Rehab.com Study Finds Southern States Rank Worst in Nation for Drug Abuse & Addiction

Five Southern states rank as the worst in the nation for drug and alcohol addiction, overdoses, deaths, and drug-involved crimes, according to a study by Rehab.com. The report reveals detailed insights into the landscape of drug and alcohol use across the U.S.

Tennessee, with a score of 81 out of 100, ranks as the worst state, followed by South Carolina, Louisiana, Kentucky, and North Carolina. New York, Hawaii, Montana, New Jersey, and Washington have the lowest issues with drug and alcohol addiction.

The cities with the highest rates of drug use are mostly in the Midwest and East Coast, including Milwaukee, Baltimore, and Minneapolis. Conversely, cities like El Paso, San Jose, and Oakland show the lowest rates.

Demographics highlight that young adults have the highest drug and alcohol use, with adults aged 26-34 reporting the highest instances of binge drinking. Specific populations, such as the LGBTQ+ community and veterans, face higher addiction rates. The economic cost to combat the drug epidemic has also risen significantly.

Statistics were aggregated from major organizations like the CDC and DEA, considering various factors such as drug overdose deaths, narcotics violations, and recreational drug use.