Top Worst U.S. Cities for Drug Abuse

The United States has long grappled with the devastating effects of drug abuse, a crisis that plagues communities across the nation, but which cities with the highest drug abuse rate face the most danger? While the opioid epidemic, methamphetamine use, and rising rates of fentanyl-related deaths have dominated headlines, the severity of the drug crisis varies significantly from city to city. Some areas have become particularly notorious for their high rates of addiction, overdose deaths, and drug-related crime. In these cities, the combination of socio-economic factors, inadequate healthcare access, and the proliferation of illegal substances has created a toxic environment for residents.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 108,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the U.S. in 2022. The figure saw overdose deaths rise nearly triple since 2002 and highlights the desperate need for accessible treatment. The rising rate of drug abuse is why WhiteSands Treatment has made its mission to help and support individuals through addiction recovery. With a team of experts and a long list of treatment offerings, we aim to educate others on the cities with the highest rate of drug abuse and promote effective support.

 

 

What City Has the Greatest Drug Problem?

In the U.S., the most commonly used illicit drugs are marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine in that order. Considering marijuana is widely accepted as a non-lethal drug and has become legal in several states, we’ll consider cities with the highest rate of cocaine and meth use to determine the cities with the highest rate of drug abuse.
Below are cities that stand out for their severe drug-related issues.

Percentage of the population that has used cocaine:

1. Phoenix, Arizona – 23.3%
2. Mesa, Arizona – 22.5%
3. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – 22%
4. Tulsa, Oklahoma – 21.8%
5. Omaha, Nebraska – 22.2%
6. Las Vegas, Nevada – 21.9%
7. Wichita, Kansas – 21.8%
8. Fresno, California – 21.8%
9. Tucson, Arizona – 21.8%
10. Colorado Springs, Colorado – 21.8%

Percentage of the population that has used meth:

1. Phoenix, Arizona – 15.1%
2. Mesa, Arizona – 14.1%
3. Omaha, Nebraska – 14%
4. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – 13.8%
5. Fresno, California – 13.8%
6. Las Vegas, Nevada – 13.5%
7. Tulsa, Oklahoma – 13.4%
8. Wichita, Kansas – 13.4%
9. Arlington, Texas – 13.4%
10. Tucson, Arizona – 13.4%

Many of these cities are grappling with factors such as poverty, limited healthcare, and social instability, which compound the difficulties of combating the drug epidemic. No single city can be definitively named as having the “greatest” drug problem, but these cities exemplify the regions most severely impacted by the crisis. Additionally, it’s important to note that while these lists mainly focus on illicit drug use, the widespread prescription opioid epidemic shouldn’t be overlooked.

 

 

Which States Have the Biggest Drug Problems?

Several states in the U.S. are facing severe drug problems. The impact of drug abuse varies by region, but the states with the most significant drug problems are often those facing high overdose death rates, widespread opioid and methamphetamine abuse, and limited access to addiction treatment facilities like what’s available at WhiteSands Treatment.
Here are some of the states with the most significant drug issues by different metrics –

Percentage of the population that has used cocaine:

1. Colorado – 3.06%
2. Vermont – 2.99%
3. District of Columbia – 2.79%
4. Rhode Island – 2.67%
5. Massachusetts – 2.61%
6. California – 2.51%
7. Ohio – 2.36%
8. New York – 2.35%
9. Connecticut – 2.26%
10. Louisiana – 2.23%

Estimated number of meth users:

1. California – 418,000
2. Texas – 197,000
3. Tennesee –  102,000
4. Florida – 97,000
5. New York – 91,000
6. Ohio – 89,000
7. Pennsylvania – 77,000
8. North Carolina – 72,000
9. Georgia – 69,000
10. Alabama – 64,00

Drug overdose death rate per 100,000 people in 2022:

1. West Virginia – 80.9
2. District of Columbia – 64.3
3. Tennessee – 56
4. Delaware – 55.3
5. Louisiana – 54.5
6. Maine – 54.3
7. Kentucky – 53.2
8. New Mexico – 50.3
9. Vermont – 45.9
10. Ohio – 45.6

While these states are particularly hard-hit by the drug epidemic, the issue is national in scope, affecting urban, suburban, and rural areas alike. Addressing the drug crisis requires a multifaceted approach, including improved access to healthcare, drug treatment programs, better prevention efforts, and greater focus on mental health and economic inequality. The states and cities with the highest rate of drug abuse are just the tip of the iceberg, with widespread awareness of addiction facilities like WhiteSands Treatment crucial to combatting the issue.

What Are 10 Commonly Used Drugs?

There are many substances commonly abused in the U.S., ranging from prescription medications to illicit drugs.

Below are 10 of the most commonly used drugs:

1. Alcohol – The most widely used legal drug, alcohol is consumed socially but can lead to addiction, liver disease, and impaired judgment.
2. Nicotine (Tobacco) – Found in cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes, nicotine is highly addictive and causes various health problems, including lung cancer and heart disease.
3. Marijuana – While legal in some states, marijuana is still widely used for recreational and medicinal purposes. It can impair short-term memory and coordination.
4. Cocaine – A powerful stimulant, cocaine increases heart rate and energy, but it also poses significant risks for addiction, heart attack, and stroke.
5. Heroin – An opioid that can cause intense euphoria but also severe addiction and overdose risks, especially when mixed with fentanyl.
6. Prescription Opioids – Drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine are used to manage pain but are highly addictive and can lead to overdose.
7. Methamphetamine (Meth) – A potent stimulant, meth increases energy and alertness but can cause long-term brain damage, paranoia, and violent behavior.

These substances, whether legal or illegal, can have serious long-term consequences on physical and mental health.

 

What Drug Has the Highest Death Rate?

Fentanyl is currently the drug with the highest death rate in the United States. This synthetic opioid is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine and has become a major driver of the opioid overdose crisis. Fentanyl is often combined with other illicit drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Many times, this occurs without the user’s knowledge, significantly increasing the risk of overdose. In 2022, fentanyl was involved in nearly 70% of all drug overdose deaths in the U.S., according to the CDC.

The rapid increase in fentanyl-related deaths has outpaced other drugs, including heroin, prescription opioids, and methamphetamine. Despite efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, fentanyl remains the leading cause of drug-related fatalities, and its spread continues to be a significant public health crisis. Addressing fentanyl’s devastating impact requires more vigorous drug enforcement, better addiction treatment resources, and increased public awareness.

Contact WhiteSands to Learn More About Cities with the Highest Drug Abuse Rate and Treatment Options

If you’re looking to learn more about cities with the highest drug abuse rate and available treatment options, WhiteSands Treatment can provide valuable insights and support. Our facilities throughout Florida are a leading provider of drug and alcohol addiction treatment services, offering personalized programs created to help individuals struggling with substance abuse.
WhiteSands’ team can provide guidance on resources specific to high-risk areas and help individuals and families navigate the complex landscape of addiction recovery. Reaching out to one of the top drug rehabs in Florida is an excellent first step toward understanding the problem and the path to recovery. For more information on drug abuse trends across cities and how treatment programs can make a difference, contact WhiteSands Treatment at 877-855-3470.

External Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Drug Overdose Deaths in the United States
• Statista – Percentage of U.S. adults that use Cocaine
• World Population Review – Est. Meth Users in 2021
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Drug Overdose Mortality by State
• Drug Enforcement Administration – Top Local Drug Threat: Fentanyl

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.