Alaska Drug and Alcohol Statistics - Methadone dot org (NAMA Recovery)

Statistical Data on Drugs in Alaska

Alaska is experiencing one of the most severe drug crises in the United States, with substance use rates consistently ranking among the highest nationally. The state’s overdose death rate of 49.5 per 100,000 residents far exceeds the national average, marking Alaska as having one of the fastest-rising overdose mortality rates in the country. This crisis is characterized by widespread opioid deaths—particularly from synthetic fentanyl—combined with significant methamphetamine involvement in over half of all fatal overdoses. Geographic isolation, limited treatment infrastructure, and profound health disparities among Alaska Native populations compound these challenges. The following statistics provide a comprehensive overview of drug use, overdose deaths, treatment access, and law enforcement data that illustrate the scope and urgency of Alaska’s substance abuse emergency.

Overdose Death Statistics

Overall Overdose Deaths

Annual overdose deaths: 254 per year (average), with 357 deaths in 2023
Overdose death rate: 34.3 deaths per 100,000 residents (31.55% higher than national rate)
Growth rate: 97.20% increase over the last 3 years
Percentage of all deaths: 4.59% are from drug overdose
National proportion: 0.24% of nationwide overdose deaths occur in Alaska
Historical trend (2014-2023): 1,757 total drug overdose deaths
Intent distribution: 89% unintentional, 7% suicide, 5% other intents

Alaska Overdose Deaths Statistics

Deaths by Year

Year	Unintentional	Suicide	Other	Total Deaths	Death Rate per 100,000
2014	101	16	6	123	16.6
2015	105	9	7	121	16.0
2016	106	13	10	129	17.1
2017	119	16	6	141	19.3
2018	91	6	8	105	14.0
2019	110	15	8	133	18.1
2020	127	10	9	146	20.0
2021	238	9	8	255	35.2
2022	228	8	11	247	33.7
2023	331	14	12	357	49.5

Alaska’s overdose crisis has accelerated dramatically, with the death rate now 31.55% higher than the national average. The 44.5% increase from 2022 to 2023 represents one of the steepest rises in the country.

Demographics of Overdose Deaths (2023)

By Sex

Men: 225 deaths (59.3 per 100,000)
Women: 132 deaths (38.8 per 100,000)

By Race/Ethnicity

American Indian/Alaska Native: 119 deaths (114.6 per 100,000)
Black: 23 deaths (84.6 per 100,000)
Multiple races: 31 deaths (72.3 per 100,000)
White: 170 deaths (34.2 per 100,000)
Hispanic: 19 deaths (37.4 per 100,000)

By Region

Anchorage: 230 deaths (79.9 per 100,000) – highest rate
Southeast: 29 deaths (40.1 per 100,000)
Mat-Su: 37 deaths (32.3 per 100,000)
Gulf Coast: 22 deaths (26.6 per 100,000)
Interior: 27 deaths (25.1 per 100,000)
Southwest: 9 deaths (23.0 per 100,000)

By Age Group

35-44 years: 115 deaths (110.0 per 100,000) – highest rate
45-54 years: 67 deaths (81.8 per 100,000)
25-34 years: 75 deaths (70.5 per 100,000)
55-64 years: 51 deaths (58.1 per 100,000)
15-24 years: 27 deaths (27.2 per 100,000)

Significant disparities exist across demographic groups, with American Indian/Alaska Native people experiencing rates more than three times higher than White residents.

Deaths by Drug Type

Opioid Epidemic

Opioid Overdose Statistics

Total opioid deaths (2023): 290 deaths
Opioid death rate: 40.1 per 100,000 (67.1% higher than national rate)
Proportion of all overdoses: 80.8% involve opioids
Synthetic opioid involvement: 94.5% of opioid deaths
Heroin involvement: 5.5% of opioid deaths
Prescription opioid involvement: 11.0% of opioid deaths
Neonatal withdrawal (2020): 26.6 per 1,000 births
Prescription rate: Enough for 30.4% of residents
HIV/AIDS from IV drug use: 1.8 new diagnoses in 2023

Alaska Opioid Overdose Statistics

Opioid Deaths by Type (2023)

Historical Trend: Fentanyl deaths increased by 193% from 2019 to 2020, with fentanyl accounting for approximately 49% of all drug overdoses in 2020.

