Statistical Data on Drugs in New Mexico
New Mexico faces one of the nation’s most severe substance abuse crises, with drug overdose rates of 51.6 per 100,000 residents—nearly double the national average—and youth drug use rates consistently exceeding national levels by 40-60%. The state’s epidemic is characterized by a lethal combination of fentanyl dominating 65% of overdose deaths and widespread methamphetamine involvement in 51% of fatalities, creating a complex poly-drug crisis that disproportionately impacts Hispanic men and rural communities like Rio Arriba County, which shows death rates four times the state average. Despite modest recent improvements from the 2021 peak, New Mexico continues to struggle with a critical treatment gap where 74% of those needing substance abuse care cannot access it, while managing over 18,000 annual treatment admissions across a network of 182 facilities statewide.
Overdose Death Statistics
Overall Overdose Data
| Metric | New Mexico | National Comparison |
| Annual Overdose Deaths (Recent) | 599-948 (varying by year) | – |
| Overdose Death Rate | 30.2-51.6 per 100,000 | 45.89% higher than national average |
| Percentage of All Deaths | 3.15% | – |
| Annual Increase Rate | 6.39% (3-year average) | – |
| National Ranking (2018) | 15th highest | – |
| National Ranking (2019) | 12th highest | – |
Overdose Deaths by Demographics (2023)
- 84% of overdose deaths occurred among ages 25-64
- 26% of overdose deaths in the 35-44 age group
- Less than 10 deaths among individuals under 15 or over 75
Male-to-female ratio: Men experience approximately 2x higher overdose death rates
- Men: 41.7 per 100,000
- Women: 19.6 per 100,000 (largest gender gap nationally)
The concentration of overdose deaths in middle-aged adults (25-64) suggests these deaths are occurring during prime working years, representing significant economic and social impact. The extreme gender disparity indicates men face substantially higher risk factors.
Recent Trends (2021-2023)
- 2021: 1,029 overdose deaths (peak year)
- 2022: 997 overdose deaths (8% decline)
- 2023: 948 overdose deaths (continued decline)
While still critically high, the recent downward trend from the 2021 peak suggests prevention and treatment efforts may be having some impact.
Geographic Distribution
Highest-Risk Counties (2023)
Counties with both high death counts (>20) and rates above state average (46.3 per 100,000):
- Bernalillo County (38-40% of state overdose deaths)
- Santa Fe County
- Rio Arriba County (83.6 per 100,000 – nearly 4x state rate)
- San Miguel County
Historical High-Risk Areas
- Rio Arriba County: 3rd highest drug poisoning death rate nationally (2004-2008)
- Approximately 25% of New Mexico counties have rates 1.5x higher than national average
Urban counties like Bernalillo contribute the highest absolute numbers, while rural counties like Rio Arriba show the highest per-capita rates, suggesting different intervention strategies may be needed for urban vs. rural areas.
Death Rate Trends Over Time
Drug Overdose Death Rates (per 100,000)
| Year | New Mexico | United States |
| 2011 | 26.3 | 13.2 |
| 2021 | 51.6 | 32.4 |
| Change | +96% | +145% |
Opioid Death Rates (per 100,000)
| Year | New Mexico | United States |
| 2011 | 11.9 | 7.3 |
| 2021 | 37.2 | 24.7 |
| Change | +213% | +238% |
While New Mexico’s overdose death rates have increased dramatically, the national rate has grown even faster, suggesting this is a nationwide crisis. However, New Mexico’s rates remain consistently above national averages, indicating ongoing state-specific challenges.
Key Risk Factors and Patterns
Unintentional vs. Intentional Deaths
- 86% of overdose deaths are unintentional (2015-2019)
- 36% caused by prescription drugs
- 40% caused by illicit drugs
- 22% involved both types
High-Risk Populations
- Hispanic men ages 25-64: Highest overdose rate (67.5 per 100,000)
- Males generally: 2x higher risk than females
- Ages 25-64: Represent 84% of all overdose deaths
- Rural counties: Often exceed urban per-capita rates despite lower absolute numbers
The high percentage of unintentional deaths suggests many overdoses are preventable through education and harm reduction strategies. The demographic patterns indicate targeted interventions should focus on middle-aged men, particularly in Hispanic communities and rural areas.
