Last Updated on August 18, 2025
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According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, as of 2021, Texas’s drug poisoning death rate reached 15.8 per 100,000 people—an increase of more than 75% since 2017. While other states across the U.S. also grapple with rapidly increasing opioid overdose deaths, the need for high-quality addiction treatment remains urgent.
At the same time, Americans are filling far fewer opioid prescriptions than they once did. Between 2011 and 2020, opioid prescriptions in the U.S. declined by 44.4%, including a 6.9% drop from 2019 to 2020. Despite this decline in prescribing, opioid-related overdose deaths have continued to rise—largely fueled by illicit synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Although fewer opioid prescriptions are being filled, many Americans are still abusing prescription opioids and illegal opioid drugs like heroin and fentanyl, putting themselves at risk for overdose and death.
Texas Opioid Statistics
Heroin overdose deaths in Texas more than doubled between 2007 and 2017—from 214 to 569 deaths. Synthetic opioid (mainly fentanyl) deaths tripled in that same period—from 118 to 348 deaths
In 2015, Texas providers wrote approximately 64 opioid prescriptions per 100 persons, equating to around 17.7 million prescriptions.
As of 2015, estimates indicate 584,196 individuals in Texas were living with chronic Hepatitis C (95% CI: 357,098–1,313,077).
Texas’s HCV prevalence is approximately 2.06%, notably higher than the U.S. average
Drug overdose deaths (all substances) in Harris County soared by nearly 75% from 673 in 2018 to 1,177 in 2022, with fentanyl-related deaths increasing nearly 490% .
In Travis County (Austin), initiatives funded in 2024 helped reduce opioid-related deaths by 22% (from 486 to 380) and fentanyl-related deaths by 36% (from 279 to 179) .
Statewide, drug overdose deaths in Texas fell nearly 14% in 2024, aligning with national trends
Causes of Opioid Overdoses
There are several different causes of opioid overdoses in America, including the abuse of heroin, natural and semi-synthetic opioids, methadone, synthetic opioids, and prescription opioids. Here’s how the numbers break down, according to 2023 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths (2016 CDC Data) | Number of Deaths (2023 Updated CDC Data) |
|---|
| Overdose deaths involving any opioid | 42,249 | ~79,358 |
| Overdose deaths involving heroin | 15,469 | ~3,984 |
| Natural & semi-synthetic opioids | 14,487 | Included in “prescription opioids” (~13,026) |
| Methadone | 3,373 | Included in above (~13,026) |
| Synthetic opioids other than methadone | 19,413 | ~72,776 |
| Prescription opioids (combined categories) | 18,893* | ~13,026** |
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Why is Opioid Addiction Increasing?
There are several different factors that contribute to the increasing prevalence of opioid addiction. They are:
- Overprescribing of pain medication: Many people become addicted after receiving a prescription for opioid painkillers from their doctor. Although there are often other treatment options and medications for pain, such as meloxicam (sold under the brand name Mobic), some doctors may prescribe strong prescription opioids instead. The long-term use of these medications can lead to substance abuse problems, physical dependence, and addiction.
- Fentanyl-laced drugs: Fentanyl has certainly made its mark on the opioid crisis, with the majority of overdose deaths being caused by this synthetic opioid drug. A tiny dose of fentanyl can be nearly 50 times more powerful than heroin, and many dealers and drug manufacturers are lacing cocaine and other drugs with various amounts of fentanyl. This drastically increases the risk of overdose and death among drug users.
- Abusing opioids with other substances: Many drug abusers mix opioids with other substances like alcohol, cocaine, or prescription drugs, which causes unpredictable and potentially deadly side effects.
- Increased abuse of synthetic opioids: Synthetic opioids like fentanyl, carfentanil, U-47700, and other similar substances are being found in drugs like heroin and many users are completely unaware. Synthetic opioids mimic the effects of other opioid drugs, but researchers are still unsure of how many of them work and the long-term effects they have on the body.
Signs of Opioid Overdose
In 2016, opioid-involved overdose deaths totaled 42,249. In 2024, those numbers fell sharply to an estimated 54,743, reflecting a nearly 27% decline from 2023. Nevertheless, the opioid crisis remains dire—making it more critical than ever for loved ones to recognize the signs of overdose and act swiftly.
If a friend or a loved one is experiencing an opioid overdose, here are some of the physical signs you can look for.5
- Vomiting
- Choking sounds
- Being awake but unresponsive
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Bluish purple skin (among lighter-skinned people) or grayish skin (among darker-skinned people)
- Limpness
- Purplish fingernails and lips
- Pale, clammy face
- Slow or erratic heartbeat
If you think your loved one is overdosing on opioids, you should call 911 immediately.
An Opioid Crisis in Texas: How to Get Help for Opioid Addiction
The statistics are clear: opioid addiction is a serious disease with deadly consequences. Every U.S. state is experiencing the effects of opioid addiction and the opioid epidemic in Texas is no exception. If you or someone you know is addicted to opioids, he or she should seek professional treatment immediately.
Texas Opioid Detox
Medically-assisted Texas opioid detox is the first step in the addiction treatment process and is typically how a comprehensive addiction treatment program should begin. Detox should never be attempted at home, as the withdrawal process can be very unpredictable and dangerous. Completing this process at a detox center is the safest and most comfortable way to overcome a physical addiction.
Once detox is completed, a long-term drug rehab program can provide the structure, support, and behavioral therapy needed to overcome the psychological addiction. Some opioid addicts will be resistant to treatment and many are slow to even admit that they have a problem. Conducting a well-planned intervention may help a loved one see the extent of their substance use problem and commit to enrolling in rehab.
Long-Term Opioid Treatment in Texas
Nova Recovery Center provides 90-day drug rehab programs and opioid treatment in Texas for adults who are suffering from all kinds of drug and alcohol addictions. We also offer inpatient and outpatient programs, so you can find the right fit for you or your loved one’s lifestyle and treatment needs.
If you’re ready to talk to someone about getting help for an opioid addiction or you need intervention assistance, call (512) 309-5692 and one of our admissions specialists will gladly help you get started.
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