Arizona Overdose Death Rate Above National Average
- Arizona ranks 19th nationally with 34.61 overdose deaths per 100,000 residents.
- In 2023, the state reported 2,624 total overdose deaths, with opioids involved in 1,950 cases (74.3%).
- Arizona’s overdose death rate is above the national average (31.51) and higher than rates in California (28.86), Texas (18.17), and Colorado (31.42).
New research has revealed the states with the highest mortality rates from drug overdoses.
The study by the first aid course training provider, CPR First Aid, analyzed drug overdose deaths in all 50 states using the latest 2023 data from KFF, a health policy research organization. It sourced numbers for each state and measured this against each state’s population to find a figure for overdose deaths per 100,000 people.
Arizona’s Findings
Arizona ranks 19th in the United States for drug overdose death rates, with 34.61 deaths per 100,000 residents.
In 2023, the state recorded 2,624 total drug overdose deaths, with 1,950 involving opioids. This means 74.3% of all overdose deaths in Arizona were opioid-related.
The states with the highest drug overdose death rates
| Rank | State | Deaths per 100,000 | Total Deaths | Opioid Deaths | Opioid Percentage |
| 1 | West Virginia | 77.80 | 1,377 | 1,184 | 86.0% |
| 2 | Tennessee | 50.03 | 3,616 | 2,930 | 81.0% |
| 3 | Delaware | 49.91 | 525 | 457 | 87.0% |
| 4 | Alaska | 48.50 | 359 | 290 | 80.8% |
| 5 | Louisiana | 48.37 | 2,224 | 1,118 | 50.3% |
West Virginia sees the highest rate of fatal drug overdoses, with 77.80 deaths per 100,000 people. This is much higher than the national average of 31.51 per 100,000. The state recorded 1,377 total drug overdose deaths in 2023, with 1,184 specifically attributed to opioids, which is a rate of 86%.
Tennessee ranks second with 50.03 overdose deaths per 100,000 residents, recording a total of 3,616 fatalities. The state saw 2,930 opioid-related deaths in 2023, accounting for 81% of all drug overdose fatalities.
Delaware takes the third position with 49.91 deaths per 100,000 people. The state saw 525 total drug deaths in 2023, with opioids involved in 87% of deaths.
Alaska, despite its small population, ranks fourth with 48.50 deaths per 100,000 people. The state recorded 359 total overdose deaths, with 290 of these coming from opioids, which is an involvement rate of 80.8%.
Louisiana rounds out the top five with 48.37 deaths per 100,000 residents. The state reported 2,224 total overdose deaths, but has a lower percentage of opioid involvement at 50.3%.
The states with the lowest drug overdose death rates
| Rank | State | Deaths per 100,000 | Total Deaths | Opioid Deaths | Opioid Percentage |
| 1 | Nebraska | 8.58 | 172 | 78 | 45.3% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 10.27 | 95 | 48 | 50.5% |
| 3 | Iowa | 14.25 | 462 | 253 | 54.8% |
| 4 | North Dakota | 15.32 | 122 | 87 | 71.3% |
| 5 | Montana | 16.53 | 188 | 129 | 68.6% |
Nebraska reports the lowest rate of fatal drug overdoses, with just 8.58 deaths per 100,000 people. The state recorded 172 total overdose deaths, with opioids accounting for 45.3% of these fatalities, one of the lowest opioid involvement percentages nationwide.
South Dakota ranks second-lowest with 10.27 deaths per 100,000 residents. It reported 95 total overdose deaths, with opioids involved in 50.5% of cases.
Iowa has the third-lowest rate at 14.25 deaths per 100,000 people. The state recorded 462 total drug overdose deaths, with 253 involving opioids, representing 54.8% of all cases.
North Dakota places fourth from the bottom with 15.32 deaths per 100,000 residents. The state reported 122 total overdose deaths, with 87 involving opioids, which is a 71.3% involvement rate.
Montana rounds out the five states with the lowest rates, reporting 16.53 deaths per 100,000 people. The state recorded 188 total overdose deaths, with 129 involving opioids, making up 68.6% of all cases.
Commenting on the findings, Owena Cleary, Director at CPR First Aid, said, “With huge regional differences in overdose rates, this highlights the need for teaching on recognizing and responding to overdose situations. Many lives could be saved if more people knew the signs and basic first aid responses.”
“In a suspected opioid overdose, calling 911 immediately should be the first step,” Cleary said. “While waiting for emergency services, check if the person is responsive and breathing. If they’re unresponsive but breathing, place them in the recovery position on their side to prevent choking. If someone isn’t breathing or only gasping, CPR should be started immediately. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest, allowing the chest to fully recoil between compressions.”
“Many emergency responders do now carry naloxone, which can rapidly reverse opioid overdoses, but proper CPR can be life-saving in the time before help arrives. Learning these skills through certified training could mean the difference between life and death in states most affected by high overdose rates.
Statistics compiled by https://cprfirstaid.com.au/
