HEALTH
What are the cities in the United States with the highest drug use according to the experts?
The country finds itself in the grip of an unprecedented drug epidemic that has evolved into one of the most pressing public health challenges.
Drug use remains a significant public health concern across the United States, with certain cities experiencing particularly high rates of substance abuse. According to recent studies and expert analyses, several areas stand out for their elevated levels of drug use across various substances.
The magnitude of the drug epidemic is staggering. In 2021, more than 107,000 Americans died from drug overdoses - equivalent to one death every five minutes. This represents a 31% increase in the age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths compared to 2019.
The crisis affects people of all ages, but adults aged 35-44 have experienced the highest rates of drug overdose deaths, while young people aged 15-24 have seen the greatest percentage increase in fatalities.
When considering overall drug use, Omaha, Nebraska emerges as the city with the highest prevalence nationwide. Following closely behind are Wichita, Kansas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Mesa, Arizona. These cities demonstrate concerning levels of substance abuse across multiple drug categories.
The American Addiction Center published a slew of data identifying which drugs are used the most in different cities.
Heroin
While heroin use rates are generally lower than other substances, certain cities still face significant challenges. Omaha, NE and Indianapolis, IN tie for the highest rate of heroin use at 3.4% of their populations. Columbus, OH, and Nashville, TN, also have rates above 3.2%.
When examining opioid-related deaths specifically, different cities emerge as hotspots. Memphis, TN; Washington, D.C.; and San Francisco, CA all report high rates of opioid-related fatalities, with over 35 deaths per 100,000 population.
Cocaine
Phoenix, AZclaims the highest rate of cocaine use, with over 23% of its population having tried the drug. Mesa, AZ and Omaha, Nebraska follow closely, both reporting usage rates exceeding 22%.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine use is particularly prevalent in the US, with 2.7 million people using the drug in 2022. Phoenix and Mesa, AZ lead the nation in meth use, with rates of 15.1% and 14.1% respectively. Omaha, NE ranks third at 14.0%.
Marijuana
Marijuana remains the most commonly used substance in the US, with varying levels of legality. Omaha. NE tops the list for marijuana use, followed by Mesa, AZ, Tulsa, OK, and Minneapolis, MN. This is measured by percent of the population that have used it.