Drug Type	Deaths	Rate per 100,000
Total Opioids	286	39.8
Other Synthetic Narcotics (primarily fentanyl)	270	37.9
Fentanyl (specifically cited)	265	37.2
Analgesic Opioids	283	39.4
Other Opioids	34	4.6
Heroin	16	2.1
Methadone	14	1.9

Opioids drive 80.8% of all overdose deaths, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl involved in nearly all opioid deaths. Alaska’s opioid death rate is 67.1% higher than the national rate.

Methamphetamine and Stimulant Deaths

Psychostimulant deaths (2023): 198 deaths (27.2 per 100,000)
Methamphetamine deaths (2023): 193 deaths (26.5 per 100,000)
Percentage of overdoses involving methamphetamine: Over 50% (2017-2023)
Rate increase: 25% increase in methamphetamine-related deaths from 2017 to 2023
Multi-drug involvement: Approximately 60% of overdoses involve multiple drugs

Alaska Methamphetamine and Stimulant Deaths Statistics

Methamphetamine has emerged as a major contributor to Alaska’s overdose crisis, with over half of fatal overdoses involving methamphetamine, often in combination with opioids.

Other Drug-Related Deaths (2023)

Drug Category	Deaths	Rate per 100,000
Sedatives	52	7.1
Cocaine	31	4.1
Antidepressants	28	3.6
Antipsychotics	12	1.6

While sedatives, cocaine, and psychiatric medications account for fewer deaths than opioids and methamphetamine, their presence in 69% of multi-drug overdoses highlights their role as dangerous secondary substances that increase overdose risk when combined with other drugs.

Emergency Department Visits (March 2024 – March 2025)

Opioid-related ED visits: 91 (March 2025)
All drug-related ED visits: 251 (March 2025)
Opioid overdose deaths (12-month period): 245

Note: Recent 12-month overdose totals are more than 10% below the previous 12-month period, suggesting potential stabilization.

The recent 10% decline in overdose deaths over the past 12 months offers cautious optimism, though opioids still account for over one-third of all drug-related emergency visits, indicating the crisis remains severe despite signs of potential stabilization.

Substance Use Rates

Past-Month Illicit Drug Use (2022-2023)

Age Group	Alaska Rate	U.S. Census Division	National Average
12+	23.01%	18.5%	15.9%
12-17	6.52%	–	–
18-25	31.15%	–	–
26+	23.96%	–	–

Past-Month Marijuana Use (2022-2023)

Age Group	Alaska Rate	U.S. Census Division	National Average
12+	22.31%	17.0%	14.5%
12-17	4.99%	–	–
18-25	28.26%	–	–
26+	23.67%	–	–

Youth Substance Use (12-17 years)

Past-month drug use: 4,000 youth (6.52%)
Marijuana use in past year: 10.61%
Past-month alcohol use: 6.40%
Cocaine use in past year: 0.18%
Methamphetamine use in past year: 0.05%
Pain reliever misuse in past year: 2.22%
Drug use disorder in past year: 6.41%
Alcohol use disorder in past year: 2.25%

Young Adult Substance Use (18-25 years)

Past-month drug use: 21,000 individuals (31.15%)
Past-year marijuana use: 41.76%
Cocaine use in past year: 2.75%
Substance use disorder: 30.71%
Drug use disorder: 27.04%

Alaska consistently exceeds national averages for illicit drug use across all age groups, with marijuana use particularly elevated.

Substance Use Disorders

Past-Year Substance Use Disorder Rates (2022-2023)

Age Group	Substance Use Disorder	Drug Use Disorder
12+	21.11%	13.32%
12-17	8.34%	6.41%
18-25	30.71%	27.04%
26+	21.39%	12.26%

Comparison to National Averages (2021-2023)

Alaska substance use disorder: 21.6%
U.S. census division: 17.4%
National average: 17.0%

Specific Use Disorders (12+ population, 2022-2023)

Pain reliever use disorder: 1.59%
Opioid use disorder: 2.07%
Opioid misuse in past year: 3.18%

Alaska has significantly higher rates of substance use disorders than national averages, affecting more than one in five residents.

