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For many Americans, the notion of drug cartels is little more than character fodder for the plot of a crime movie. For those living in Texas, however, the influx of heroin into the state is a very real problem and can be traced, in part, to the activity of Mexican drug cartels.
Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration working in the Laredo area have noted an increased number of seizures involving heroin or opioids related to gang activity, likely connected with cartels and drugs moving across the border.
DEA Makes Largest Seizure of Meth and Heroin in Dallas, TX History in October of 2020
A recent report from January of 2021 states that the United States Drug Enforcement Administration launched an investigation following the seizure of about 1,950 pounds of meth and heroin that was being smuggled in the bed of a refrigerated tractor-trailer. Authorities discovered the drugs after making a traffic stop on October 8, 2020.1
This massive seizure of meth and heroin is significant and demonstrates the ongoing threat to Texas communities. If not discovered, these drugs would have been transported and distributed to various locations in Texas and elsewhere. According to the report, this seizure accounts for approximately $45 million of revenue denied from these organizations based on retail sales.
Resurgence in Heroin Use in Texas
The entire nation has seen a significant rise in the use of heroin that has ignited concern and action from politicians, federal and state agencies and local law enforcement. In just over 10 years, the number of heroin users increased by over 200,000 (119,000 in 2003 to 330,000 in 2014), according to government surveys.
Heroin represents only a small percentage of the overall drug problem in the United States, but its use is growing at a faster rate than all others. Various theories have been proposed to explain the resurgence of the drug, but there is a general consensus that the prescription painkiller epidemic has contributed to the increase in heroin use.
According to field division reports by the DEA, the demand for heroin in Texas has followed the national trend. With supplies up and costs down, reported incidents involving exposure to heroin ranged from 181 in 1998 to a high of 307 in 2013.
Texas poison control centers reported that the number of calls involving heroin was 307 in 2013, up from 181 in 1998. In cases of fatal heroin poisoning or overdose, the average age of the victim was 36 in 2013 compared to 41 in 2005.
Heroin Use Among Young Adults
A key finding for drug abuse trends in Texas during 2014 was the increase of heroin use among teenagers and young adults. A survey of students in participating secondary schools showed that 3.3 percent of this population had used heroin at least once in their lifetime. This peak among younger users was not a steady climb, but the percentage was higher than previously recorded data:
- 2001 – 3 percent
- 2005 – 3 percent
- 2007 – 2.4 percent
- 2009 – 2.1 percent
A large part of this trend toward younger heroin users in Texas is linked to increasing student use of the drug. Although the proportion of Texas secondary students reporting lifetime use of heroin actually dropped from 2.4 percent in 1998 to 1.1 percent in 2012, there was an increase of 1.2 percent in reports among Texas high school students.
Deaths from Heroin Overdose
One of the most disturbing aspects of heroin addiction is the potency of the drug and the potential for fatal overdose. The Texas Department of State Health Services reported 371 heroin overdose deaths in Texas in 2012 compared to 111 deaths in 1999.
As one might expect from increasing usage among the younger population, the average age of people dying from a heroin overdose also has declined from 41 years old in 2005 to 36 in 2013. The proportion of heroin treatment admissions who were younger than 30 rose from 41 percent in 2005 to 52 percent in 2013, while the proportion of older clients entering treatment with heroin as the primary problem decreased correspondingly.
Treatment for Heroin Addiction is Available
These trends and findings regarding heroin use are certainly troubling, but treatment and rehabilitation options are available for those struggling with heroin addiction.
Nova Recovery Center has four different locations in Texas that offer outstanding programs, including inpatient and inpatient detox, residential rehab, intensive outpatient rehab in Austin, Texas, and other services. Nova’s programs provide an individualized continuum of care specifically designed for the highest possible outcomes for long-term sobriety. After rehab, our staff can also help you enroll in an Austin sober living home, if you desire.
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Texas Heroin Overdose Deaths: Current Statistics
Understanding the scope of heroin use in Texas requires examining the most recent verified data from authoritative public health sources. The following statistics provide a clear picture of heroin-related overdose trends in the state.
Heroin Overdose Deaths in Texas (2022)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Texas reported 1,089 heroin-involved overdose deaths in 2022. This represents a continued concern for public health officials, though the rate has fluctuated in recent years as synthetic opioids like fentanyl have become more prevalent in the drug supply. Source: CDC WONDER Database, 2022
National Context: Heroin Deaths Nationwide (2022)
The CDC reported approximately 5,871 heroin-involved overdose deaths across the United States in 2022. While heroin deaths have declined nationally compared to peak years (2016-2017), the contamination of heroin supplies with fentanyl continues to drive overall opioid mortality. Texas accounts for approximately 18.5% of the national heroin death total. Source: CDC National Vital Statistics System, 2022
Texas Opioid Prescription Rates (2023)
Texas had an opioid prescribing rate of 40.5 prescriptions per 100 persons in 2023, according to the CDC. While prescription rates have declined significantly from their 2012 peak, the relationship between prescription opioid access and heroin initiation remains a critical prevention focus. Research shows that individuals who misuse prescription opioids are 40 times more likely to develop heroin use disorder. Source: CDC Opioid Prescribing Rate Maps, 2023
Heroin Use Among Young Adults in Texas (2021-2022)
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimated that 0.21% of Texans aged 18-25 reported past-year heroin use in the 2021-2022 survey period. This translates to approximately 6,000 young adults in this age group. Early intervention and evidence-based treatment are critical for this vulnerable population. Source: SAMHSA NSDUH State Estimates, 2021-2022
Why These Statistics Matter for Recovery
These verified statistics underscore the ongoing need for accessible, evidence-based addiction treatment in Texas. At Nova Recovery Center, we provide comprehensive drug detox services in Austin and specialized addiction therapy designed to address opioid use disorder, including heroin addiction.
Our treatment approach combines:
- Medical detoxification with 24/7 monitoring to safely manage withdrawal symptoms
- Evidence-based therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-informed care
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when clinically appropriate
- Comprehensive aftercare planning to support long-term recovery
If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin use, professional help is available. Contact Nova Recovery Center at (512) 893-6955 to speak with an admissions specialist about treatment options in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, or through our online intensive outpatient program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heroin Use Trends in Texas
What is the current heroin overdose death rate in Texas?
According to the CDC, Texas reported 1,089 heroin-involved overdose deaths in 2022, the most recent year for which complete data is available. This represents approximately 3.7 deaths per 100,000 population.
Has heroin use increased or decreased in Texas in recent years?
Heroin-specific deaths have declined modestly from peak years (2016-2017), but total opioid deaths remain elevated due to fentanyl contamination. The NSDUH data shows relatively stable rates of heroin use among young adults, with approximately 0.21% of 18-25 year olds reporting past-year use in 2021-2022.
How does Texas compare to other states for heroin overdose deaths?
Texas accounts for approximately 18.5% of all heroin-involved overdose deaths in the United States (1,089 of 5,871 national deaths in 2022). However, when adjusted for population, Texas has a lower per-capita heroin death rate than many northeastern and midwestern states.
What percentage of heroin overdoses involve fentanyl?
While the CDC does not publish state-specific co-involvement rates, national data indicates that approximately 85-90% of heroin deaths now also involve synthetic opioids like fentanyl. This contamination makes heroin use exponentially more dangerous than in previous decades.
Where can I find treatment for heroin addiction in Texas?
Nova Recovery Center provides evidence-based heroin addiction treatment at our inpatient facility in Austin and Wimberley, TX, as well as outpatient programs in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. We also offer telehealth intensive outpatient programs (IOP) accessible from anywhere in Texas. Call (512) 893-6955 for confidential admission information.
