Key Takeaways:
- Missouri overdose deaths have dropped steadily since the 2022 peak, but opioids still drive most fatalities, and fentanyl remains present in many deaths.
- Risk is higher with polysubstance use, especially opioids plus benzodiazepines, and when people use alone at home, often with overlapping mental health needs.
- Continued progress depends on prevention education, wider naloxone access, and treatment that includes co-occurring care plus strong aftercare and community support.
Missouri’s opioid and overdose death trends have changed substantially in the most recent data. After reaching a recent peak of 2,180 fatal drug overdoses in 2022, opioids remained the main driver (with opioids involved in a large share of deaths, and fentanyl appearing in most opioid deaths).
Since then, the state has seen consecutive annual declines. A University of Missouri–St. Louis’ analysis using Missouri DHSS data reported 1,948 overdose deaths in 2023, followed by 1,450 in 2024 (a 26% decrease). In the same report, opioid-related deaths fell to 910 in 2024 (down 36%), the lowest opioid-related total since 2016.
Early 2025 figures suggest the decline continued, with 629 overdose deaths from January through June 2025, compared with 850 in the same period of 2024 and 1,048 in the same period of 2023, while fentanyl still appears in most fatalities.
This sustained decrease reinforces the importance of ongoing prevention education and expanded access to evidence-based treatment to keep the momentum going and protect more lives.
Drug Abuse Statistics
Almost 75 percent of those who fatally overdosed had a history of substance abuse, about 23 percent had a mental illness diagnosis, and about 14 percent had previously overdosed. These patterns reflect what many clinicians see across Missouri substance use treatment programs, which is that overdose risk often increases when substance use and mental health conditions overlap. Postmortem testing continues to reveal that many overdose victims have multiple substances of abuse in their systems, with benzodiazepines being the most prevalent. When opioids and benzodiazepines are used together, overdose risk can rise sharply, making early intervention and safer prescribing practices especially important.
Statistics show most overdose deaths in Missouri take place in the person’s home, and about 40 percent happen when no one else is present.
State of Missouri data finds, “the opioid epidemic affects all genders, all races, and many age groups in both rural and urban Missouri communities.” That includes communities across Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, and smaller rural counties. In the years surveyed, individuals aged 25-44 had the highest rates of overdose deaths.
For many households, that age range represents parents, caregivers, and working adults. This makes recovery resources and prevention efforts a statewide priority.
Missouri Department of Mental Health statistics reports approximately 943,000 Missourians (ages 12+) struggle with a substance use disorder. Of these,
- Approximately 54,000 are young people between the ages of 12 and 17.
- About 48,700 are veterans (about 14% of Missouri’s ~347,500 veterans, using the 2023 NSDUH national veteran SUD estimate).
- About 6,200 mothers reported marijuana use during pregnancy (about 9.0% of Missouri births in 2022), increasing the risk for babies impacted by prenatal substance exposure, including withdrawal-related complications.
Although opioid prescriptions are declining in Missouri, 2023 data show clinicians dispensed about 47 opioid prescriptions per 100 residents (U.S. rate was ~43.0 per 100)
What Increases Overdose Risk in Missouri
Even within the broader opioid epidemic in Missouri, overdose risk often rises due to a mix of personal, environmental, and medical factors. realizing the “why” behind Missouri overdose patterns can help families respond earlier and choose the right level of care.
Common risk factors seen across Missouri:
- Using opioids with other depressants (especially benzodiazepines) can increase the chance of respiratory failure.
- Using alone at home creates a dangerous delay in rescue response, which lines up with the statistic that many overdoses occur privately.
- Previous overdose history can signal a higher future risk, especially without follow-up treatment and support.
- Untreated mental health symptoms (anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms) can drive relapse risk and ongoing use.
Practical ways overdose risk can be reduced:
- Keeping naloxone (Narcan) accessible and making sure more than one person knows how to use it.
- Choosing treatment that addresses mental health and substance use together, especially for people with a known diagnosis or long-standing symptoms.
- Planning for the “next step” after residential care, including structured extended care, outpatient support, and relapse prevention routines that fit real life.
