Verify Insurance
Call (877) 679-2132
ohio recovery centers logo

Drug Addiction Statistics in Ohio

Table of Contents

Examining drug use in Ohio statistics can offer valuable insights into the addiction problem in the state. While the situation is undeniably concerning, there is still hope for those grappling with substance use disorder – the clinical term for drug addiction. While substance use disorder is a chronic and incurable condition, all addictions respond positively to evidence-based treatment.

Shockingly, Ohio ranks fourth in the nation for drug overdose deaths, according to data from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). The rates of substance use disorders among Ohio residents surpass the national average, painting a grim picture of the state’s addiction challenges.

Fortunately, there is a silver lining. More people in Ohio are seeking treatment for their addiction than ever before. That said, there is still a significant journey ahead in our efforts to combat this epidemic within our state – we’re here to help at Ohio Recovery Centers in Cincinnati, OH. We offer a full suite of outpatient programs for all types of drug addiction. Read on to discover how we can help you or a loved one battling drug addiction in Ohio.

Drug Addiction Statistics in Ohio

In recent years, both government agencies and community organizations have joined forces in a determined campaign to combat drug abuse and its devastating consequences on families and communities throughout Ohio.

Despite these collective efforts, the specter of addiction to illicit street drugs, prescription medications, and alcohol still looms over individuals, family bonds, and communities across the state.

Consequently, a significant number of people require access to services and recovery programs each year. Regrettably, only a small fraction of those fighting substance use disorders or alcohol use disorders engage with professional assistance.

Numerous factors contribute to this phenomenon, but it often boils down to the overwhelming sense of isolation and helplessness in the face of addiction.

You don’t need personal experience with addiction to recognize its far-reaching effects on individuals, families, and communities. Exploring Ohio’s substance abuse statistics provides a compelling perspective on the urgency of offering support to those in need of recovery.

Snapshot of Drug Addiction in Ohio: The Nature of the Problem

  • 700,000 residents affected: Over a recent five-year period, approximately 700,000 Ohio residents have acknowledged the misuse of both legal and illegal substances.
  • Binge drinking prevalence: Alarmingly, nearly 20% of adults in Ohio openly admit to engaging in binge drinking, highlighting the significant alcohol-related issues in the state.
  • Commonly abused illicit drugs: Heroin, cocaine, and marijuana continue to rank as the most frequently abused illicit drugs in Ohio.
  • Rising prescription pain pill addiction: The state witnesses a concerning upward trend in addiction to prescription pain medications, reflecting a nationwide issue. This trend demands heightened attention and intervention efforts.
  • High substance addiction rates: Ohio consistently ranks among the top five states in the United States concerning the number of residents with addictions.

By examining these statistics, we gain a clearer understanding of the extensive reach of substance use disorder in Ohio and the imperative to provide individuals with the necessary resources and support to embark on a path to recovery. The following addiction statistics in Ohio by type of drug are sourced from:

Marijuana Addiction Statistics in Ohio

Between 2017 and 2019, approximately 1.5 million Ohio residents – roughly 15% of the population – reported some form of marijuana use annually. These numbers were slightly below the national average during that period.

Interestingly, during this timeframe, an additional 153,000 Ohioans met the criteria for a marijuana use disorder. This equates to approximately 10% of all Ohioans who used marijuana. Rates of marijuana use among adolescents in Ohio mirrored the national average during this period.

While some may not perceive that marijuana is a high-risk drug, the substance remains illegal in the state of Ohio. Possession of marijuana, especially when discovered by law enforcement, can lead to severe consequences such as potential jail time, fines, or both.

These statistics illuminate the prevalence of marijuana use and its associated challenges in Ohio, highlighting the need for ongoing discussions around drug policy and the importance of education and prevention efforts in the state.

Opioid Addiction in Ohio Statistics

Ohio has been at the forefront of the opioid epidemic, with staggering statistics that illustrate the depth of this crisis.

  • Opioid epidemic impact: Ohio experienced an alarming 8,406 drug overdose deaths in the 12-month period ending in November 2020, according to SAMHSA’s report. This places Ohio among the states with the highest overdose death rates.
  • Prescription opioids: In Ohio, prescription opioid misuse remains a significant problem. The report indicates that 3.9% of adults in the state reported misusing prescription pain relievers in the past year.
  • Synthetic opioids: The synthetic opioid fentanyl continues to wreak havoc in Ohio. The SAMHSA report highlights that 75% of opioid-involved overdose deaths in Ohio in 2019 involved synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl.