Treatment Statistics

Treatment Access and Gaps

Received substance use treatment (past year): 4.56% of population 12+
Classified as needing treatment: 22.34%
Not receiving treatment among those needing it: 78.91%
Youth not receiving treatment (12-17): 60.58%
Young adults not receiving treatment (18-25): 86.09%

Treatment Enrollment (Single-Day Count, March 2019)

Total enrolled in treatment: 9,477 patients
Outpatient services: 9,070 patients annually
Residential (non-hospital) services: 399 patients
Hospital services: 8 clients
Treatment focus: 68.0% drug only, 12.5% alcohol only, 19.5% both

Historical Treatment Data (2010)

Total in rehab: 6,699 people (61% male, 39% female)

Marijuana dependence treatment: 524 people (43.3% ages 12-17)
Opiates other than heroin: 340 people (63.5% female)
Amphetamines: 182 individuals (57.7% female)
Cocaine: 167 people (73.8% female)

Medication-Assisted Treatment (March 2019)

Methadone recipients: 848 people (increase from 331 in 2015)
Buprenorphine recipients: 120 people (increase from 91 in 2015)

Despite high rates of substance use disorders, the vast majority of those needing treatment do not receive it, with only about one in five getting the help they need.

Treatment Facilities and Costs

Cost of Rehabilitation

Service Type	Average Individual Cost	Total Public Spending	Percent of U.S. Total
Outpatient	$1,783	$16.17 million	0.7%
Residential (non-hospital)	$52,030	$20.76 million	0.4%

Note: Alaska ranks 2nd cheapest for residential rehabilitation nationally but is among the top 10 most expensive for outpatient treatment.

Treatment Infrastructure

Active substance abuse centers: 101 facilities
Free treatment facilities: 1
Historical decline: From 87 facilities in 2002 to 70 in 2006

Alaska Treatment Infrastructure Statistics

Alaska has limited treatment infrastructure with costs among the most expensive in the nation for outpatient services, though residential treatment ranks as second cheapest nationally.

Drug Seizure Data

Total Seizures (2023-2024)

Drug Type	2023 (grams)	2024 (grams)	Percent Change
Fentanyl	83,260.74	93,853.94	+13%
Methamphetamine	78,581.43	148,316.16	+89%
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%
Cocaine	32,118.46	30,818.64	-4%
Heroin	9,460.62	14,875.95	+57%
Alprazolam	138.81	1,404.60	+912%
TOTAL	324,766.64	572,536.90	+76%

Geographic Distribution of Seizures (2024)

Anchorage Borough: 78.3% of all seizures

94.7% of heroin seizures
87.3% of cocaine seizures
79.3% of methamphetamine seizures
71% of fentanyl seizures

Other boroughs:

Fairbanks North Star Borough: 12.1%
City and Borough of Juneau: 2.5%
Matanuska-Susitna Borough: 2.4%

Historical Seizure Data (2021)

Marijuana: 49,078 grams
Methamphetamine: 25,838 grams
Heroin: 9,296 grams
Cocaine: 6,320 grams
Fentanyl: 612 grams

Law enforcement seizures show dramatic increases in most drug categories, with total seizures up 76% from 2023 to 2024. The Municipality of Anchorage accounts for the overwhelming majority of seizures.

Criminal Justice System

Court Dispositions (Drug Cases)

Guilty: 223 cases
Dismissed: 182 cases
Suspended imposition of sentence: 18 cases
Total drug cases: 425

Average Sentences for Drug Convictions

Jail time: 88 days average
Suspended jail time: 110 days average
Probation: 180 days (2 years) average
Prison time: 3 years average
Fine: $250 average
Restitution: $26,230.50 average

Most Common Drug Offenses

Possession (any amount) IA, IIA, IIIA, IVA, VA: 106 convictions
Manufacture/Deliver any IIA or IIIA: 93 convictions
Manufacture/Deliver IA: 53 convictions
Previous conviction within 10 years: 47 convictions

Drug convictions result in significant incarceration and financial penalties, with manufacturing and delivery charges most common.

Street Prices of Drugs

Drug Type	Location	Quantity	Price
Cocaine	Anchorage	8-ball	$350
Cocaine	Fairbanks	Gram	$100
Fentanyl Pill	Anchorage	Pill	$8
Fentanyl Pill	Ketchikan	Pill	$50
Fentanyl Pill	Kodiak	Pill	$30-$80
Fentanyl Powder	Fairbanks	1/10 gram	$80-$100
Methamphetamine	Anchorage	Ounce	$300-$500
Methamphetamine	Ketchikan	Gram	$150
Heroin	Juneau	Gram	$100

Drug prices vary significantly across Alaska’s regions, with remote communities like Ketchikan and Kodiak paying up to six times more for fentanyl pills than Anchorage, reflecting transportation challenges and limited Supply in isolated areas.