Opioid Crisis Specifics
Opioid Overdose Deaths
- 338 people die annually from opioid overdose
- 16.7 deaths per 100,000 residents (14.4% above national rate)
- 62.9% of all overdose deaths involve opioids
- 71% of all drug overdose deaths were opioid-related (2021)
Opioid Death Breakdown by Type
| Opioid Type | Percentage of Opioid Deaths |
| Prescription opioids | 52.1% |
| Heroin | 38.5% |
| Synthetic opioids (including fentanyl) | 31.1% |
Additional Opioid-Related Statistics
- 1.51% of hospital births involve neonatal Opioid Withdrawal syndrome
- 49.4% prescription rate (doctors write enough for nearly half of residents)
- 26,700 hepatitis C cases attributed to intravenous drug use
- 3,428 HIV/AIDS cases attributed to intravenous drug use
The high prescription rate alongside significant heroin and synthetic opioid deaths suggests both medical and illicit sources contribute to the crisis. The substantial number of injection-related infections indicates widespread IV drug use.
Substance Use by Drug Type (Recent Data)
Drug Involvement in Overdose Deaths (2015-2019)
| Substance | Percentage of Deaths |
| Methamphetamine | 44% |
| Prescription opioids | 45% |
| Heroin | 33% |
| Prescription drugs (general) | 32% |
| Both illicit and prescription | 26% |
| Benzodiazepines | 17% |
| Cocaine | 13% |
Methamphetamine Specific Data
- Males: 10.2 per 100,000 overdose death rate
- Females: 4.1 per 100,000 overdose death rate
- Combined with opioids: 3.6 per 100,000 (highest risk combination)
- Methamphetamine alone: 2.9 per 100,000
- Hospital discharges: 7% decrease from 2018-2019
Methamphetamine represents a significant threat, particularly when combined with opioids. The gender disparity mirrors overall overdose patterns, with men facing higher risks.
Fentanyl Impact (2023)
- 65% of overdose deaths involved fentanyl
- 51% involved methamphetamine
- Substantial increase from 2018 levels
Fentanyl’s dominance in recent overdose deaths reflects the synthetic opioid crisis that has transformed the drug landscape nationwide.
Age-Specific Substance Use Patterns (2022-2023)
Youth Drug Use (Ages 12-17)
| Substance | Percentage | Number (thousands) |
| Marijuana (past year) | 16.19% | 27 |
| Marijuana (past month) | 9.74% | 17 |
| Illicit drugs (past month) | 11.27% | 19 |
| Cocaine (past year) | 0.31% | 1 |
| Methamphetamine (past year) | 0.20% | <1 |
Young Adults (Ages 18-25)
| Substance | Percentage | Number (thousands) |
| Marijuana (past year) | 48.94% | 108 |
| Marijuana (past month) | 34.92% | 77 |
| Illicit drugs (past month) | 38.32% | 85 |
| Cocaine (past year) | 3.78% | 8 |
| Methamphetamine (past year) | 0.31% | 1 |
Adults 26+ Years
| Substance | Percentage | Number (thousands) |
| Marijuana (past year) | 28.62% | 402 |
| Marijuana (past month) | 23.96% | 336 |
| Illicit drugs (past month) | 25.71% | 361 |
| Cocaine (past year) | 2.00% | 28 |
| Methamphetamine (past year) | 2.20% | 31 |
Young adults (18-25) show the highest rates across most categories, with nearly half using marijuana annually. The pattern suggests substance use peaks in young adulthood before declining, though adult methamphetamine use rates exceed those of younger groups.
National Comparisons
New Mexico vs. National Averages (Past 12 Months)
| Measure | New Mexico | United States | Difference |
| Illicit Substance Use Disorder | 4.01% | 2.93% | +37% higher |
| Pain Reliever Use Disorder | 0.86% | 0.77% | +12% higher |
| General Substance Use Disorder | 10.46% | 7.82% | +34% higher |
| Cocaine Use | 2.48% | 1.94% | +28% higher |
| Opioid Use | 5.48% | 4.62% | +19% higher |
Youth Comparisons (Ages 12-17)
| Measure | New Mexico | National Average | Regional Average |
| Past-month illicit drug use | 13.6% | 8.2% | 7.0% |
| Past-month marijuana use | 12.1% | 6.8% | 5.6% |
| First-time marijuana use | 8.9% | 5.2% | 4.1% |
New Mexico consistently exceeds national averages across all substance use categories, with particularly concerning rates among youth. The state’s rates are often 20-40% higher than national averages, indicating systemic issues requiring targeted intervention.