The impact of fentanyl addiction in Ohio warrants special attention due to its devastating consequences.

  • Fentanyl-related overdoses: According to the Ohio Department of Health, fentanyl was involved in approximately 76% of all overdose deaths in Ohio in 2020, making it the second-highest rate of fentanyl-involved overdose deaths in the United States in 2019.
  • Emerging trends: The SAMHSA report suggests that the use of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids is still on the rise in Ohio. Understanding these trends can help inform the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies.
  • Heroin abuse: Heroin addiction is closely intertwined with the opioid crisis in Ohio. The state reported a high rate of heroin use disorders, affecting a significant portion of the population. Some people shift from abusing prescription opioids to using heroin as a last resort.

Alcohol Addiction in Ohio Statistics

Alcohol addiction is another pressing concern in the state of Ohio, as in all U.S. states. Rates of alcoholism have practically doubled in the recent past – from 14.8 million U.S. adults in 2019 to over 29.5 million over-12s in 2021.

  • Alcohol consumption: In Ohio, excessive alcohol consumption remains a concern. According to NIDA in 2020, 22.2% of adults in Ohio reported binge drinking in the past month.
  • Alcohol treatment: Despite the high rate of alcohol misuse, only a fraction of those in need seek professional help. According to the SAMHSA report, in 2019, only about 7% of Ohio adults who needed substance abuse treatment received any form of help.

Cocaine Addiction in Ohio Statistics

Cocaine addiction is a significant challenge in Ohio.

  • Cocaine use: While overshadowed by opioids, cocaine misuse is still prevalent. The SAMHSA report highlights that approximately 1.6% of adults in Ohio reported past-year cocaine use in 2019.
  • Cocaine-related issues: Cocaine misuse often leads to health problems and legal consequences. OSAM (Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring) network reports that cocaine-related hospital admissions increased in recent years.

Meth Addiction in Ohio Statistics

Methamphetamine use is on the rise in Ohio.

  • Methamphetamine use: The SAMHSA report indicates a growing problem with methamphetamine. In 2019, 1.7% of adults in Ohio reported past-year methamphetamine use.
  • Meth treatment: Access to treatment services for meth addiction is essential due to the debilitating nature of the drug. Ohio has seen an increase in the demand for treatment services for individuals struggling with methamphetamine addiction.

Drug Addiction Treatment in Ohio

Addressing drug addiction in Ohio involves not only understanding the scope of the problem but also exploring the avenues available for treatment and recovery.

  • Treatment options: Ohio offers a range of treatment options for individuals struggling with drug addiction. These include inpatient and outpatient programs, counseling, MAT (medication-assisted treatment), and support groups. Detox addresses the issue of physical drug dependence, while ongoing treatment is required to unpack the psychological component of drug addiction.
  • Treatment utilization: While the need for addiction treatment is significant, not all individuals in Ohio who require treatment seek it. According to the SAMHSA report, only about 7% of Ohio adults who needed substance abuse treatment received it in 2019.
  • Access to treatment: Ensuring access to addiction treatment services is crucial. Efforts are underway in Ohio to expand access to treatment, reduce stigma, and promote awareness of available resources.

Get Effective Drug Addiction Treatment in Ohio

If you or a loved one requires help addressing issues of drug dependence and addiction, we can help you from detox to discharge and beyond at Ohio Recovery Centers.

After detoxing and moving beyond physical dependence on illicit drugs or prescription medications, choose from one of the following programs at our drug rehab in Cincinnati, OH:

  • Traditional outpatient programs
  • IOPs (intensive outpatient programs)

Scientific studies show that intensive outpatient programs deliver comparable outcomes to residential rehab for most mild and moderate drug addictions. Crucially, outpatient programming also offers a much more flexible and affordable pathway to ongoing recovery from drug addiction in Ohio.

Treatment programs blend medication-assisted treatment, psychotherapy, and counseling with holistic therapies for a whole-body approach to addiction recovery that treats the individual rather than focusing purely on symptoms. All treatment programs also include a comprehensive aftercare component to minimize the chance of relapse derailing your recovery.

Call 877-679-2132 and the friendly team will guide you through the simple admissions process, allowing you to begin your recovery in Ohio at your earliest convenience.

