Statistical Data on Drugs in Mississippi
Mississippi has experienced a dramatic surge in drug-related fatalities, with overdose deaths increasing by 127% from 2012 to 2023, reaching 702 deaths annually. The state faces a severe opioid crisis driven primarily by fentanyl, which caused 280 deaths in 2021 representing an 18% increase from the previous year, while heroin deaths declined by 46%. Despite implementing naloxone distribution programs that administered 2,540 life-saving doses in 2021 and maintaining treatment facilities serving over 6,000 clients annually, significant challenges persist with over 70% of those needing treatment unable to access services, and coastal counties showing overdose rates exceeding 75 deaths per 100,000 residents.
Overdose Deaths Overview
Annual Overdose Deaths
- 2023: 702 overdose deaths (24 per 100,000 people)
- 2021: 556 opioid overdose deaths (71% of all drug overdose deaths)
- 2020: 586 drug overdose deaths (69% were opioid-related)
- 2012: 310 overdose deaths
Mississippi has experienced a dramatic 127% increase in overdose deaths from 2012 to 2023, with the most recent data showing the third-highest drug overdose death rate in the state’s recorded history.
Overdose Death Trends by Period
- March 2023-March 2024: 622 deaths (9.86% decrease from previous year)
- March 2022-March 2023: 680 deaths
- 2011-2021: Death rate increased from 10.7 per 100,000 to 28.4 per 100,000
- 2000-2018: Death rate increased from 4 to 11 per 100,000 (157% increase)
County-Level Overdose Deaths (2023)
| County | Deaths per 100,000 |
| Pearl River | 75.9 |
| Jackson | 57.4 |
| Hancock | 47.7 |
| Harrison | 37.5 |
| Hinds | 24.7 |
| DeSoto | 21.7 |
| Rankin | 18.1 |
There is significant geographic variation in overdose deaths, with coastal counties showing the highest rates, suggesting regional factors may influence substance use patterns.
National Comparisons
Mississippi vs. National Averages
- Overdose death rate: 34.30% lower than national average (2023: 19% lower)
- Youth drug use: 21.23% less likely than national average
- Young adult drug use: 26.51% less likely than national average
While Mississippi performs better than national averages in most categories, the state still faces significant challenges.
Opioid-Specific Statistics
Opioid Deaths and Causes
- 2021: 352 opioid-related deaths (71.7% of 491 suspected overdose deaths)
- Fentanyl deaths: Increased from 237 (2020) to 280 (2021) – 18.14% increase
- Heroin deaths: Decreased from 80 (2020) to 43 (2021) – 46.3% decrease
- Prescription opioids: Factor in 22.5% of opioid overdose deaths
- Synthetic opioids: Factor in 41.6% of deaths
Opioid Prescription Patterns
- 2021: 2,318,420 opioid prescriptions dispensed (6,351 per day)
- 2021: 119 million opioid dosage units dispensed (327,900 per day)
- 2021: Enough prescriptions for 78% of Mississippians
- 2021: 40.6 dosage units per resident
- 2017: 92.9 opioid prescriptions per 100 persons (vs. 58.7 national average)
While prescription rates remain high, there was a 3.6% decrease in prescriptions from 2020 to 2021, suggesting some success in prescription monitoring efforts. The shift from heroin to fentanyl deaths reflects national trends.
Substance Use by Age Group (2021-2022)
Youth (Ages 12-17)
- Past month illicit drug use: 6.83% (17,000 youth)
- Past month marijuana use: 5.63% (14,000 youth)
- Past year marijuana use: 10.47% (26,000 youth)
- Substance use disorder: 7.69%
- Drug use disorder: 6.24%
Young Adults (Ages 18-25)
- Past month illicit drug use: 22.35% (69,000 young adults)
- Past month marijuana use: 21.26% (66,000 young adults)
- Past year marijuana use: 31.46% (98,000 young adults)
- Substance use disorder: 24.59%
- Drug use disorder: 16.14%
Adults (Ages 26+)
- Past month illicit drug use: 11.76% (222,000 adults)
- Past month marijuana use: 10.20% (193,000 adults)
- Past year marijuana use: 13.37% (252,000 adults)
- Substance use disorder: 15.55%
- Drug use disorder: 8.54%
Young adults show the highest rates of substance use and disorders, with nearly 1 in 4 meeting criteria for substance use disorder. Youth rates are lower but still significant, with marijuana being the predominant substance.
