Heroin & Opioid Abuse Data

The prevalence of heroin and prescription opioid abuse and overdose has been an increasing national concern for several years. This page is intended to be a resource to learn more about the extent of this crisis both nationwide and in Alaska.

Prevalence of Heroin and Prescription Opioid Abuse

- National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) conducts an annual nationwide survey asking Americans about their use of tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs (including non-medical use of prescription drugs) and mental health history.

• 2015 Alaska Behavioral Health Barometer
• Nationwide and state-level results of previous surveys

- Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collects state-level data regarding health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventative services.

• Alaska data can be found on the Department of Health and Social Services’ Indicator-Based Information System for Public Health (AK-IBIS)
• Nationwide BRFSS prevalence & trends data can be found on the CDC website

- Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS)

In addition to the BRFSS, the CDC conducts a similar survey on an annual basis for youth called the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). Questions range from Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use to Sexual Behaviors and dietary choices.

• Alaska results can be found on the Alaska Division of Public Health website
• Nationwide results can be found on the CDC website

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, January 1, 2016



Alaska Heroin and Opioid Related Data

• Central Penisula Community Behavioral Health Needs Assessment
• Detailed Results of the Alaska ACE Study
• Alaska Treatment Episode Data Set 2015
  
• Health Impacts of Heroin Use in Alaska, State of Alaska Epidemiology