Spending | Percentage of U.S. Total |
| Outpatient Services | $33.26 million | 1.44% |
| Residential Treatment | $41.52 million | 0.80% |
National Comparison
- State Ranking: 42nd in cheapest to most expensive for residential treatment
- Shared Cost States: Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington, and Illinois have the same average cost for outpatient services
Oregon ranks 42nd among states for residential treatment costs, with significant public funding supporting both outpatient and residential services.
Final Words
Oregon faces one of the nation’s most severe substance use crises, ranking first nationally for illicit drug use disorder, prescription opioid misuse, and methamphetamine use. Overdose deaths have reached record levels, increasing from 626 in 2019 to over 1,800 in 2023, driven primarily by fentanyl and synthetic opioids. Despite these alarming trends, Oregon ranks dead last (50th) in the nation for treatment access, with nearly 80% of individuals needing substance use disorder treatment unable to receive it. Without urgent intervention to expand treatment capacity and prevention programs, Oregon’s drug crisis will continue to devastate communities and claim thousands of lives annually.
Statistical Data on Alcohol in Oregon
Alcohol use represents the third-leading cause of preventable death in Oregon, claiming approximately 2,000 lives annually. Oregon ranks 10th nationally for past-month alcohol use and 5th for alcohol use disorder among individuals aged 12 and older. The state has experienced a dramatic 40-44% increase in alcohol-related deaths between 2015 and 2022, with chronic abuse being the most significant cause of death. Despite these alarming trends, over half of Oregon adults report past-month alcohol use, and binge drinking remains prevalent across all age groups. This comprehensive overview presents data on alcohol consumption patterns, deaths, disorders, and demographic trends across Oregon.
Alcohol-Related Deaths
- Annual Alcohol-Related Deaths: 1,900 deaths per year
- Daily Deaths (2022): 6 deaths per day statewide
- Total Deaths (Average): 2,186 annual deaths attributable to excessive alcohol use
- Percentage Under Age 21: 1.97%
- Ranking: #3 cause of preventable death in Oregon
Death Rate Increases
| Time Period | Increase | Details |
| 2015-2019 | 44.2% | 5-year average annual rate increase |
| 2019-2022 | 40% | Total increase in alcohol-related deaths |
Death Rate Per Capita
- Rate: 1 death for every 1,938 people aged 18 and older
- Per 10,000 Adults: 6.49 deaths
Demographics of Alcohol Deaths
| Demographic | Percentage |
| Male | 68.1% |
| Female | 31.9% |
| Chronic Causes (e.g., Alcohol Use Disorder) | 68.3% |
| Adults Aged 35+ | 89.3% |
Years of Potential Life Lost
Annual Loss: 50,830 years of potential life lost to excessive alcohol use each year
Underage Alcohol Deaths (Under 21)
- Deaths: 43 deaths
- Years of Potential Life Lost: 2,396 years
Fatal Crashes (Ages 15-20 with BAC > 0.01%)
- Fatalities: 22 deaths
- Percentage of All Fatal Crashes: 29%
Alcohol-related deaths in Oregon have increased dramatically in recent years, with daily fatalities doubling and chronic abuse accounting for the majority of deaths. The problem disproportionately affects males and older adults.
Underage Drinking (Ages 12-20)
- Past-Month Alcohol Use: 84,000 (17.90%)
- Past-Month Binge Alcohol Use: 44,000 (9.25%)
- Alcohol Use Disorder: 32,000 (6.90%)
Detailed Age Breakdown (2022)
| Age Group | Past-Month Use | Percentage | Past-Month Binge | Percentage |
| 12-20 | 96,000 | 21.1% | 58,000 | 12.8% |
| 12-14 | 5,000 | 3.5% | 3,000 | 2.6% |
| 15-17 | 29,000 | 18% | 14,000 | 8.4% |
| 18-20 | 62,000 | 38.8% | 41,000 | 25.8% |
Initiation Statistics
- Average Age of First Alcohol Use: 15.7 years
Underage drinking remains a significant concern, with rates increasing dramatically with age.