Table of Contents

Get The Help You Need

Addiction is not something to ignore. It is vital to seek out the help of a professional addiction treatment center.

Call (877) 679-2132
Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers

12115 Sheraton Lane
Cincinnati, OH 45246

Quick Links

Areas We Serve

Certifications

© 2025 Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers. All Rights Reserved.

an image of author Joe Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.
An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Christopher Glover CDCA

My name is Christopher Glover, and I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am currently in school and working to grow in competence to better support our community. As a recovering individual I know the struggles that you or a loved one can go through and that there is help for anything you may be struggling with.

The hardest part is asking for help and we are here as a team to best support you and your decision to start your journey towards a better future. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Amanda Kuchenberg PRS CDCA

I recently joined Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers as a Clinical Case Manager. I am originally from Wisconsin but settled in the Cincinnati area in my early 20s.  My career started in the fashion industry but quickly changed as I searched to find my drive and passion through helping others who struggle with addiction. 

As someone who is also in recovery, I wanted to provide hope, share lived experience, and support others on their journey.  I currently have my Peer Recovery Support Supervision Certification along with my CDCA and plan to continue my education with University of Cincinnati so I can continue to aid in the battle against substance addiction. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn.

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Patrick McCamley LCDC III

 Patrick McCamley (Clinical Therapist) is a Cincinnati native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2019. Patrick received his bachelors degree in psychology from University of Cincinnati in 2021 and received his LCDC III (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2022. Patrick has worked in Clinical Operations, Clinical Case Management, and Clinical Therapy throughout his career.

Patrick has tremendous empathy and compassion for the recovery community, being in recovery himself since 2018. Patrick is uniquely qualified to be helpful because of the specific combination of his academic background and his own experience in recovery.

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Bill Zimmerman CDCA

Bill Zimmerman is a Greater Cincinnati Area native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2018. Bill received his (Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2020.

Bill has worked in Clinical Operations in both support and supervision, and Program facilitating and 12 step recovery support during his career. Bill has a passion for the recovery community, having been in recovery himself since 1982. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Taylor Lilley CDCA, PRS

Growing up in Louisiana with addiction running rampant on both sides of my family. A life away from drugs and alcohol seemed impossible for someone like me. I remember what it was like sitting across from someone thinking there is no way they could ever understand what I was going through.

Sharing my experience offers a credibility and a certain type of trust with clients that only someone who has walked down this road can illustrate. To immerse myself further into the field of addiction, I am currently studying at Cincinnati State for Human and Social Services.  I hope I never forget where I came from, if I can do it, so can you!

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Thomas Hunter LSW

Hello my name is Thomas Hunter. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a licensed social worker.In my scope of practice I have worked in the areas of mental health and recovery for thirty years. The clients I have worked with in my career have ranged in age from seven to seventy.

I strive each day to serve my purpose of helping those in need and I believe I do so by utilizing all of my experiences to accomplish my goal of supporting those who desire to establish their sobriety and maintain it in their recovery. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn.

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Mary D.Porter,LICDC

 My name is Mary D. Porter. I received my Masters of Social Work in 2008 from The University of Cincinnati. I received My Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure in 2001. I retired from The Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center on April 14, 2014. Currently, I am the Associate Clinical Director for The Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers in Cincinnati.. Due to the fourth wave of the Opioid Epidemic in 2019,  I decided to enter back into the workforce to assist the addicted population.

The overdoses were astounding and I wanted to help.  I consider myself  to be an advocate for the addicted population. My compassion, resilience, empathy, wisdom, knowledge, experience and  love I have for this forgotten population goes beyond words. I consider what I do for the addicted population as a calling versus a “career,” because I too was once an “addict and alcoholic.” Today I am 45.5 years alcohol and substance free.

An image of Ohio Community Health staff

Ben Lemmon LCDC III

Hello, my name is Ben Lemmon, and I’m the Vice President and Clinical Director at Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers. I’ve been working in the addiction and mental health field since 2013 and decided to enter the field after overcoming my own challenges with addiction.

When I first meet a client, I always explain to them that the reason we are meeting is because they are not capable of obtaining or maintaining sobriety, and my goal is to create a person that can maintain sobriety. I believe a person’s personality is made up of their thoughts, feelings and actions and my job is to help clients identify the thoughts, feelings and actions that have them disconnected from recovery and provide them with the tools to live a healthy and happy life. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn