These are the states with the biggest drug problems — and the least
New Mexico has the most severe drug problem in the U.S., ranking highest in drug use, youth addiction, and overdose deaths, according to a WalletHub study. Arkansas and Alaska follow, with significant issues in opioid prescriptions, youth exposure, and rising overdose fatalities. Utah ranks as the state with the least drug-related problems across all measured categories.
- ▪New Mexico ranks as the state with the worst drug problem, particularly among teenagers.
- ▪Arkansas ranks second due to high opioid prescriptions, youth drug exposure, and limited access to treatment services.
- ▪Alaska has the second-highest overdose death rate and a significant increase in overdose fatalities year over year.
- ▪Utah ranks lowest in all drug-related categories, followed by Florida and Minnesota.
- ▪West Virginia has the highest per capita overdose death rate, while Nebraska has the lowest.
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US News These are the states with the biggest drug problems — and the least By Jeanne Erickson Published May 16, 2026, 9:42 a.m. ET The Land of Enchantment is anything but. New Mexico is the most drug-addled state in the union, and its teenagers are the most addicted, according to a new study by financial company WalletHub. Arkansas ranked second overall, with concerns centered around youth exposure to drugs, limited access to support services and a high number of opioid prescriptions. 3 Despite the government’s best efforts, the nation’s drug problems continue. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Alaska was third, with the second-highest number of overdose deaths nationwide and the sixth-highest year-over-year increase in those fatalities.
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