Rising Rates of Substance Use Disorder Across Arizona
According to SAMHSA data from 2022–2023, approximately 1,167,000 people aged 12 or older in Arizona met criteria for a substance use disorder in the past year, representing nearly 19% of the state’s adult population. Of those, roughly 642,000 individuals had an alcohol use disorder and 675,000 had a drug use disorder.
Despite these high numbers, only about 4.1% of people in Arizona received any form of substance use treatment in the past year, meaning nearly 80% of those in need did not get help.
Overdose Trends: A Decline, but Not Enough
Provisional data from the CDC shows that overdose deaths in Arizona decreased slightly—from 2,780 in 2023 to 2,539 in 2024, an 8.7% decline AZ Public Health Association. While COVID-era spikes appear to have begun to ease, Arizona still records around five opioid overdose deaths every day Arizona Department of Health ServicesAZ Public Health Association.
In Maricopa County, fentanyl-involved fatalities have nearly doubled (112% increase) between 2019 and 2023, signaling growing risks tied to synthetic opioids and illicit drug supply chains Maricopa County.
Stimulants, Alcohol, and Regional Risks
Methamphetamine—widely used in the Southwest—poses unique dangers in Arizona’s hot climate. In Maricopa County, 75% of heat-related deaths involving drugs were linked to meth use, underscoring its deadly interplay with extreme temperatures.
Alcohol continues to be a major concern, contributing to ER visits, accidents, and untreated disorders across the state.
Treatment Access vs. Need
Arizona ranks fourth-highest among U.S. states in terms of the population receiving substance use treatment, with around 81,300 people in care in 2021, or about 1,105 per 100,000 residents. Despite that relative strength, the gap between those who need help and those who receive it remains significant.
Barriers include:
- Treatment facility shortages or waitlists
- Financial constraints or lack of insurance
- Stigma around seeking behavioral health services
- Geographic disparities—especially in rural and Tribal areas
Why Local Treatment Centers Matter
For those seeking help, having access to regional care—like rehab programs in Phoenix, Tucson, or rural counties—can mean more timely referrals, culturally relevant care, and stronger continuity with home supports.
Programs like rehab centers in Arizona offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT), mental health services, and peer support designed for local populations. These options help address complex needs among veterans, rural residents, and young adults facing unique risk factors.
You’re Not Just a Number
Addiction is more than a statistic—it’s a lived experience. Whether you’re in Phoenix or the White Mountains, the first step is acknowledging the need for help. With compassionate care, integrated services, and increasing access across Arizona, recovery becomes possible—one step at a time.