Organ Mountain News report

SANTA FE - Drug overdose deaths in New Mexico have declined for the second straight year, according to mortality data from the New Mexico Department of Health.

The state recorded 948 overdose deaths in 2023, an 8% decrease from the peak of 1,029 deaths in 2021. In 2022, 997 overdose deaths were reported.

“These decreases are welcome news, but there is still much more to do to reduce the problem of substance misuse in New Mexico,” said NMDOH Interim Secretary Gina DeBlassie. “Substance misuse is a multifaceted and complex public health issue, and we need to continue to aggressively attack this problem.”

Key data points

• Substances involved:
  • Fentanyl was linked to 65% of overdose deaths in 2023.
  • Methamphetamine involvement remained high, contributing to 51% of cases.
• Demographics:
  • Adults aged 25-64 accounted for 84% of overdose deaths.
  • The highest proportion (26%) occurred among those aged 35-44.
  • Fewer than ten overdose deaths were reported among individuals under 15 or over 75 years old.
• Regional impact:
  Counties with both a high number of overdose deaths (more than 20) and rates exceeding the statewide age-adjusted rate of 46.3 deaths per 100,000 population included Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Rio Arriba and San Miguel.

While the decline in overdose deaths is notable, state health officials emphasized the ongoing challenges posed by substance misuse, particularly the prevalence of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

For more information, visit the New Mexico Department of Health website.