Current Substance Preferences (2020 Data)
Reported substances among those with substance use disorders:
| Substance | Number of Individuals |
| Opioids | 38,989 |
| Methamphetamine | 21,694 |
| Marijuana | 17,776 |
| Benzodiazepines | 15,987 |
Opioids remain the most commonly reported problem substance, nearly double that of methamphetamine. The high number of benzodiazepine users suggests significant prescription drug misuse alongside illicit substances.
Substance Use Disorders (2022-2023)
Treatment Need vs. Receipt
| Age Group | Need Treatment (%) | Receive Treatment (%) | Treatment Gap (%) |
| Ages 12+ | 22.70% | 5.59% | 74.58% |
| Ages 12-17 | 15.94% | 7.69% | 53.62% |
| Ages 18-25 | 37.30% | 5.20% | 84.08% |
| Ages 26+ | 21.21% | 5.40% | 74.04% |
Specific Disorders (Ages 12+)
| Disorder Type | Percentage | Number (thousands) |
| Any Substance Use Disorder | 21.26% | 381 |
| Drug Use Disorder | 14.03% | 252 |
| Opioid Use Disorder | 2.84% | 51 |
| Pain Reliever Use Disorder | 2.55% | 46 |
The treatment gap is most severe among young adults (84%), indicating that the age group with highest substance use rates receives proportionally less treatment. This suggests significant barriers to treatment access or engagement among young people.
Drug Treatment Costs and Capacity
Treatment Facility Information
- 182 active substance abuse facilities statewide
- 18,111 patients treated annually for drug rehabilitation
- 8 facilities offer free drug rehab treatment for all clients
Cost Breakdown by Treatment Type
| Treatment Type | Average Individual Cost | Patients Annually | US Public Spending |
| Outpatient Services | $1,700 | 17,533 | $29.80 million (1.29% of US total) |
| Residential (Non-hospital) | $57,989 | 537 | $31.14 million (0.6% of US total) |
| Hospital-based | – | 41 | – |
New Mexico ranks 37th nationally for residential treatment costs, indicating moderate affordability. Despite lower residential enrollment (537 patients), costs per individual are substantially higher than outpatient services, reflecting the intensive nature of residential care.
Historical Treatment Data
2009 Treatment Admissions (10,018 total)
- 65.8% male
- 32.8% female
Drug-Specific Admissions (2009)
| Substance | Number of Admissions |
| Other drugs | 1,958 |
| Heroin | 778 |
| Amphetamines | 695 |
| Marijuana | 658 |
| Crack/Cocaine | 559 |
Treatment Infrastructure (Historical)
- 120 facilities in operation (2006)
- 31 offer residential treatment
- 10 offer opiate addiction treatment
Historical data shows males consistently represent about two-thirds of treatment admissions. The diversity of substances requiring treatment reflects New Mexico’s complex drug problem spanning multiple drug classes.
Statistical Data on Alcohol in New Mexico
New Mexico faces one of the most severe alcohol-related public health crises in the United States. This crisis manifests through a toxic pattern where excessive drinking claims over 2,200 lives annually—equivalent to losing six New Mexicans every single day—while generating economic devastation exceeding $3 billion in societal costs. The epidemic particularly ravages American Indian communities with death rates quadruple the state average, affects three-quarters of a million residents through monthly alcohol consumption, and leaves nearly 300,000 people needing treatment unable to access care.
Alcohol-Related Deaths and Mortality
Overall Death Statistics
- Total annual alcohol-related deaths: 1,581 (5-year average) to 2,276 (2021)
- Death rate per 100,000 population (2021): 102.8 (more than twice the national rate of 50.9)
- National ranking: Highest alcohol-related death rate in the nation
- Deaths per capita ratio: 1 death for every 1,339 people aged 18 and older (9.66 deaths per 10,000 adults)
- Under 21 deaths: 2.6% of total deaths
New Mexico’s alcohol-related death rate represents a public health emergency, with mortality rates that significantly exceed national averages and indicate systemic issues requiring immediate intervention.
