New Mexico Tops WalletHub's Drug Use Rankings, DC Fifth

New Mexico has been identified as the state with the most severe drug problems in the United States, leading in teen drug use, ranking third in adult illicit drug use, and experiencing one of the highest drug overdose death rates per capita. West Virginia, Nevada, Alaska, and the District of Columbia also rank among the worst for drug-related issues, with factors such as high overdose rates, limited access to treatment, and substantial numbers of children exposed to substance abuse at home contributing to the crisis. The findings, based on a comprehensive WalletHub analysis using metrics like arrest and overdose rates, opioid prescriptions, and treatment accessibility, come as annual nationwide drug overdose deaths exceed 80,000 and DEA fentanyl seizures reach record highs. Experts emphasize that effective responses require a combination of law enforcement, expanded treatment resources, increased naloxone availability, and addressing broader economic factors. Oregon also ranks poorly, particularly in drug addictions and usage, but fares better in law enforcement metrics. In contrast, Hawaii was found to have the fewest drug problems according to the study.