Alaska faces a severe and escalating substance abuse crisis that significantly exceeds national averages across nearly all metrics. The dramatic 97% increase in overdose deaths over three years, driven primarily by synthetic opioids like fentanyl and methamphetamine, demands urgent intervention. With nearly 79% of those needing treatment unable to access it and profound disparities affecting American Indian/Alaska Native communities at rates three times higher than other populations, comprehensive solutions addressing both treatment capacity and cultural competency are critical. The concentration of drug activity in Anchorage, combined with Alaska’s unique geographic challenges, requires targeted prevention, harm reduction, and expanded treatment resources to reverse current trends.

Statistical Data on Alcohol in Alaska

Alaska faces significant challenges with alcohol-related issues, ranking second nationally in alcohol-related deaths per capita and first in female alcohol-related deaths. The state’s unique characteristics, including remote communities with varying alcohol regulations and distinctive drinking patterns, contribute to a complex public health landscape. This report synthesizes available data on alcohol use, deaths, treatment, and legal enforcement across different age groups and timeframes.

Alcohol-Related Deaths Statistics

Annual average deaths: 433
Deaths under age 21: 3.9% (17 deaths)
Death rate: 7.83 per 10,000 adults (1 death per 1,694 people aged 18+)
Male deaths: 65.4%
Deaths from chronic causes (e.g., Alcohol Use Disorder): 52.4%
Deaths among adults 35+: 77.1%
Years of potential life lost annually: 13,285

Alaska Alcohol Deaths Statistics

The high death rate, particularly among males and older adults, reflects long-term patterns of excessive alcohol consumption. The majority of deaths stemming from chronic causes indicates sustained alcohol abuse rather than acute incidents. The 45% increase in the 5-year average annual death rate (2015-2019) suggests worsening conditions requiring urgent intervention.

Adult Alcohol Use Patterns (Ages 18+, 2022-2023)

Prevalence Rates

Past-month alcohol use: 51.50% (272,000 people)
Binge drinking in past month: 21.06% (111,000 people)
Alcohol Use Disorder: 10.89% (58,000 people)

Binge Drinking Characteristics

Median drinks per binge: 5.4
Median drinks per binge (most active 25%): 7.1
Median binge frequency: 1.9 times monthly
Binge frequency (most active 25%): 4.4 times per month

Over half of Alaskan adults consume alcohol monthly, with approximately one in five engaging in binge drinking. The 2021-2023 binge drinking rate (20.5%) was comparable to national (21.7%) and regional (20.7%) averages. However, the Alcohol Use Disorder rate (11.2% in 2021-2023) exceeded the national average (10.4%), indicating more problematic drinking patterns despite similar binge rates.

Youth Alcohol Use (Ages 12-17)

Current Use (2022-2023)

Past-month alcohol use: 6.40% (4,000 youth)
Past-month binge drinking: 3.16% (2,000 youth)
Alcohol Use Disorder: 2.52% (1,000 youth)

Historical Trends

Past-month use decreased from higher levels in 2002-2004 to 8.7% in 2017-2019

Age-Specific Patterns (Additional Data)

Ages 12-14: 5.5% past-month use, 2.4% binge drinking
Ages 15-17: 24.0% past-month use, 14.7% binge drinking

Youth alcohol use in Alaska has declined over time, with 2017-2019 rates (8.7%) similar to national averages (9.4%). However, a dramatic increase occurs in the 15-17 age group, where nearly one-quarter report past-month use, indicating middle-to-late adolescence as a critical intervention period.

Young Adult Patterns (Ages 18-25, 2022-2023)

Use Rates

Past-month alcohol use: 42.11% (28,000)
Past-month binge drinking: 23.55% (16,000)
Alcohol Use Disorder: 15.27% (10,000)

Historical Context

Binge drinking remained stable at 33.5% during 2017-2019 (comparable to national 35.4%)
Alcohol Use Disorder decreased from higher rates in 2002-2004 to 13.3% in 2017-2019

Young adults show the highest rates of Alcohol Use Disorder across age groups (15.27%), though this has improved from earlier periods. The 2017-2019 rate (13.3%) exceeded the national average (9.8%), identifying this demographic as particularly vulnerable and requiring targeted prevention efforts.