Missouri Recovery Resources
Missouri has multiple state programs in place to address substance abuse and mental health problems and provide recovery resources for residents.
- Time 2 Act Missouri includes initiatives by state governmental agencies to provide an integrated, comprehensive plan to allocate resources to fight the state opioid crisis and other crises. Access Time 2 Act to learn how each agency is providing resources to fight substance use and mental health disorders, food insecurity, poverty, and more.
- The Missouri Department of Mental Health provides crisis assistance, help to find treatment, and other resources to assist youth, adolescents, and adults with substance use or mental health disorders. The Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) will help residents access quality services that can help patients and families.
Check the DBH website for information on mental health and substance abuse services, and medication-assisted treatment. Contact DBH by calling (573) 751-4942 or (800) 575-7480 or e-mail. The DBH also provides crisis hotlines for different regions in the state.
Visit the DBH Directory of Adult Substance Use Treatment programs or the Directory of Adolescent Substance Use Treatment programs for resources in your county.
- The Comprehensive Substance Treatment and Rehabilitation (CSTAR) program provides resources to combine clinical and supportive services for those seeking recovery, which may include temporary living accommodations. CSTAR offers specialized programs for adult men and women, women and their children, adolescents, medication-assisted treatment for opioid recovery, and a program for residents without Medicaid.
- The Missouri Overdose Rescue and Education (MORE) project works to reduce the number of opioid-involved deaths in Missouri by offering training and supplies of Narcan (naloxone) to first responders, especially in rural areas, high schools, colleges and universities, public libraries, and YMCAs throughout the state. Individuals and organizations can request a free supply of Narcan by completing and emailing the required forms.
Naloxone can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose if administered quickly. To date, the timely administration of naloxone has saved the lives of 5,609 Missourians. Residents can buy naloxone with or without a prescription at most pharmacies. Call MoNetwork at 844-732-3587 for information.
- Safer Drug Use and Risk Reduction program helps those currently using drugs to reduce their risk of infection, blood-borne diseases, and overdose.
- Missouri Opioid-Heroin Overdose Prevention and Education (MO-HOPE) project offers educational programs geared toward raising public awareness regarding overdose prevention, the benefits of naloxone, and how to access treatment resources. Visit the website to report an overdose, request training, or request naloxone.
- Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to learn how to find a quality treatment program for substance use disorders. SAMHSA provides recommendations on how to access care, five signs of a quality treatment program, and offers a treatment locator tool.
Overdose Safety Plan for Missouri Households
Because many overdose deaths in Missouri happen at home and sometimes when someone is alone, having a simple plan can make a real difference.
A safety plan usually includes three parts:
- A small response kit that stays easy to access
- A shared plan for who calls, who administers naloxone, and where supplies are kept
- A follow-up step (medical care + treatment connection) after the emergency passes
| What to Keep Ready | Why It Helps | How to Use It |
| Naloxone (Narcan / naloxone kit) | Reverses opioid overdose effects when given quickly | Keep it in an easy-to-reach place and make sure more than one person knows where it is. |
| Emergency contacts list | Speeds up decisions during a high-stress moment | Include 911, local crisis lines, a trusted family contact, and a treatment resource number. |
| Clear step-by-step instructions | Helps people act fast instead of freezing | Write short steps: “Call 911 → Give naloxone → Stay with the person → Monitor breathing.” |
| Phone charger/backup battery | Supports fast calling and follow-up communication | Keep a charger near the kit so a dead phone never slows down response time. |
| Medical info card (if available) | Helps responders understand risks and history | List allergies, medications, and key health conditions in plain language. |
| A “next step” plan after an emergency | Reduces the risk of another crisis soon after | “After stabilization, call DBH / a treatment provider to discuss same-week care options.” |
Many families feel relief after a crisis passes, then feel stuck about what comes next, so building the “next step” into the plan can help recovery start sooner
Whole-Person Care That Supports Lasting Change
At Midwest Recovery Centers, we believe the extended care treatment model provides a safe, transformative, client-centered, and cost-effective recovery process from alcohol and drug use. For people looking for addiction treatment in Missouri, extended care can offer more time to stabilize, build coping skills, and strengthen relapse prevention strategies.