Specific Substance Use Patterns
Marijuana
- Overall past year use: 15.37% (376,000 people)
- Past month use: 11.14% (273,000 people)
- Youth first-time use: 4.9% annually
- Treatment admissions: 87.5% of youth drug users report marijuana use
Prescription Drugs
- Pain reliever misuse: 3.66% past year (90,000 people)
- Opioid misuse: 3.83% past year (94,000 people)
- Pain reliever use disorder: 2.80% (69,000 people)
- Opioid use disorder: 3.18% (78,000 people)
Other Substances
- Cocaine use: 1.36% past year (33,000 people)
- Methamphetamine use: 1.54% past year (38,000 people)
- Heroin use: 0.11% past year (3,000 people)
- Hallucinogen use: 2.13% past year (52,000 people)
Mississippi’s substance use is dominated by marijuana with over 376,000 annual users, comprising 87.5% of youth drug use, while prescription drug misuse affects nearly 100,000 residents with opioids showing exceptionally high addiction rates (83% develop disorders). Methamphetamine use slightly exceeds cocaine, and despite low reported heroin use (0.11%), high fentanyl death rates suggest unknowing consumption. Hallucinogen use at 2.13% reflects national psychedelic trends.
Emergency Response
Naloxone Administration
- 2021: 2,540 naloxone administrations (23% increase from 2020)
- 2021: 85.3 administrations per 100,000 persons
- Demographics: 60% male, 66.7% non-Hispanic white, median age 45 years
- Location: 84% administered in home county
Top Counties for Naloxone Administration (2021)
- Harrison: 451 administrations (216.7 per 100,000)
- Hinds: 255 administrations
- DeSoto: 189 administrations
- Tunica: 301.1 per 100,000 (highest rate)
- Benton: 205.8 per 100,000
The 2,540 naloxone administrations in 2021 (23% increase) primarily affected middle-aged white males (median age 45), indicating established users face the highest overdose risk. Geographic concentration shows Harrison and Hinds counties with the most administrations, while Tunica County’s rate of 301.1 per 100,000 suggests rural areas face disproportionate opioid crisis impacts.
Treatment Statistics
Treatment Facilities and Capacity
- Active treatment facilities: 119
- Annual clients served: 6,179
- Outpatient services: 4,986 clients annually
- Residential services: 947 clients annually
- Hospital-based treatment: 246 clients
Treatment Costs
- Outpatient treatment: $1,853 per individual
- Residential treatment: $54,805 per individual
- Public spending: $9.24 million on outpatient services, $51.9 million on residential treatment
Treatment Admissions (2021)
- Total admissions: 1,899 for all substance use disorders
- Opioid use disorders: 1,062 admissions
- Primary opioid diagnosis: 727 patients (38.2%)
Mississippi has a robust treatment infrastructure, but the high individual cost of residential treatment ($54,805) may create barriers to access despite being the 6th cheapest state for such services.
Treatment Needs and Access
Treatment Gap
- Classified as needing treatment: 18.14% (444,000 people)
- Received treatment: 5.21% (127,000 people)
- Not receiving needed treatment: 70.96% (316,000 people)
Demographics of Treatment Need
- Youth needing treatment: 9.42% (23,000)
- Young adults needing treatment: 24.91% (79,000)
- Adults needing treatment: 18.15% (341,000)
There is a significant treatment gap, with over 70% of those needing substance use treatment not receiving it. This represents a major public health challenge requiring expanded treatment capacity and improved access.
Law Enforcement Statistics
Drug-Related Arrests
- 2021: 18,688 drug-related arrests (13.1% increase from 2020)
- Monthly average: 1,557 arrests
- Rate: 633 arrests per 100,000 persons
Top Counties for Drug Arrests (2021)
- DeSoto: 2,209 arrests
- Hinds: 1,527 arrests
- Harrison: 1,512 arrests
Pharmacy Burglaries
- 2021: 18 completed burglaries (43% decrease from 2020)
- 2020: 31 completed burglaries
Drug-related arrests increased significantly in 2021 with 18,688 arrests (13.1% increase), averaging over 1,500 monthly and representing 633 arrests per 100,000 persons, indicating substantial law enforcement engagement with drug crimes. DeSoto, Hinds, and Harrison counties dominate arrest statistics, reflecting either higher drug activity or more intensive enforcement in these areas. The 43% decrease in pharmacy burglaries from 31 to 18 incidents suggests improved security measures or a shift away from prescription drug theft toward other sources.
