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Las Vegas, Nevada faces a severe opioid crisis characterized by high rates of misuse, addiction, and overdose deaths.
In recent years, fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has significantly contributed to the problem, often being mixed with other drugs unbeknownst to users. This has led to a substantial increase in overdose deaths; Las Vegas Fire & Rescue reported a surge in overdose calls from approximately 4,000 in 2019 to about 5,000 in 2020.
The use of naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, has become crucial, with over 1,000 administrations in a single year. The synthetic nature of fentanyl and its widespread availability has exacerbated the situation, making it a prevalent issue across diverse demographics in the area.
Efforts to combat the epidemic include distributing naloxone and providing access to harm reduction services. The local health district emphasizes the importance of these measures, alongside legal protections like the Good Samaritan Law, to encourage the use of life-saving interventions without fear of legal repercussions.
Key Statistics on Opioid Use in Las Vegas:
- From 2018 to 2023, the opioid-related overdose death rate increased by over 82%, largely driven by fentanyl
- From 2018 to 2023, the fentanyl-related overdose death rate increased by nearly 545%.
- The Las Vegas-Paradise Metropolitan Statistical Area experiences over 1,500 opioid-related emergency department visits each year.
- This same area experiences about 1,700 opioid-related inpatient hospitalizations each year.
Opioid Overdose Statistics in Las Vegas
- In 2018, there were 46 fentanyl-related deaths in Clark County.
- In 2019, that number jumped to 64 fentanyl-related mortalities in the county.
- Between January 2018 and July 2022, there were over 1,400 opioid overdoses in Clark County.
- 46% of these deaths were due to fentanyl
- In 2023, the fentanyl-related overdose death rate in Clark County was 15.5 per 100,000 residents
- Between 2020 and 2023, the number of overdose fatalities among Clark County residents involving fentanyl and cocaine or methamphetamine increased by nearly 100%.
Demographic Data & Insights
Understanding who is most affected by the opioid crisis in Las Vegas is crucial for targeting interventions effectively:
- A study of Clark County medical records from 2011-2013 revealed that non-Hispanic whites had higher rates of opioid drug abuse or dependence-related disorders compared to other racial groups.
- People 20 to 34 years old are at the highest risk for an opioid overdose in Clark County.
- Of the 1,412 opioid overdoses in Clark County between 2018 and 2022:
- 65% were men
- Over half were white
- 24% were Hispanic
- 17% were Black
- 3% were Asian
- From 2022 to 2023, there was a significant increase in fentanyl-related overdose mortalities among people 45 to 64 years old.
- From 2022 to 2023, opioid overdose deaths decreased among women.
- The primary location for an opioid overdose death are residents’ homes, followed by public areas
Common Opioids & Prescribing Trends
Las Vegas has seen a substantial presence of synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, which are involved in a considerable proportion of overdose deaths.
In 2022, there were 317 opioid-related deaths in Clark County, highlighting a continuing crisis.
The misuse of prescription opioids, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, remains a key concern.
However, Clark County has experienced a notable decrease in opioid prescribing rates over recent years. This decline is consistent with statewide and national efforts to reduce opioid prescriptions in response to the opioid crisis.
The prescribing rate was approximately 50-55 prescriptions per 100 residents per year, down from higher rates in previous years. This reduction reflects efforts to implement stricter prescribing guidelines and increase awareness among healthcare providers about the risks of opioid dependence and misuse.
The prevalence of prescription opioids, alongside illicit drugs like heroin, exacerbates the issue. In particular, fentanyl—a powerful synthetic opioid—has become increasingly involved in overdose incidents, often without users' knowledge, due to its potency and prevalence in the illegal drug market. This mix of legal and illegal opioid use complicates public health responses and emphasizes the need for comprehensive treatment and prevention strategies.
State Funds & Resource Allocation
Las Vegas has leveraged multiple funding streams and initiatives to tackle the opioid crisis locally. A significant portion of this funding has come from federal sources, including the State Opioid Response (SOR) grants, which provided Nevada with approximately $16 million.
This funding supports the expansion of:
- MAT programs
- Harm reduction services
- Recovery support programs
- Naloxone distribution and access
In addition, local initiatives have benefited from targeted federal funding, such as the $50,000 CARA Local Drug Crises grant awarded to the PACT Coalition for Safe and Drug Free Communities in Las Vegas.
This grant focuses on preventing opioid and other substance misuse among young people, particularly those at heightened risk due to the social and economic stressors exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moreover, Nevada's state and local governments have implemented educational campaigns and supported mental health services in schools, further aided by $950,000 in federal funds aimed at supporting students' mental health and recovery from substance abuse. These comprehensive efforts demonstrate a strong commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges of the opioid crisis in Las Vegas, combining prevention, treatment, and recovery support with strategic use of federal and state resources.
Resource & Support Groups in Las Vegas
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in Las Vegas
- SMART Recovery in Las Vegas
- Desert Hope Treatment Center
- Offers a comprehensive approach to addiction recovery, including MAT with medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone
- Address: 2465 E Twain Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89121
- Seven Hills Hospital
- Provides specialized care for opioid addiction, including medically supervised detox and residential treatment
- Address: 3201 W Horizon Ridge Pkway, Henderson, NV 89052
- The Nestled Recovery Center
- A residential facility offering personalized care for opioid addiction, including detox and comprehensive treatment
- Address: 2860 S Bronco St, Las Vegas, NV 89146
- CrossRoads of Southern Nevada
- Specializes in MAT and offers a range of addiction treatment services, including residential and outpatient programs
- Address: 2121 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Frequently Asked Questions
If you do not have insurance, the cost can vary based on the prescribed dose. Patients unable to afford buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) (regardless of insurance coverage) can apply for cost-assistance. The company that makes Suboxone offers this type of program to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. To learn more, go to: inSupport program.
You can also get discounted buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) using pharmacy coupons or cash prizes. If you go to the GoodRx website (goodrx.com), you can enter in your zip code and find coupons and discounts at your pharmacy of choice. (On average, if you use GoodRx coupons/discounts, you can slash the typical price of generic Suboxone film from $395 to $118).
Before you are prescribed buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), you will need to undergo an initial medical evaluation so that the doctor can ensure that it is an appropriate medication for you, though this does not require an in-person visit and can be done via telehealth (with video or telephone).
Once you have completed this assessment, the doctor will send a prescription to your preferred pharmacy. So, yes! You can find a licensed buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) provider online and they can get you started on it via telehealth services without any in-person appointments.
- Buprenorphine/naloxone (Subxone) which is available in outpatient clinics (at your primary care doctor’s office or a psychiatrist’s office)
- Naloxone (Vivitrol) which is available in outpatient clinics (at your primary care doctor’s office or a psychiatrist’s office)
- Methadone, which is available only through methadone clinics
If you are interested in Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) offered entirely through telehealth services, visit bicyclehealth.com. To get help on finding other treatment options and levels of care (such as inpatient programs, intensive outpatient programs/IOPs, residential programs, and methadone clinics), call the SAMHSA helpline at:
1-800-662-HELP (4357).
