Substance use is a serious concern in Connecticut, driven largely by fentanyl, though overdose deaths have been declining in recent years. Key figures:

• 33.3 drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people in 2023, above the national rate, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
• About 85% of overdose deaths involved fentanyl in 2020 through 2023.
• 1,452 unintentional drug overdose deaths in 2022.
• Overdose deaths have been declining since 2022, a downward trend continuing into 2024.
• Deaths rose 306% from 2012 to 2022 before the recent decline.
• Fentanyl involvement rose from 80% in 2019 to 85% in recent years.

Connecticut’s crisis peaked recently and has begun to ease. After a 306% rise in overdose deaths from 2012 to 2022, the state has seen a downward trend since, even as fentanyl remains involved in the large majority of deaths.

Connecticut expanded Medicaid in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act, and its Medicaid program (HUSKY Health) covers substance use disorder treatment. The state’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) oversees addiction services. Of the 158 facilities listed below, 144 accept Medicaid.