Drug And Alcohol Addiction In Reno, Nevada
Located in Washoe County, Reno is the third largest city in Nevada. Given its smaller population and popularity among tourists compared to Las Vegas, Reno may seem like its problems with problematic substance use wouldn’t be nearly as big. Residents of the city, however, are experiencing some of the biggest problems with substance abuse in the nation.
Despite it having less than half the population of Las Vegas, Reno experiences the highest rate of alcohol-related deaths in the state. Those looking to achieve and maintain sobriety can find support groups and both inpatient and outpatient treatment centers nearby.
Alcoholism In Reno
Reno has reported the highest percentage of adult binge drinkers across the state of Nevada. This practice can result in alcohol overdose, drunk driving, or potentially fatal alcohol withdrawal (the chances of which are increased if the drinker tries to quit alone).
Many like to rationalize, “I only had a beer or 2. I’m fine.” Driving under the influence, however, is never fine. It wouldn’t be “under the influence” if one could make a rational decision on the matter. Eighteen out of 100,000 people die from a single lapse in judgement. Is it worth it? Don’t let alcohol control your life.

Break free from addiction.
You have options. Talk about them with a treatment provider today.
Methamphetamines And Opioids On The Rise In Reno
While alcohol is a legal drug that many in Reno are having trouble with, the use of the illicit Methamphetamines and Opioids has been on the rise. The use of Meth across the state of Nevada has been greater than in any other state in the US; Heroin, specifically Mexican Black Tar Heroin, is in growing demand as well. Both therapies and treatment medications may be of help to those looking to stop their use of Methamphetamines and/or Opioids.
The Opioid Epidemic And Oxycodone
Like the rest of the US, Reno is dealing with its own Opioid epidemic, the primary issue being the trafficking of Black Tar Heroin throughout the state. While Fentanyl has started cropping up, the state of Nevada has not seen very much of it as a whole. Rather, small drug trafficking organizations have moved their Heroin through the state.
Outside of Black Tar Heroin and Fentanyl, prescription Oxycodone has been a leading cause of death in Reno. While this is partly because of the illegal dealing of prescription Oxycodone, deaths have also come from overprescribing by doctors. Across Washoe county, where Reno has housed two-thirds of the population, there have been 6.5 deaths out of every 100,000 people due to Opioid overdose (principally Heroin and Oxycodone). A single doctor in Reno admitted to prescribing a patient 23,645 Oxycodone pills over a span of 6 years. That comes out to 10 30mg tablets a day.
Addiction Statistics In Reno
372
deaths
372 died of Opioid-related overdoses in Nevada in 2018.
55.5
prescriptions
There were 55.5 Opioid prescriptions written for every 100 Nevadans in 2018.
3
times as many
3 times as many Hispanic Nevadans overdosed in 2020 than in 2019.
Find Help In Reno
For some, seeking treatment in their current environment presents too many triggers that can lead to relapse. Whether you want to stay near Reno or prefer to travel for treatment, there are treatment options available. Both inpatient and outpatient rehabs and support groups can help. For more information, contact a treatment provider today.
Published:
Author
Jeffrey Juergens

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Jeffrey Juergens earned his Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. Jeffrey’s desire to help others led him to focus on economic and social development and policy making. After graduation, he decided to pursue his passion of writing and editing. Jeffrey’s mission is to educate and inform the public on addiction issues and help those in need of treatment find the best option for them.
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