Health Consequences
Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome
Rate: 0.24% of hospital births
Associated Diseases
- Hepatitis C cases: 22,900 attributed to IV drug use
- HIV/AIDS cases: 9,399 attributed to IV drug use
- Hepatitis C prevalence: 23,300 people living with HCV (1,030 per 100,000)
The health consequences reveal significant public health impacts from drug use, with neonatal Opioid Withdrawal syndrome affecting 0.24% of hospital births, indicating intergenerational transmission of addiction effects. Intravenous drug use drives substantial infectious disease burden, contributing to 22,900 Hepatitis C cases and 9,399 HIV/AIDS cases. The high Hepatitis C prevalence of 1,030 per 100,000 persons (23,300 total cases) underscores the severe health risks associated with injection drug use and highlights the need for comprehensive harm reduction and treatment services.
Mississippi faces a complex substance use crisis characterized by rising overdose deaths (127% increase from 2012-2023), dominated by fentanyl-related fatalities and widespread prescription opioid misuse affecting nearly 100,000 residents. Despite having lower drug use rates than national averages, the state confronts significant challenges including a massive treatment gap where over 70% of those needing help don’t receive it, substantial health consequences from injection drug use, and geographic disparities with coastal counties experiencing the highest overdose rates. The data reveals a mature addiction crisis primarily affecting middle-aged adults rather than experimental youth, with law enforcement engagement increasing substantially while treatment infrastructure remains insufficient to meet demand. Addressing this crisis requires expanded treatment capacity, enhanced harm reduction services, and targeted interventions in high-risk geographic areas to prevent further escalation of overdose deaths and associated health consequences.
Statistical Data on Alcohol in Mississippi
Mississippi faces significant challenges with alcohol-related public health issues, with excessive alcohol use contributing to over 1,372 annual deaths and costing taxpayers more than $3 billion. The state has seen a 44.2% increase in alcohol-related death rates from 2015 to 2019, with men comprising nearly three-quarters of fatalities and adults over 35 bearing the highest burden. Despite prevention efforts showing success among youth, binge drinking remains prevalent across age groups, and alcohol use disorder affects approximately 1 in 10 adults, though rates vary significantly by demographics and geographic factors.
Health Impact and Mortality Statistics
Alcohol-Related Deaths
- 1,372 annual deaths attributable to excessive alcohol use
- 6.06 deaths per 10,000 adults (1 death per 2,158 people aged 18+)
- 17.4 deaths per 100,000 people due to excess alcohol (2020)
- 3.94% of excessive alcohol deaths involve people under 21
- 81.2% of deaths involve adults aged 35 years and older
- 35,599 years of potential life lost annually due to excessive alcohol use
Cause of Death Breakdown (5-year average 2015-2019)
| Cause | Number of Deaths |
| All alcohol-attributable causes | 655 |
| Male over 21 | 491 |
| Female over 21 | 164 |
| Male under 21 | 40 |
| Female under 21 | 12 |
| Suicides due to alcohol | 100 |
| Homicides due to alcohol | 169 |
| Alcohol Dependence Syndrome | 32 |
| Coronary Heart Disease due to alcohol | 63 |
Alcohol-related mortality disproportionately affects men and adults over 35, with significant impacts on violent deaths and cardiovascular disease.
Chronic vs. Acute Causes
- 52.3% of deaths from chronic causes (e.g., Alcohol Use Disorder)
- 44.2% increase in excessive alcohol deaths per capita from 2015 to 2019
Both chronic and acute alcohol-related deaths are significant concerns, with a notable increase in death rates over time.
General Adult Alcohol Use Statistics
Current Alcohol Use
- 42.3% of adults are current alcohol users (2021-2022 data)
- 40.83% of people over 18 reported alcohol use in the last 30 days
- 938,000 people aged 12+ used alcohol in the past month (2021-2022 average)
Mississippi’s adult alcohol use rate is moderate, with approximately 2 in 5 adults reporting recent alcohol consumption.
