Louisiana Has One of the Worst Drug Problems in America—Here’s Why

America's drug problem is only getting worse. Louisiana has been hit the hardest by the epidemic of drug overdoses and deaths, the data shows just how deadly this epidemic has been.

Louisiana regularly ranks high among the states with the worst drug problems and among states with the most overdose deaths.

Researchers Say Louisiana Ranks 9th for Drug Problems

Studies show that of all 50 states and Washington D.C., Louisiana has the 9th overall worst problem with drug use, addiction, and drug-related health complications. Of the entire country, Louisiana has the 5th most drug overdose deaths.

The study that placed Louisiana among the top 10 worst states collected data ranging from the number of drug arrests, overdoses, deaths, busted drug labs, and drug-using teens.

The drug epidemic has only continued to get worse in Louisiana. From 2012 to 2021, the state saw a +28% rise in drug-related deaths.

What's Behind Louisiana's Soaring Drug Problem

Opioids are considered the driving factor in why the entire country of America is suffering from a horrible drug crisis.  Opioid addiction and overdoses were on the rise for years, and the pandemic only strengthened the surge of opioid abuse in Louisiana.

Prescription and illegal opioids are the root of many overdoses and drug deaths in Louisiana, but the rise of fentanyl has sharply raised the number of overdoses and deaths.

If you or a loved one is suffering from opioid abuse, there is help. Visit opioidhelpla.org for resources or call the suicide and crisis hotline at 988 if you need urgent help.

The drug crisis in Louisiana isn't one that can be ignored, especially not when so many lives have been affected so deeply by the raging epidemic.