Death Rate Trends
- 5-year increase (2015-2019): 36.0% increase in excessive alcohol deaths per capita
- Annual increase (2017-2018): 6% increase
- Years of potential life lost: 45,047 years annually
The dramatic upward trend in alcohol-related deaths shows the problem is worsening over time, with each death representing significant lost productive years.
Demographics of Alcohol-Related Deaths
Gender Distribution
- Male chronic death rate: 52.1 per 100,000
- Female chronic death rate: 23.5 per 100,000
- Male acute death rate: 44.2 per 100,000
- Female acute death rate: 15.6 per 100,000
- Male deaths: 70.6% of all excessive alcohol use deaths
- Female deaths: 29.4% of all excessive alcohol use deaths
Men are disproportionately affected by alcohol-related deaths, with rates more than twice as high as women for both chronic and acute causes.
Age Distribution
- Adults aged 35 and older: 81.6% of deaths
- Peak chronic death rate: Ages 65+ (63.0 per 100,000)
- Peak acute injury death rate: Ages 25-64 (43.3 per 100,000)
While older adults show the highest chronic alcohol-related death rates, middle-aged adults face the greatest risk for acute alcohol-related injuries.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities
- American Indian men chronic death rate: 156.6 per 100,000 (4 times higher than overall rate of 37.3)
- American Indian men acute death rate: 98.1 per 100,000 (more than 3 times higher than overall rate of 29.9)
American Indian populations face dramatically higher alcohol-related mortality rates, indicating severe health disparities requiring targeted interventions.
Causes of Alcohol-Related Deaths (2020)
| Cause | Deaths | Percentage of Total |
| Chronic Liver Disease | 632 | 33.7% |
| Alcohol Abuse/Dependence | 331 | 17.6% |
| Other Poisoning | 223 | 11.9% |
| Traffic Crash | 151 | 8.0% |
| Suicide | 125 | 6.7% |
| Alcohol Poisoning | 112 | 6.0% |
| Homicide | 100 | 5.3% |
| Other | 135 | 7.2% |
| Falls | 28 | 1.5% |
| Other Cancer | 26 | 1.4% |
| Liver Cancer | 14 | 0.7% |
| Total | 1,878 | 100% |
Chronic liver disease represents the leading cause of alcohol-related deaths, followed by alcohol dependence itself, highlighting both the long-term health consequences and acute risks of excessive drinking.
Comparative National Statistics
Alcohol Use Disorder Comparison (Last 12 Months)
- United States average: 5.92%
- New Mexico: 8.40%
- New Mexico is 42% higher than national average
Alcohol-Related Death Comparisons
| Measure | United States | New Mexico | NM vs US Ratio |
| Motor vehicle deaths | 4.6% | 7.4% | 1.6x higher |
| Injury resulting in death | 18.2% | 34.8% | 1.9x higher |
| Chronic disease deaths | 29.7% | 48.4% | 1.6x higher |
New Mexico consistently shows alcohol-related death rates that are 60-90% higher than national averages across all major categories, indicating systemic issues beyond individual behavior.
National Rankings and Comparisons
- Alcohol-related death rate: #1 worst in the nation (2021)
- Drunk driving arrests: #6 worst in nation (2018) – 460 arrests per 100,000 residents
- Historical ranking: Among top 10 worst drunk driving rates since 2009
- Excessive drinking rate ranking: #3 in nation (13.8% of adults)
New Mexico’s consistent top-tier rankings across multiple alcohol-related metrics—from leading the nation in deaths to maintaining over a decade in the top 10 for drunk driving—demonstrates that the state’s alcohol crisis represents a systemic, entrenched problem rather than a temporary spike, requiring sustained, comprehensive policy interventions.
Alcohol Consumption Patterns
Adult Alcohol Use (2022-2023 Annual Averages)
| Age Group | Past Month Use | Past Month Binge Use |
| 12+ | 44.81% (804k) | 21.10% (378k) |
| 12-17 | 7.81% (13k) | 3.76% (6k) |
| 18-25 | 46.60% (103k) | 27.91% (62k) |
| 26+ | 48.99% (687k) | 22.12% (310k) |
| 18+ | 48.66% (790k) | 22.90% (372k) |
Nearly half of New Mexico adults consume alcohol monthly, with more than one in five engaging in binge drinking, rates that align with national patterns but contribute to the state’s elevated mortality rates.
