Wisconsin Drug Addiction Statistics

Key Statistics on Wisconsin Drug Addiction

• In 2020, Wisconsin recorded 1,451 drug overdose deaths, a 30% increase from the previous year.
• Synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, were involved in 1,126 overdose deaths in Wisconsin in 2020.
• Milwaukee County reported the highest number of overdose deaths at 415 in 2020.
• The state's Opioid Initiative aims to reduce opioid abuse by 20% by 2023.
• Wisconsin had 3.8 million opioid prescriptions in 2019, equating to 65 prescriptions per 100 residents.
• A Prescription Drug Monitoring Program is in place to track prescriptions and identify at-risk patients.
• Methamphetamine use is rising, with 844 overdose deaths involving methamphetamine in 2020.
• The state's Methamphetamine Initiative targets a 50% reduction in methamphetamine abuse by 2023.
• The economic impact of drug addiction in Wisconsin includes $1.3 billion spent on healthcare costs in 2019.
• Approximately 3,000 individuals leave the workforce annually due to drug addiction in Wisconsin.

Drug addiction is a widespread problem in the United States, and Wisconsin is no exception. According to recent statistics, drug abuse has an enormous impact on the state, both in terms of human lives lost and economic costs. Let's take a closer look at the numbers:

Drug Overdose Deaths in Wisconsin

• The age group most affected by drug overdose deaths in Wisconsin is 25-34 years old.
• Heroin-related overdose deaths have been on a decline, with a noticeable drop from previous years.
• Cocaine-related overdose deaths continue to be a concern, with a significant number of cases reported alongside opioid use.
• The rate of drug overdose deaths in Wisconsin has surpassed the national average in recent years.
• Rural counties in Wisconsin have seen a disproportionate increase in drug overdose deaths compared to urban areas.
• Prescription drug overdose deaths, while still a concern, have seen a slight decrease due to increased regulation and monitoring.

Opioid Epidemic in Wisconsin

• The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reports that opioid-related hospital visits increased by 123% from 2010 to 2019.
• Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, has been administered more frequently, with emergency medical services using it in over 4,000 incidents in 2020.
• The number of babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) due to opioid use during pregnancy has been rising, with several hundred cases annually.
• Treatment admissions for opioid addiction have grown, with over 7,000 admissions in 2020, indicating the growing need for addiction services.
• The economic burden of opioid misuse in Wisconsin includes not only healthcare costs but also criminal justice expenses and lost productivity, totaling an estimated $2 billion annually.
• The Wisconsin Department of Justice has been actively involved in litigation against opioid manufacturers and distributors, seeking compensation for the state's opioid-related expenses.

Opioid Deaths by County

• In 2020, Milwaukee County had the highest number of opioid-related deaths with 303 reported cases.
• Dane County followed closely with 95 opioid-related deaths in the same year.
• Waukesha and Racine Counties had 63 and 62 reported opioid-related deaths, respectively.
• Brown County had a total of 48 opioid-related deaths in 2020.
• Outagamie and Winnebago Counties both had 29 reported opioid-related deaths in the same year.
• Other counties with notable numbers of opioid-related deaths include Kenosha (27), La Crosse (24), Rock (23), and Marathon (21).

Opioid Hospital Visit Statistics

• In Wisconsin, opioid-related hospital visits increased by 123% from 2010 to 2019.
• Emergency department visits for opioid overdoses reached over 5,000 annually in recent years.
• Hospital inpatient care for opioid overdose patients often requires extended stays, averaging 3.5 days per visit.
• The rate of hospital visits due to opioid use disorders has been higher in rural counties compared to urban areas.
• Medicaid is the primary payer for approximately 40% of hospital visits related to opioid overdoses, reflecting the economic impact on public health programs.
• The total charges for opioid-related hospital visits in Wisconsin exceeded $400 million in 2019.
• Naloxone administration in hospital settings has increased, with hospitals reporting a rise in usage to counteract opioid overdoses.
• The number of hospital visits involving synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, has seen a significant increase, mirroring the rise in overdose deaths involving these substances.
• Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) due to opioid use during pregnancy has led to an increase in hospital care for newborns, with a growing number of cases requiring specialized treatment.
• The implementation of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) has been associated with a slight decrease in opioid-related hospital visits, indicating progress in prescription oversight.

Adult Opioid Use in Wisconsin

• In 2019, approximately 3.8 million opioid prescriptions were dispensed in Wisconsin, equating to a rate of 65 prescriptions per 100 persons.
• The highest prescribing rates for opioids in Wisconsin are found in the age group of 45-54 years old.
• Adult men in Wisconsin have a slightly higher rate of opioid prescription use compared to women.
• The percentage of Wisconsin adults who reported using prescription opioids for nonmedical purposes at least once in their lifetime was around 4% in 2018.
• In 2020, the rate of opioid overdose deaths among Wisconsin adults was highest in the 25-34 age group.
• The Wisconsin Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) has shown a steady decrease in the number of opioid prescriptions dispensed since its implementation.
• Treatment admissions for opioid use disorder among adults in Wisconsin have increased, with a significant number of admissions related to heroin and synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
• The prevalence of chronic pain among Wisconsin adults is a contributing factor to the opioid prescription rate, with a substantial portion of adults seeking pain management solutions.
• Adult opioid hospitalizations in Wisconsin have placed a considerable strain on healthcare resources, with a notable percentage of these hospitalizations resulting in intensive care unit (ICU) admissions.
• Efforts to increase access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder are ongoing, with an aim to reach more adults struggling with addiction across the state.

