A New study has unveiled stark realities about addiction across the United States, identifying the most prevalent concerns as alcoholism and porn addiction. Conducted by Snuzzer, the research analyzed over 150 search terms related to various addictions to understand what Americans are seeking help for online. Using data from Google searches, the study calculated the average monthly searches per 100,000 residents in each state, offering a clear picture of where these addictions are most and least prevalent.
Taking reference from Snuzzer’s report, we’ve compiled a list of the most and least states grappling with addiction issues, revealing the geographical disparities in the search for help and recovery.
Here are the states with the highest instances of searches related to addition.
Florida
- Average monthly searches per 100K residents: 812
Florida tops the list for addiction-related searches per 100,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the national average of 529. As per the Florida Addiction Statistics of 2024, the rate of marijuana use among those over 12 years old saw an increase from 2017 to 2019, with an average annual percentage of 14.6% (approximately 2.7 million people). This high volume of searches and substance abuse data indicates a widespread struggle with addiction issues among Floridians.
Arizona
- Average monthly searches per 100K residents: 713
Arizona state ranks high for addiction-related searches among its residents, driven by significant issues with both drug and alcohol abuse. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, the state has experienced a substantial number of opioid overdose deaths, with nearly 1,927 fatalities reported in 2022 alone. Methamphetamine is another major concern, affecting a considerable portion of the population, as per the Arizona Drug Threat Assessment.
Texas
- Average monthly searches per 100K residents: 691
Texas stands out for its high volume of addiction-related searches, indicating a significant struggle with substance abuse and behavioral addictions among its residents. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Texas residents consumed 2.41 gallons of alcohol per person aged 14 and older in 2020, slightly below the national average of 2.45 gallons per person. This combination of online search data and real-world statistics underscores the critical need for addiction support services in Texas.
Massachusetts
- Average monthly searches per 100K residents: 679
Massachusetts is experiencing significant addiction-related issues, leading to high search volumes for terms like ‘alcoholics anonymous’ and ‘porn addiction.’ The state’s residents are increasingly looking for help with alcohol and drug problems, as reflected in the Snuzzer data. In 2023, Massachusetts saw a decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths by 10% with a confirmed 2,125 deaths. The state also battles significant alcohol-related problems, with 21.
Illinois
- Average monthly searches per 100K residents: 676
Illinois is notable for its high number of addiction-related searches, reflecting the struggles many of its residents face with substance abuse and behavioral addictions. Illinois averages one death from excessive alcohol use for every 2,487 adults, or 5.17 deaths per 10,000 adults, with many of these deaths resulting from chronic causes like Alcohol Use Disorder. Google searches for terms like ‘alcoholics anonymous’ and ‘porn addiction symptoms’ are particularly high, indicating a widespread need for support and resources as per Snuzzer’s recent data.
Here are the states with the lowest search frequencies for addiction-related terms suggesting different regional challenges or awareness levels.
Mississippi
- Average monthly searches per 100K residents: 346
Mississippi is least known for internet searches of addiction-related issues among its residents. According to the study by Snuzzer, Mississippi residents’ monthly searches per 100,000 people for addiction help is 35% below the national average of 529. This lower rate of online searches suggests that either fewer residents are seeking help for addiction online or they may be accessing support through other means, highlighting a distinct contrast in how addiction issues are addressed compared to states with higher search volumes.
West Virginia
- Average monthly searches per 100K residents: 383
West Virginia stands out as one of the states least known for addiction-related internet searches among its residents. West Virginia’s search rate is 28% lower than the national average of 529 searches per 100,000 residents. This relatively low level of online activity regarding addiction issues suggests a different landscape in West Virginia compared to states like Florida. This unique trend makes West Virginia an interesting case study in the broader analysis of addiction concerns across America.
Idaho
- Average monthly searches per 100K residents: 385
Idaho stands out as one of the states least known for internet searches related to addiction issues among its residents. Monthly searches per 100,000 residents, Idaho’s rate is 27% below the national average. This lower level of search activity suggests that fewer Idahoans are seeking online help for addiction. This could indicate a combination of lower incidence rates or possibly different avenues of seeking support within the state.
Wyoming
- Average monthly searches per 100K residents: 388
Wyoming stands out as the state with the fewest internet searches related to addiction issues among its residents. According to Snuzzer’s study, Wyoming’s search volume for terms like ‘alcoholics anonymous’ and ‘porn addiction symptoms’ is significantly lower than the national average. The state’s smaller population and more dispersed communities might contribute to less online activity around these topics.
Montana
- Average monthly searches per 100K residents: 392
Montana is one of the least known states for internet searches related to addiction issues among its residents. Despite the national concern over addictions, including alcoholism and porn addiction. Montana’s average monthly search rates remain remarkably low. Snuzzer data indicates that Montana has lower rates of substance abuse compared to all the other states described above. Hence, it underscores Montana’s relatively lower visibility in the realm of online addiction support searches.