Oregon Has Third Highest Alcohol-Induced Deaths: Study

OREGON -- A study released this week found Oregon has the third highest rate of alcohol-induced deaths in the nation. The study, conducted by the nonprofit Trust for America's Health, also found Oregon's drug, alcohol and suicide death rate could increase by 35 percent in the next 10 years.

The study, titled "Pain in the Nation: The Drug, Alcohol and Suicide Epidemics and the Need for a National Resilience Strategy," said the state's rate could rise to 72.8 per 100,000 people from these three causes by 2025 – which would be the 12th highest – compared to the state's current rate of 54 per 100,000 (as of 2015), which is the 10th highest.

Other statistics show Oregon's drug overdose death rate was 12.5 per 100,000 in 2015, which ranked 12th lowest and its suicide death rate was 18.9 per 100,000 in 2015, which ranked 12th highest.

"These numbers are staggering, tragic – and preventable," said John Auerbach, president and CEO of the nonprofit. "There is a serious crisis across the nation and solutions must go way beyond reducing the supply of opioids, other drugs and alcohol. Greater steps – that promote prevention, resiliency and opportunity – must be taken to address the underlying issues of pain, hopelessness and despair.

Nationally, deaths from drugs, alcohol and suicide could account for 1.6 million fatalities over the coming decade, the study said.

The full report can be read here.

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