Youth Alcohol Use (Ages 12-17)
- Past-Month Alcohol Use: 26,000 youth (8.50%)
- Past-Month Binge Alcohol Use: 12,000 youth (3.78%)
- Alcohol Use Disorder: 13,000 youth (4.37%)
Past-Month Alcohol Use Trends (Ages 12-17)
| Time Period | Oregon | Regional Avg | National Avg |
| 2002-2004 | Higher | – | – |
| 2017-2019 | 11.1% (33,000) | 10.9% | 9.4% |
Note: Decreased between 2002-2004 and 2017-2019
While youth alcohol use has decreased over time, Oregon youth still show similar rates to national averages, with notable percentages engaging in both alcohol use and binge drinking.
Young Adults (Ages 18-25)
- Past-Month Alcohol Use: 229,000 (55.25%)
- Past-Month Binge Alcohol Use: 136,000 (32.93%)
- Alcohol Use Disorder: 73,000 (17.64%)
Past-Month Binge Alcohol Use Trends (Ages 18-25)
| Time Period | Oregon | Regional Avg | National Avg |
| 2015-2017 | Similar | – | – |
| 2017-2019 | 38.9% (161,000) | 33.4% | 35.4% |
Alcohol Use Disorder Trends (Ages 18-25)
| Time Period | Oregon | Regional Avg | National Avg |
| 2002-2004 | Higher | – | – |
| 2017-2019 | 12.6% (53,000) | 10.7% | 9.8% |
Note: Decreased between 2002-2004 and 2017-2019
Young adults show the highest rates of alcohol use and binge drinking across all age groups, with nearly 40% engaging in binge drinking monthly and over one-third reporting past-month alcohol use that exceeds 55%.
Per Capita Consumption
- 2016 Per Capita Consumption: 2.8 gallons of pure alcohol per person over age 14
- Annual Drinks Per Person: Approximately 587 drinks
- National Ranking: 15th highest per capita alcohol consumption in the United State
Oregon’s per capita alcohol consumption has been steadily increasing since 1995, placing the state among the top 15 nationally for alcohol consumption.
Binge Drinking
- Adult Binge Drinking Rate: 17.0% of Oregon adults over 18 binge drink at least once per month
- 2017 Rate: Nearly 1 in 5 Oregon adults (20%) reported binge drinking in past 30 days
- Trend: Binge drinking has remained unchanged over a six-year period (2007-2017)
Binge Drinking Intensity
| Metric | Median | Top 25% Most Active |
| Drinks Per Binge | 5.5 | 7.4 |
| Binge Frequency (Monthly) | 1.7 times | 4.1 times |
Binge Drinking by Gender (2017)
| Gender | Percentage |
| Men | 22% |
| Women | 14% |
Nearly one in five Oregon adults engages in binge drinking, with higher rates among men and younger adults. The most active binge drinkers consume significantly more drinks and binge more frequently than the median.
Excessive Drinking
- Statewide Rate: 16.7% of adults report excessive drinking
- National Ranking: 25th
- Definition: Binge drinking (4+ drinks for females, 5+ for males on one occasion in past 30 days) OR heavy drinking (8+ drinks per week for females, 15+ for males)
County-Level Variation
- Counties Below 20% Rate: 9 out of 36 Oregon counties
- Lowest Rate: Marion County at 17%
One in five Oregon adults reports excessive drinking, with rates varying significantly by county. Oregon ranks 25th nationally for excessive drinking.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
National Rankings (Ages 12+, 2021)
| Category | Oregon Rate | U.S. Rank | Status |
| Alcohol Use Disorder | 12.34% | 5th | Very High |
Trend Analysis
- 2019: Nearly 7% of Oregonians aged 12+ had an alcohol problem
- 2021: About 12% of Oregonians aged 12+ reported having an alcohol problem
- Change: Approximately 71% increase
Current AUD Prevalence (2021-2022, Ages 12+)
| Age Group | Number | Percentage |
| 12+ | 448,000 | 12.23% |
| 12-17 | 13,000 | 4.37% |
| 18-25 | 73,000 | 17.64% |
| 26+ | 362,000 | 12.29% |
| 18+ | 435,000 | 12.95% |
Historical Comparison (Ages 12+)
| Time Period | Oregon | Regional Avg | National Avg |
| 2002-2004 | Similar | – | – |
| 2017-2019 | 7.7% (274,000) | 6.5% | 5.3% |
Oregon ranks 5th nationally for alcohol use disorder, with rates significantly higher than national averages across all age groups. The prevalence of AUD has nearly doubled in recent years.
