Description of Indicator
No current data is available for the estimated individuals with a drug use disorder. Another indicator of drug use is the estimated number of drug overdose deaths that are either accidental or undetermined. The rate of opioid prescriptions by retail pharmacies is indicated for every 100 residents.
Why is it important?
The opioid epidemic is a current major health problem and addresses the need for health equity. Individuals abusing opioid prescriptions and being dependent on drugs can increase the chance of relapse and mortality. It is also vital to reduce opioid addiction by promoting medical treatment programs in clinical settings.
How is the region performing?
All geographies except for Lackawanna County experienced a decrease in individuals with a drug use disorder from the 2019-2020 period. A significant drop in drug overdose deaths was documented for Wayne County from 2021 to 2022. The number of drug overdose deaths in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties fluctuated while the rates in Pennsylvania slowly increased from 2018 to 2022. In the three counties and Pennsylvania, the rate of opioid prescriptions decreased steadily from 2019 to 2022. The rate of opioid prescriptions in Wayne County was significantly lower compared to the other geographies. Opioid prescribing rates in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties remained higher than statewide rates.