Underage Drinking (Ages 12-20)

Combined Youth Statistics

Past-month alcohol use: 12.52% (11,000)
Past-month binge drinking: 6.72% (6,000)
Alcohol Use Disorder: 5.13% (4,000)

Detailed Age Breakdown

Ages 18-20: 44.2% past-month use, 32.7% binge drinking (13,000 and 10,000 individuals)

The sharp escalation in drinking from ages 12-17 to 18-20 demonstrates the impact of legal and social transitions. Nearly half of 18-20 year-olds report monthly alcohol use, with one-third binge drinking, substantially higher than younger teens.

Risk Perceptions

Perception of Great Risk from 5+ Drinks Once/Twice Weekly

Overall (ages 12+): 42.22% (248,000)
Ages 12-17: 39.28% (23,000)
Ages 18-25: 37.24% (25,000)
Ages 26+: 43.29% (200,000)
Ages 12-20: 38.74% (33,000)

Less than half of Alaskans perceive regular heavy drinking as high-risk, with young adults showing the lowest concern (37.24%). This reduced risk perception among those with highest use rates may contribute to problematic drinking patterns.

Treatment and Addiction

Admissions for alcohol as primary substance (2010): 2,961
Admissions for alcohol with secondary drug (2010): 2,027
Total treatment admissions: 4,988

Nearly 5,000 treatment admissions in 2010 demonstrate substantial need for intervention services, with alcohol being the primary concern for most admissions.

Alcohol Enforcement and Legal Issues

Seizures (2024)

Total volume: 8,504.3 liters (2,439 bottles)
Breakdown: 8,407.22L distilled spirits, 39.33L malted beverages, 57.75L wine
Increase: Nearly 400% compared to 2023

Primary Offenses

Import alcohol to dry area (small amount): 33 convictions (30 guilty)
Import alcohol to dry area (large amount): 15 convictions (9 guilty)
Sell alcohol without license (dry area): 12 convictions (5 guilty)

Conviction Statistics

Average jail sentence: 67 days
Average jail suspended: 83 days
Average probation: 2 years
Average fine: $2,800
Average suspended fine: $3,500

The dramatic increase in alcohol seizures reflects enforcement challenges in local option communities where alcohol is prohibited. The concentration of convictions around importation violations highlights the complexity of Alaska’s mixed regulatory environment.

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes Involving Alcohol (Ages 15-20)

Drivers with BAC > 0.01: 13.0% of all traffic fatalities (1 driver)

While the absolute number is small, any youth traffic fatality involving alcohol represents a preventable tragedy requiring continued education and enforcement.

Economic Impact

Direct taxpayer costs (2010): $827.2 million
Inflation-adjusted cost (2022): $1.17 billion
Cost per drink: $3.04

Alaska Alcohol Economic Impact Statistics

The economic burden of excessive alcohol use is substantial, exceeding $1 billion annually when adjusted for inflation, representing significant healthcare, law enforcement, and productivity costs.

Alaska’s alcohol crisis demands comprehensive intervention across multiple fronts. With the nation’s second-highest per capita alcohol-related death rate, economic costs exceeding $1 billion annually, and Alcohol Use Disorder rates surpassing national averages—particularly among young adults at 15.27%—the state faces urgent public health challenges. The dramatic 400% increase in alcohol seizures and persistent enforcement issues in local option communities highlight the complexity of Alaska’s regulatory landscape. Targeted prevention programs focusing on young adults, enhanced treatment accessibility, and strengthened community-based interventions are essential to reduce the devastating human and economic toll of excessive alcohol use.

Conclusion

In general, Alaska faces a dual substance crisis of unprecedented severity. The state’s overdose death rate of 49.5 per 100,000—driven primarily by fentanyl and methamphetamine—ranks among the nation’s highest and has nearly doubled in just three years, with American Indian/Alaska Native populations experiencing rates over three times higher than other groups. Simultaneously, Alaska leads the nation in female alcohol-related deaths and ranks second overall, with economic costs exceeding $1 billion annually and Alcohol Use Disorder affecting 11% of adults. Despite these alarming trends, nearly 79% of those needing substance abuse treatment cannot access it, revealing a critical gap between the scale of the crisis and available intervention resources that demands immediate, comprehensive action across prevention, treatment infrastructure, and culturally competent care delivery.