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New Mexico mortality data show a decrease in drug overdose deaths statewide for the second consecutive year since 2021, and the 2023 suicide death numbers declined significantly from 2022 among women and Indigenous Peoples.
Source: New Mexico Department of Health (graphics via Facebook)
The two most prevalent statistics related to self-harm, suicide and overdose, both saw marked decreases in 2023. Below, please find the details of each as reported by the New Mexico Department of Health:
Overdose Rates Decline
Overdose deaths have declined 8% statewide since 2021 when the number of overdose deaths peaked at 1,029 deaths, according to data compiled by the epidemiology team at the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH).
In 2022, New Mexico had 997 overdose deaths. That number has fallen to 948 overdose deaths in 2023.
“These decreases are welcome news, but there is still much more to do to reduce the problem of substance misuse in New Mexico,” said NMDOH Interim Secretary Gina DeBlassie. “Substance misuse is a multifaceted and complex public health issue, and we need to continue to aggressively attack this problem.”
Fentanyl was involved in 65% of overdose deaths in 2023. Methamphetamine involvement also remains high and was involved in 51% of overdose deaths.
In 2023, most overdose deaths (84%) occurred among New Mexicans aged 25-64 years, with 26% of overdose deaths occurring in the 35-44 years age group.
Less than ten drug overdose deaths occurred among individuals younger than 15 years or older than 75 years.
Counties that had both a high number of overdose deaths (>20 deaths) and an overdose death rate greater than the statewide age-adjusted rate (46.3 deaths per 100,000 population) in 2023 include Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and San Miguel.
Suicide Rates Decline
New data released by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Center for Health Protection show the number of New Mexico women who died by suicide decreased 42% from 116 deaths in 2022 to 67 deaths in 2023. The number of New Mexico American Indian/Alaska Native residents, both male and female, who died by suicide decreased 43% from 77 deaths in 2022 to 44 deaths in 2023.
Overall, the New Mexico suicide death rate decreased 9% in 2023. While the 2023 decline is a positive sign, it does not yet indicate a sustained trend. The state’s suicide death rate is still 9% higher than it was a decade ago.
“Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting effects on communities,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH Chief Medical Officer. “Preventing suicide requires many strategies, but everyone can help by learning the warning signs, promoting prevention and working to foster healthy connections and safe environments.”
Continued efforts to prevent suicide deaths, particularly among men are needed. From 2022 to 2023, the statewide male suicide death rate has had no significant change.
According to the National Council for Suicide Prevention, risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely a person will attempt or die by suicide. They include:
- Alcohol and other substance use disorders.
- Mental illnesses.
- History of trauma or abuse.
- Family history of suicide
- Easy access to lethal means.
- Stigma or a sense of isolation associated with asking for help.
The National Council references the following protective factors:
- Accessible and affordable physical and behavioral health care.
- Connection to school, community and social institutions.
- Close relationships.
- Access to healthy meals.
- Reduced access to lethal means.
- Suicide Prevention Trainings.
If you or someone you know is struggling and needs help, please call or text New Mexico’s 988 Lifeline for 24/7 free and confidential emotional, mental health and substance use support. More information on the lifeline can be found online at https://988nm.org/.
Additional resources are available at the New Mexico Suicide Prevention Coalition website. Learn more about NMDOH’s work to prevent suicide deaths at NMDOH’s Office of Injury and Violence Prevention.
New Mexico 2023 suicide death numbers declined significantly from 2022 among women and Indigenous Peoples.
