Updated August 6th, 2025
Addiction and drug dependence affects thousands of adolescents and adults in the Austin, Texas area. Although many addicted people in Travis County are seeking treatment for their addiction(s), there are still many people who need help. Here are some of the most recent substance abuse trends and statistics in the Austin, Texas area.
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General Substance Abuse in Travis County:
- Recent health surveys suggest approximately 5–7% of Travis County adults exhibit signs of substance use disorder. For a population of ~1.3 million, this equates to 65,000–90,000 adults, consistent with the older 2012 estimate of 74,357.
- While specific local data is not available for parental misuse, children involved in child welfare systems across Texas often have high exposure to parental substance misuse, and local estimates remain close to historical trends (~75–80%).
- Travis County experienced 1,102 EMS overdose dispatches and 878 overdose-related ER visits in 2024—highlighting continued strain on emergency services.
- Updated information specific to eighth‑grade alcohol use trends within AISD is no longer publicly available. Earlier data (2000–2007) indicating ~24% frequent alcohol use among local students versus the statewide average remains the most recent published comparison.
- Specific percentages of suicides linked to drugs and alcohol are no longer broken out by Travis County in recent medical examiner reports. The former range of 8–15% lacks public confirmation in current data.
- As of recent years, it’s estimated that 60% of individuals booked into Travis County Jail meet criteria for substance use or intoxication-related issues, similar to older estimates and supported by Sobering Center diversion data
- Recent South Texas HIDTA seizure data broken out by marijuana has not been published. The previously reported 59% increase in 2010–09 seizures is not updated in current state or HIDTA reports.
- No updated local figure is available for heroin addicts under age 30 seeking treatment in recent years; the 2013 estimate (52%) remains the latest cited number.
Drug Overdoses in Travis County (when drugs and alcohol are mixed):
- There were 486 drug overdose deaths in Travis County in 2023, making it the leading cause of accidental death.
- Among those, 179 deaths involved fentanyl in 2024.
- In 2023, Travis County experienced 486 overdose deaths, the highest in county history and chief cause of accidental death:
- Opioids – 280–300 deaths (over 50% of total overdose deaths in 2023; decreased to 179 fentanyl deaths in 2024, a 36% drop)
- Benzodiazepines – 89 deaths (30%)
- Cocaine – 52 deaths (17%)
- Methamphetamine – Frequently present alongside fentanyl; over 50% of fentanyl-involved deaths also detected methamphetamine. Exact standalone death counts not publicly released.
Drunk Driving in Austin, Texas
- While official DUI arrest data for 2023 hasn’t been fully released, 2022 saw 2,554 arrests in Austin, or roughly 12 per day.
- In 2023, Travis County recorded 150 alcohol‑related traffic fatalities among a total of 198 motor vehicle deaths, meaning 27% involved alcohol.
- Statewide, around 42% of traffic fatalities were alcohol‑related in 2022; local figures remain slightly lower.
- DUI enforcement has declined in recent years due to staffing shortages and the disbanding of dedicated DWI units, contributing to fewer arrests.
Drug and Alcohol Detox at Briarwood Detox Center in Austin, Texas
If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction, the professional addiction treatment specialists at Briarwood Detox Center can help. Although you may be searching for detox centers in San Antonio, Dallas, or other Texas cities near your home, we invite you to broaden your search to include Briarwood Detox in Houston and Austin. We provide individualized drug and alcohol detox programs for men and women addicted to all substances. There’s no reason to wait any longer to start your recovery journey. Call Briarwood Detox Center today to learn more about our detox centers in Austin and Houston, Texas.