Binge Drinking Statistics
- 13.5% of adults are current binge drinkers
- 18.78% of people aged 12+ engaged in binge drinking in the past month (460,000 people)
- 21.58% of people over 18 reported binge alcohol use in the last 30 days
Binge drinking affects nearly 1 in 7 adults, with rates varying significantly across different measurement periods and definitions.
Alcohol Use Disorder
- 235,000 people aged 12+ have alcohol use disorder (2021-2022 average)
- 9.59% of people aged 12+ have alcohol use disorder
- 10.38% of people aged 18+ have alcohol use disorder
Alcohol use disorder affects approximately 1 in 10 adults, representing a significant public health concern.
Demographics of Alcohol Use
By Gender
| Category | Male | Female |
| Current alcohol use | 49.1% | 36.1% |
| Current binge drinking | 19.0% | 8.5% |
| Alcohol-related deaths | 71.9% | 28.1% |
Men consistently show higher rates of alcohol use, binge drinking, and alcohol-related mortality compared to women.
By Age Group (2021-2022 Annual Averages)
Alcohol Use in Past Month
| Age Group | Number (thousands) | Percentage |
| 12-17 years | 15 | 6.21% |
| 18-25 years | 141 | 45.46% |
| 26+ years | 781 | 41.38% |
Binge Drinking in Past Month
| Age Group | Number (thousands) | Percentage |
| 12-17 years | 7 | 2.77% |
| 18-25 years | 83 | 26.83% |
| 26+ years | 369 | 19.57% |
Alcohol Use Disorder
| Age Group | Number (thousands) | Percentage |
| 12-17 years | 7 | 2.61% |
| 18-25 years | 51 | 16.43% |
| 26+ years | 177 | 9.38% |
Young adults (18-25) show the highest rates of alcohol use, binge drinking, and alcohol use disorder, while youth (12-17) show the lowest rates.
By Education Level
| Education Level | Current Alcohol Use |
| Did not graduate high school | 30.2% |
| High school graduation | 37.9% |
| Some college | 46.9% |
| College graduate | 49.3% |
Alcohol use increases with education level, with college graduates showing the highest consumption rates.
By Annual Household Income
| Income Level | Current Alcohol Use | Current Binge Drinking |
| $35,000-$49,999 | 45.6% | 9.9% |
| $75,000+ | 57.0% | 16.6% |
Higher income correlates with increased alcohol use and binge drinking rates.
Youth and Young Adult Statistics
Youth (12-17 years)
- 6.2% of children ages 12-17 reported drinking alcohol in the past month
- 9.3% past-month alcohol use (2017-2019 average)
- 22,000 youth used alcohol in the past month
Mississippi youth alcohol use rates are similar to regional and national averages, showing effective prevention efforts.
Young Adults (18-25 years)
- 23.5% engaged in binge drinking in the past month (2017-2019 average)
- 75,000 young adults engaged in binge drinking
- 6.6% had alcohol use disorder in the past year (2017-2019 average)
- 21,000 young adults had alcohol use disorder
Young adults show concerning rates of binge drinking and alcohol use disorder, though lower than national averages.
Underage Drinking (12-20 years)
- 9.68% reported alcohol use in the last 30 days
- 5.36% reported binge drinking in the last 30 days
- 46,000 aged 12-20 used alcohol in the past month
- 24,000 aged 12-20 engaged in binge drinking
Underage drinking remains a significant issue, with nearly 1 in 10 underage individuals reporting recent alcohol use.
Risk Perception
- 47.91% of residents perceive drinking more than 5 drinks in 1 session as a great risk
- 1,153,000 people aged 12+ perceive great risk from having 5+ drinks once or twice a week
Nearly half of Mississippi residents recognize the risks of binge drinking, indicating good awareness of alcohol-related dangers.
Economic Impact
- $3.074 billion taxpayer cost due to excessive alcohol use (2010 data, adjusted for inflation to 2022)
- $2.77 per drink in societal costs
The economic burden of alcohol abuse represents a substantial cost to Mississippi taxpayers and society.