Youth-Specific Alcohol Use (Ages 12-20)
- Past month alcohol use: 14.26% (37,000 youth)
- Past month binge drinking: 8.50% (22,000 youth)
- Perception of great risk from weekly binge drinking: 43.80% (113,000 youth)
Significant numbers of underage individuals are consuming alcohol, with concerning binge drinking rates among minors who may not fully understand the risks involved.
Binge Drinking Characteristics (Adults)
- Adult binge drinking rate: 15.6% binge drink at least once per month
- Median drinks per binge: 5.5 drinks
- Top 25% of binge drinkers: Consume median 7.9 drinks per binge
- Median binge frequency: 1.8 times per month
- Top 25% binge frequency: 4.5 times per month
Binge drinking patterns show both moderate and extreme consumption, with the most active quarter of binge drinkers consuming dangerous quantities at high frequencies.
Youth Alcohol Statistics (Separate Survey)
- Currently drinking occasionally: 28.6%
- Engage in binge drinking: 12.1%
- Consumed 10+ drinks at once: 3.6%
- Drove drunk: 6.8%
Youth drinking patterns reveal significant risk behaviors, including extreme binge drinking and impaired driving, creating immediate safety concerns.
Historical Trends in Youth Alcohol Use
Past-Month Alcohol Use (Ages 12-17)
- 2002-2004 average: Higher than 9.6%
- 2017-2019 average: 9.6% (16,000 youth)
- Trend: Decreased between periods
- Regional comparison: Similar to Region 6 average (9.4%) and national average (9.4%)
Young Adult Binge Drinking (Ages 18-25)
- 2017-2019 average: 30.4% (66,000 young adults)
- Regional comparison: Similar to Region 6 (32.2%), lower than national (35.4%)
- Trend 2015-2017 to 2017-2019: No significant change
While youth alcohol use has shown some improvement over time, rates remain substantial, and young adult binge drinking continues at concerning levels.
County-Level Excessive Drinking (2021)
Highest Rates
| County | Excessive Drinking Rate |
| Lea | 17% |
| Los Alamos | 16% |
| Eddy | 16% |
| Bernalillo | 16% |
| Roosevelt | 15% |
Lowest Rate
Catron County: 10% (lowest in state)
Statewide Trends
- 2021 statewide average: 16% (down from 18% in 2020)
- Most counties: 13% excessive drinking rate
- Overall trend: Slight improvement from 2020 to 2021
Geographic variation in excessive drinking rates suggests local factors influence alcohol consumption patterns, with southeastern counties showing the highest rates.
Additional Context and Risk Factors
Substance Abuse Rankings (Historical)
Underage drinking: Highest rate in the nation (2006)
Reported Cases by Type (2020)
Total alcohol addiction cases reported: 101,012
Risk Perceptions
- Adults perceiving great risk from weekly binge drinking: 50.50% (906,000 people)
- Youth (12-17) perceiving great risk: 43.38% (73,000 youth)
- Young adults (18-25) perceiving great risk: 43.71% (97,000 people)
Risk perception data suggests that roughly half the population understands the dangers of excessive drinking, but this awareness has not translated into proportional behavior change given the high consumption and mortality rates.
Alcohol Use Disorders and Treatment
Alcohol Use Disorder Prevalence (2022-2023)
| Age Group | With AUD | Population | Percentage |
| 12+ | 186,000 | 1,794,000 | 10.35% |
| 12-17 | 7,000 | 166,000 | 4.20% |
| 18-25 | 39,000 | 221,000 | 17.75% |
| 26+ | 139,000 | 1,403,000 | 9.92% |
| 18+ | 179,000 | 1,623,000 | 10.99% |
| 12-20 | 17,000 | 251,000 | 6.77% |
Alcohol Use Disorder affects more than 1 in 10 New Mexico residents, with young adults (18-25) showing the highest rates at nearly 18%, indicating critical intervention needs during emerging adulthood.
