Substance Use
31.5 Alcohol-induced mortality per 100,000
37.8 Drug poisoning deaths per 100,000
Substance use is the third most concerning health topic by secondary data scoring, with a topic score of 1.59 out of 3. Washoe County faces particularly alarming rates of alcohol-induced mortality and drug poisoning deaths, significantly exceeding national averages. The substance use crisis intersects directly with the mental health and economic stability priorities identified in this CHNA.
Key Indicators of Concern
• Death rate due to drug poisoning: 37.8 per 100,000( vs. HP2030 target: 20.7)— 82 % above target
• Alcohol-induced mortality rate: 31.5 per 100,000( vs. U. S.: 14.4)— 119 % higher than national average
• Adults who drink excessively: 23.0 %( vs. NV: 19.9 %)
• Adults who binge drink: 19.9 %
• Adults who use marijuana: 20.8 %
• Age-adjusted drug and opioid-involved overdose death rate: 26.4 per 100,000
• Middle school students living with someone who abused alcohol or drugs: 24.2 %
• High school students who have ever lived with a parent / guardian having problems with alcohol or drug use: 30.4 %
Sub Areas of Concern
• Alcohol use and abuse prevention and treatment
• Marijuana use and public health education
• Prescription drug misuse prevention
• Tobacco and e-cigarette use, especially among youth
• Youth substance use prevention programs
• Access to treatment and recovery services
• Harm reduction( needle exchange programs, safe use education) 56