Opioid Treatment Data by County

• Milwaukee County reported the highest number of individuals receiving treatment for opioid addiction, with over 2,000 admissions in 2020.
• Dane County had the second-highest number of treatment admissions for opioid use disorder, with approximately 800 admissions in the same year.
• Waukesha County saw a significant increase in opioid treatment admissions, with numbers rising by 20% from 2018 to 2020.
• In Racine County, there were over 300 admissions for opioid-related treatment, with a notable portion for heroin use.
• Kenosha County's opioid treatment programs served over 250 individuals, reflecting the widespread impact of the opioid crisis.
• The availability of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) varies by county, with urban areas like Madison and Milwaukee having more MAT clinics compared to rural counties.
• Brown County has implemented targeted initiatives to expand access to opioid treatment services, resulting in a steady increase in treatment admissions.
• Outagamie County reported a rise in the use of naloxone, indicating a growing need for overdose prevention efforts alongside treatment services.
• La Crosse County has focused on integrating behavioral health services with primary care to improve treatment outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder.
• Eau Claire County has seen a growing trend in the use of telemedicine services to reach individuals in need of opioid addiction treatment in remote areas.

Methamphetamine Use in Wisconsin

• Law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin have reported a significant increase in methamphetamine seizures, indicating a rise in trafficking and availability.
• Methamphetamine-related arrests have escalated, with the Wisconsin Department of Justice reporting thousands of arrests each year.
• Treatment admissions for methamphetamine addiction have more than doubled in the past decade, reflecting the growing need for specialized addiction services.
• The economic impact of methamphetamine use extends beyond healthcare, affecting social services, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system.
• Rural areas of Wisconsin have been particularly affected by methamphetamine use, with higher rates of use and overdose deaths compared to urban areas.

Methamphetamine Deaths by County

• Milwaukee County reported the highest number of methamphetamine-related deaths, with a significant increase observed over the past five years.
• Dane County experienced a rise in methamphetamine-related fatalities, with dozens of deaths recorded annually.
• Waukesha County has seen a steady climb in methamphetamine-related deaths, reflecting broader statewide trends.
• In Brown County, methamphetamine deaths have more than doubled in the last three years, indicating a growing concern in the region.
• Racine County's law enforcement has noted an uptick in methamphetamine-related incidents, correlating with an increase in overdose deaths.
• Outagamie County has reported a concerning number of methamphetamine-related deaths, with rates higher than the state average.
• Kenosha County has experienced a surge in methamphetamine use, resulting in a rise in overdose deaths linked to the drug.
• La Crosse County, while having fewer methamphetamine-related deaths compared to urban counties, still faces challenges with rising methamphetamine use.
• Eau Claire County has initiated community programs to combat methamphetamine abuse following a noticeable increase in related deaths.
• Rock County has observed a growing trend in methamphetamine-related emergency calls and deaths, prompting local authorities to seek additional resources for prevention and treatment.

Methamphetamine Treatment Data by County

• Milwaukee County has the highest number of methamphetamine treatment admissions, with hundreds of individuals seeking help each year.
• Dane County follows with a significant number of treatment admissions for methamphetamine use, reflecting its status as the second-most populous county.
• Waukesha County has seen an increase in methamphetamine treatment services, with more facilities offering specialized care.
• Brown County's treatment centers have reported a steady flow of admissions for methamphetamine addiction, indicating a persistent issue in the area.
• In Racine County, methamphetamine treatment admissions have been rising, with local authorities focusing on expanding access to recovery services.
• Outagamie County has implemented community outreach programs to encourage individuals struggling with methamphetamine addiction to seek treatment.
• Kenosha County has experienced a growing demand for methamphetamine treatment options, with local clinics responding by increasing their capacity.
• La Crosse County has focused on integrating treatment services with harm reduction strategies to address methamphetamine addiction.
• Eau Claire County has utilized telehealth services to reach a broader population in need of methamphetamine treatment, especially in rural areas.
• Rock County has partnered with local organizations to provide comprehensive treatment programs for individuals affected by methamphetamine addiction.

Economic Costs of Drug Addiction in Wisconsin

• The total economic burden of drug addiction in Wisconsin, including healthcare, law enforcement, and lost productivity, is estimated to exceed $2 billion annually.
• Businesses in Wisconsin incur additional costs due to drug addiction, including higher insurance premiums and costs associated with absenteeism and decreased productivity.
• The criminal justice system in Wisconsin spends millions each year on drug-related offenses, including arrests, prosecutions, and incarcerations.
• Substance abuse treatment programs and prevention efforts are also a significant part of state expenditures, with millions allocated to combat the drug crisis.
• The opioid epidemic alone has an estimated annual economic burden of $504 million in healthcare costs and $1.5 billion in total costs when factoring in additional considerations such as criminal justice and lost productivity in Wisconsin.

In conclusion, drug addiction is a serious problem in Wisconsin, with overdose deaths, opioid abuse, methamphetamine use, and economic costs all on the rise. It is important that the state continues to implement policies and programs aimed at reducing drug abuse and helping those struggling with addiction.

Conclusion

Drug addiction is a complex issue that affects individuals, families, and communities across Wisconsin. The statistics presented in this article demonstrate the magnitude of the problem and the urgent need for effective solutions. While efforts to combat drug addiction are ongoing, progress has been made in expanding access to treatment services, implementing prescription oversight measures, and promoting harm reduction strategies.

It is crucial that policymakers, healthcare providers, and community members continue to work together to address the drug crisis and support those affected by addiction. By doing so, we can help prevent overdose deaths, reduce economic costs, and improve overall health outcomes for Wisconsinites.

Sources

• https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/data.htm
• https://www.doj.state.wi.us/dles/methamphetamine-initiative
• https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/opioids/opioid-summaries-by-state/wisconsin-opioid-summary
• https://wiwhin.org/Portal/QueryTool.aspx?view=InpatientDischargesByCounty\&year=2019\&age=all