We are guided by our dedication, integrity, and the belief that the disease of addiction is a treatable disease and the persons suffering from it can recover and live healthy, fulfilling lives.
Our staff members are highly educated in both addiction recovery and naturopathic remedies. Therapists have advanced training in addiction treatment, and recovery support staff are always available to guide each client through the recovery process. Many of the support staff have walked the addiction recovery path and are uniquely qualified to inspire those on the journey.
Studies have found that an integrated approach that simultaneously treats mental health and substance abuse issues delivers the most successful outcomes. Because many recovering addicts struggle with both a substance use disorder and one or more mental disorders, Midwest Recovery Centers recognizes the need to treat co-occurring disorders simultaneously.
Services Midwest Recovery Centers Offers
At Midwest Recovery Centers, our services are built to support people at different stages of recovery, with options for both substance use and primary mental health care. We focus on structured, clinically supported treatment that meets people where they are, whether they need detox, residential care, longer-term stability, or outpatient support.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment Track
Our substance-use track follows a phase-based model designed for stability first, then long-term recovery support:
- Medical Detox + Residential (first 30 days): This initial period focuses on safety, stabilization, and building early recovery momentum.
- Phase 1 (about 60 days): A longer, highly structured level of care that continues the inpatient-style support. Housing is included in Phase 1.
- Phase 2 (up to 9 months, based on need): Extended recovery support with continued structure. Housing is included in Phase 2 as well.
Community IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program)
Community IOP can be a fit for people who want treatment but aren’t able to commit to the longer-term housing component. It offers a structured therapy schedule while allowing clients to stay connected to work, school, or family responsibilities.
Community IOP offers medical oversight, which can include medication management, psychiatric evaluations, TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation), and long-acting injectables (LAIs) support when clinically appropriate.
Mental Health Treatment Options
For clients seeking support focused on mental health, Midwest Recovery Centers also offers:
- Residential Mental Health Program (around 45 days): Designed for primary mental health conditions beyond only co-occurring cases with structured, tailored tracks.
- Outpatient mental health services: Available as a standalone option or as a step-down after residential treatment, depending on a client’s needs.
Co-Occurring Disorders Support
Many people experience both addiction and mental health symptoms. Midwest Recovery Centers treats co-occurring disorders in a shared model, supporting clients with integrated care rather than splitting treatment into separate silos.
Family Program
Because recovery affects more than one person, Midwest Recovery Centers offers family education and support, including:
Virtual: Substance Use Disorder Family Programming
- Thursdays | 6:30–8:00 PM (CST)
Virtual: Family Program for Mental Health
- 3rd Thursday of the month | 8:00 PM (CST)
In-Person: Family Education Aftercare Session
- 1st Wednesday of the month | 7:00 PM
- Main Outpatient Campus: 13340 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO 64145
Aftercare Support
Midwest Recovery Centers’ aftercare planning is designed to support long-term sobriety with structured check-ins, therapy support, relapse-prevention planning, and community-based recovery guidance.
Get Help That Fits Your Life
When you’re ready for real support, having the right team makes all the difference.
Contact Midwest Recovery Centers today to start your recovery journey.
FAQs
1. Have overdose deaths decreased in Missouri?
Yes. After peaking in 2022, overdose deaths declined in 2023 and 2024, with early 2025 data suggesting the downward trend is continuing.
2. What role does fentanyl play in Missouri overdose deaths?
Fentanyl appears in most opioid-related overdose deaths and remains a major factor despite overall declines in total fatalities.
3. Who is most affected by overdose deaths in Missouri?
Adults ages 25 to 44 experience the highest overdose death rates, though the epidemic impacts all genders, races, and both rural and urban communities.
4. What increases someone’s risk of overdose?
Risk rises with polysubstance use, especially opioids combined with benzodiazepines, prior overdose history, untreated mental health conditions, and using alone.
5. How can Missouri families reduce overdose risk?
Keeping naloxone accessible, creating a household safety plan, seeking integrated treatment for mental health and substance use, and planning structured aftercare can reduce future risk.