Alcohol Sales by Category (2020 Data)
Spirits Volume Sales (thousands of 9-liter cases)
| Category | Volume |
| Vodka | 664 |
| Cordials/Liqueurs | 404 |
| Straight Whiskey | 292 |
| Canadian Whisky | 217 |
| Tequila | 151 |
| Rum | 132 |
| Gin | 121 |
| Cocktails | 111 |
| Scotch Whisky | 29 |
| Irish Whiskey | 15 |
Wine Volume Sales (thousands of 9-liter cases)
| Category | Volume |
| Table Wine | 822.4 |
| Champagne & Sparkling | 118 |
| Dessert & Fortified | 62.9 |
| Vermouth & Aperitif | 2.4 |
Beer Volume Sales (thousands of 2.25 gallon cases)
| Category | Volume |
| Light Beer | 13.1 |
| Craft Beer | 3.5 |
| Super & Super Premium | 3.3 |
| FMBs & Hard Seltzer | 2.9 |
| Imported Beer | 2.3 |
| Popular Beer | 1.6 |
Vodka dominates spirits sales, table wine leads wine categories, and light beer represents the largest beer segment, reflecting consumer preferences in Mississippi.
Maternal and Pregnancy-Related Statistics
- 13.8% of women of childbearing age (18-44) reported binge drinking in the past month (2023)
- 3.8 per 1,000 newborns hospitalized were diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome (2021)
Maternal alcohol use remains a concern, with binge drinking rates among women of childbearing age below national averages but still significant.
Mississippi faces a severe alcohol-related public health crisis with 1,372 annual deaths and a 44.2% increase in alcohol-related mortality from 2015-2019, costing taxpayers over $3 billion annually. The crisis disproportionately affects men (71.9% of deaths) and adults over 35, while widespread binge drinking impacts nearly 1 in 7 adults and alcohol use disorder affects approximately 1 in 10 adults statewide. Despite effective youth prevention efforts showing lower consumption rates among adolescents, young adults aged 18-25 demonstrate the highest risk patterns across all alcohol use metrics. Addressing this escalating crisis requires comprehensive interventions including expanded treatment capacity for alcohol use disorder, targeted prevention programs, and policies addressing the substantial demographic and socioeconomic disparities driving Mississippi’s alcohol-related mortality and morbidity burden.
In general, Mississippi confronts a dual substance abuse crisis with both drug and alcohol-related problems escalating dramatically, resulting in over 2,000 combined annual deaths and costing taxpayers more than $3 billion. The state has experienced a 127% increase in drug overdose deaths (702 annually) driven primarily by fentanyl, alongside a 44.2% rise in alcohol-related deaths (1,372 annually), with both crises disproportionately affecting men and middle-aged adults rather than youth. Despite having lower substance use rates than national averages, Mississippi faces massive treatment gaps where over 70% of those needing help cannot access services, while geographic disparities show coastal counties bearing the highest burden of overdose deaths. The data reveals mature addiction crises affecting established users, with widespread prescription opioid misuse (nearly 100,000 residents), significant binge drinking (1 in 7 adults), and substantial health consequences including infectious disease transmission and neonatal withdrawal syndromes, requiring comprehensive expansion of treatment capacity, enhanced harm reduction services, and targeted interventions to address the escalating mortality and societal costs.
Sources:
- Drug Abuse Statistics
- Mental Health and Substance Use State Fact Sheets: Mississippi | KFF
- THE MISSISSIPPI OPIOID AND HEROIN DATA COLLABORATIVE
- MISSISSIPPI – National Survey on Drug Use
- Behavioral Health Barometer: Mississippi, Volume 6
- How many drug overdose deaths happen every year in Mississippi? | USAFacts
- Mississippi Opioid Summary
- Mississippi Substance Abuse Statistics
- Mississippi – Overdose Deaths and Jail Incarceration
- Substance Abuse Statistics Mississippi 2024 | Defining Wellness Centers
- Analysis of 2022 Mississippi Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Data
- Explore Alcohol Use – Youth in Mississippi | AHR
- Alcohol Statistics in Mississippi
- Mississippi Alcohol Sales Trends & Legal Regulations | Park Street
- Alcohol use before pregnancy: Mississippi, 2018-2021 | PeriStats | March of Dimes