Number of Louisiana overdose deaths much higher than national average

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – According to the results of a recent study, Louisiana has more drug overdose deaths per 100000 persons than are found in most other states.

In a study conducted by Amethyst Recover Center in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, an inpatient drug and alcohol rehab facility that believes hope changes everything, researchers were able to identify the U.S. states where people are more likely to die of drug overdoses.

Louisiana was near the top of the list.

According to the state's Attorney General, in 2020 only 7% of blood samples brought to the Louisiana State Police crime lab had traces of fentanyl. But by 2022, 23% of blood samples showed traces of the drug.

Amethyst Recover Center's study used data from health policy research, news sources, and polling to determine how many drug overdose deaths occurred in each U.S. state during 2022, and it found that Louisiana rated high on the list of drug overdose deaths.

At 1335 deaths, West Virginia had more drug overdose deaths per 100000 people (75.3) than any other state in the Union in 2022. Tennessee came next at 3825, followed by Delaware with 549.

Louisiana had the fourth-highest amount of drug overdose deaths per capita in 2022. Drug overdose statistics show that Louisiana had 51.8 fatal drug overdoses per 100000 people in 2022.

The national average is 33.2 per 100000 people, placing Louisiana far above the national average.

Neighboring states, such as Texas and Arkansas, experienced far fewer drug overdose fatalities per 100000 in 2022.  More than 5400 Texans (18.3 out of every 100000) died of drug overdoses in 2022, while Arkansas had 617. (That's 20.3 per 100000.)

During the same time period, South Dakota reported 95 fatal drug overdoses statewide, making it the state with the fewest drug overdoses per 100000.

California had almost 11000 drug overdose deaths, the highest number in the nation in 2022. But because their population is so large, the number is equal to 28 of every 100000.

Nicholas Bellofatto is the Director of Admissions for Amethyst Recover Center. He said drug overdose deaths remain a leading cause of injury-related death in America.

“As the data shows, this is evidently worse in certain states,” said Bellofatto in a press release.

Bellofatto also said the opioid epidemic is a particular problem, with opioids causing around 75% of total overdose deaths.

Americans consume more opioids than citizens in any other country. But Bellofatto said there are ways to address drug addiction and many individuals can recover with the right support.

If you need help battling addiction, Bellofatto suggests reaching out to a medical professional or helpline. “Beyond that, there are thousands of substance abuse treatment facilities and recovery centers nationwide that are well equipped to provide the help that many people need.”

Where does your state stand on the list? Take a look at the following chart, and if your state ranks high on the list then talk to your local elected officials as soon as possible.   Statistics courtesy of Amethyst Recover Center.

(Source: information provided by Amethyst Recover Center.)