Historical AUD Trends
- Ages 18-25 (2017-2019): 10.8% (24,000 people) – decreased from 2002-2004
- Ages 12+ (2017-2019): 5.3% (93,000 people) – decreased from 2002-2004
- National comparison: New Mexico rates similar to national averages
Treatment Statistics (2022-2023)
| Measure | Total (12+) | Percentage |
| Received substance use treatment | 100,000 | 5.59% |
| Classified as needing treatment | 407,000 | 22.70% |
| Not receiving treatment among those needing it | 294,000 | 74.58% |
A critical treatment gap exists, with nearly three-quarters of those needing substance use treatment not receiving it, representing a major barrier to addressing the alcohol crisis.
Treatment Demographics by Age
| Age Group | Needing Treatment | Not Receiving Treatment |
| 12-17 | 15.94% (27k) | 53.62% (16k) |
| 18-25 | 37.30% (83k) | 84.08% (67k) |
| 26+ | 21.21% (298k) | 74.04% (211k) |
Young adults show both the highest need for treatment and the largest treatment gap, suggesting particular barriers to accessing care in this demographic.
Historical Treatment Data (2009)
- Primary alcohol rehab admissions: 3,689 people
- Alcohol with secondary drug admissions: 1,242 people
- Gender distribution of admissions: 75% male
- Racial distribution: 60% white
- Peak age group: 26-30 years old
The 2009 treatment data reveals a clear demographic profile where men in their late twenties represented the core population seeking alcohol rehabilitation, suggesting that serious alcohol problems typically manifest and require intervention during prime working years when the consequences become unmanageable.
Economic Impact
Direct Economic Costs
- 2010 total cost: $2.2 billion
- Inflation-adjusted 2022 cost: $3.014 billion
- Cost per drink: $3.74 (2022 dollars)
- Cost per New Mexico resident: More than $1,000 per year
- 2007 total cost: $2.8 billion ($1,400 per state resident)
The economic burden of alcohol abuse represents a significant drain on New Mexico’s economy, equivalent to thousands of dollars per resident annually in healthcare, criminal justice, and lost productivity costs.
Cost Distribution
- National pattern: 77% of excessive alcohol costs due to binge drinking
- New Mexico pattern: 75.2% of costs due to binge drinking
Historical Economic Trends
- 2006 estimated cost: $2.5 billion (lost productivity, healthcare, crashes, criminal justice, social welfare)
- Trend: Consistently increasing costs over time
New Mexico’s economic burden from alcohol abuse mirrors national patterns where binge drinking drives three-quarters of all costs, but the state’s consistently escalating financial impact—from $2.5 billion in 2006 to over $3 billion today—reflects both inflation and the worsening severity of the crisis despite policy efforts.
Summary
New Mexico confronts an unprecedented dual substance abuse crisis that positions the state as one of America’s most dangerous places for addiction-related mortality. With drug overdose rates nearly double the national average and the highest alcohol-related death rate in the nation, the state loses approximately nine residents daily to substance abuse—representing both immediate tragedy and long-term economic devastation exceeding $3 billion annually. The crisis disproportionately devastates vulnerable populations, with American Indian communities facing quadruple the alcohol death rates, Hispanic men experiencing the highest overdose rates, and rural counties like Rio Arriba showing mortality rates that eclipse even urban centers. Despite recent modest improvements in overdose deaths from the 2021 peak, the fundamental challenge remains unchanged: a catastrophic treatment gap where 74% of those needing care cannot access it, youth substance use rates consistently exceeding national levels, and the deadly emergence of fentanyl-methamphetamine combinations creating new levels of lethality. Success in reversing these trends will require nothing short of a comprehensive transformation of New Mexico’s approach to prevention, treatment, and harm reduction, with massive resource investment, culturally responsive interventions, and sustained political commitment to address the underlying socioeconomic factors driving the state’s position as a national outlier in substance abuse mortality.
Sources:
- Drug Abuse Statistics
- 2019 New Mexico Substance Use Epidemiology Profile
- NEW MEXICO – National Survey on Drug Use
- Mental Health and Substance Use State Fact Sheets: New Mexico | KFF
- Scary Facts About Addiction in New Mexico | SageClinic.org
- New Mexico Drug Abuse Statistics | Recovery Connection
- Collected Drug Abuse in New Mexico Statistics
- Behavioral Health Barometer: New Mexico, Volume 6
- Overdose deaths declined in New Mexico again
- Alcohol Use in NM June 2023_061623
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption and Violence
- Explore Excessive Drinking in New Mexico | AHR
- Study shows which counties in New Mexico have the most excessive drinkers