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The Albuquerque metropolitan area has been significantly impacted by the opioid crisis, with higher rates of prescription opioid use compared to other parts of New Mexico. Between 2006 and 2008, individuals entering substance use disorder treatment in the Albuquerque metro area showed the highest rates of prescription opioid use in the state.
Fentanyl has emerged as the most significant synthetic opioid threat in Albuquerque. Local DEA officials have identified it as the top drug threat in the area. Fentanyl is often mixed with heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine, significantly increasing overdose risk.
The Albuquerque metro area faces significant challenges in addressing opioid use:
- Insufficient treatment resources, particularly for youth
- Long-term treatment needs for opioid addiction, similar to chronic illnesses like diabetes
- Increased demand from parents seeking help for their children across all social classes
Key Statistics on Opioid Use in Albuquerque
- Between 2006 and 2008, individuals entering treatment for substance use disorders in the Albuquerque metro area had the highest rates of prescription opioid use compared to other parts of New Mexico. These medications include oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine.
- Heroin continues to be prevalent in Albuquerque. In 2011, approximately 41% of individuals admitted to treatment in New Mexico for opioid use were specifically seeking help for heroin addiction.
Opioid Overdose Statistics in Albuquerque
- The opioid epidemic has led to a sharp increase in overdose deaths across the United States, including in New Mexico. Nationally, opioid-involved overdose deaths rose from 49,860 in 2019 to 81,806 in 2022. In 2017, the opioid-related overdose mortality rate for Native Americans was 16.2 deaths per 100,000, exceeding the national rate of 15.2 per 100,000.
- Albuquerque leads New Mexico in unintentional overdoses, highlighting the urban-rural divide in drug use. While 20.2% of people in larger metropolitan counties used illegal drugs. 5% of people in non-metropolitan, rural counties used illegal drugs. This difference underscores the concentration of opioid use in urban areas like Albuquerque.
- Rural areas often face higher rates of nonmedical prescription opioid morbidity and mortality. The Albuquerque metro area borders several Native American communities, necessitating collaborative efforts across jurisdictional boundaries.
Demographic Data & Insights
- Youth in New Mexico report higher rates of nonmedical prescription opioid use compared to those over 25, with an increasing proportion of heroin overdoses among younger populations.
- Economic deprivation increases the risk of fatal opioid overdoses, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in disadvantaged areas.
- Native American communities in the Albuquerque area require culturally sensitive approaches to prevention and treatment.
- Approximately 41% of individuals admitted for heroin or prescription opioid treatment in New Mexico were female
- 30% of those admitted were under 25 years old
- Hispanic and Latino populations were disproportionately affected, accounting for:
- 40% of all substance use treatment admissions
- 71% of heroin-related admissions
- 63% of opioid-related admissions
Common Opioids & Prescribing Trends
- The primary sources of opioids in Albuquerque include prescription opioids (30%), heroin (25%), fentanyl (35%), and counterfeit pills (10%).
- A growing concern in Albuquerque is the presence of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. These pills are often designed to look like authentic prescription medications, putting users at high risk of accidental overdose.
State Funds & Resource Allocation
Albuquerque and New Mexico have implemented several initiatives:
- Native American Outreach: The state’s program offers tailored behavioral health services to New Mexico’s Pueblos, Tribes, and Nations.
- Resource Development: Ongoing efforts to develop comprehensive resource guides for individuals seeking treatment.
- Interagency Communication: Prioritizing communication and referrals between agencies to improve overall response. Addressing these factors and leveraging local resources is essential for developing effective strategies to combat the opioid crisis in Albuquerque.
Resource & Support Groups in Albuquerque
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in Albuquerque
- SMART Recovery in Albuquerque
- Gateway to Recovery Project
- Targets homeless individuals with substance use disorders, offering links to transitional or recovery housing, peer recovery support services, and complementary strategies for long-term housing solutions
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).