Risk Perceptions
Perceptions of Great Risk from 5+ Drinks Once or Twice a Week (2021-2022)
| Age Group | Number | Percentage |
| 12+ | 1,485,000 | 40.54% |
| 12-17 | 113,000 | 36.86% |
| 18-25 | 141,000 | 34.11% |
| 26+ | 1,231,000 | 41.83% |
| 18+ | 1,373,000 | 40.87% |
Underage Risk Perceptions
Ages 12-20: 175,000 (37.08%) perceive great risk
A significant portion of Oregonians, particularly youth, do not perceive frequent heavy drinking as presenting great risk, which may contribute to high consumption rates.
Treatment Admissions (2010)
| Treatment Type | Number of Admissions |
| Alcohol Abuse and Dependence Only | 14,729 |
| Alcohol Combined with Secondary Drug | 10,189 |
| Total Alcohol-Related Admissions | 24,918 |
Treatment admissions for alcohol-related issues remain substantial, though comprehensive current data is limited.
Economic Impact
State Costs
| Year | Cost | Details |
| 2010 | $3.520 billion | Original cost |
| 2022 | $4.752 billion | Inflation-adjusted ($4.8 billion) |
Per Person Cost
Annual Cost per Oregonian: Approximately $1,100 per person
Cost Per Drink
2022 Cost: $2.81 per drink in 2022 US dollars
Industry Spending
- Alcohol Industry Promotion: Nearly $3.5 billion on product promotion
- Retail Environment Advertising: 29% of advertising dollars
Excessive alcohol use costs Oregon nearly $5 billion annually, representing a substantial economic burden shared across all residents.
Final Words
Alcohol use represents a critical public health crisis in Oregon, ranking as the third-leading cause of preventable death with approximately 2,000 annual fatalities and a 40-44% increase in deaths between 2015 and 2022. The state ranks 5th nationally for alcohol use disorder and 10th for past-month alcohol use, with AUD rates nearly doubling from 7% to 12% in just two years (2019-2021). Excessive drinking costs Oregon $4.8 billion annually, or approximately $1,100 per person, while chronic alcohol abuse accounts for 68% of all alcohol-related deaths. Despite these devastating impacts, over half of Oregon residents aged 12 and older report past-month alcohol use, and nearly one in five adults engages in binge drinking, highlighting an urgent need for expanded prevention, treatment, and intervention programs across the state.
Conclusion
In general, Oregon faces a catastrophic substance use crisis, ranking first nationally for illicit drug use disorder, prescription opioid misuse, and methamphetamine use, while simultaneously ranking dead last (50th) for treatment access. Combined, drug overdoses and alcohol-related deaths claim nearly 4,000 Oregon lives annually, with drug deaths tripling from 626 in 2019 to over 1,800 in 2023, and alcohol deaths increasing by 40% in just three years. Despite nearly 80% of individuals needing treatment being unable to access it, over half of Oregon residents aged 12 and older report past-month alcohol use, and the state’s substance use disorder rate stands 27.6% higher than the national average. Without immediate and substantial investment in prevention, treatment infrastructure, and harm reduction services, Oregon’s substance use crisis will continue to devastate families, communities, and the state’s economy at an estimated cost exceeding $5 billion annually.
Sources:
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- Drug Abuse Statistics
- OREGON DRUG CONTROL UPDATE Drug Use Trends in Oregon
- Oregon Data extracted from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, released December 2021
- OREGON – National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- Mental Health and Substance Use State Fact Sheets | KFF
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- Fatal drug overdoses in Oregon reached record levels in 2023
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- Alcohol is third-leading cause of preventable death in Oregon
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