The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) created the “There Is Another Way” campaign to reduce prescription opioid misuse across the state. The campaign focuses on educating patients and caregivers about safer pain management choices and promoting alternatives to opioids. By raising awareness, NMDOH hopes to build a new generation of well-informed individuals who understand the risks of opioid misuse and know that safer options exist.
To reach people, the campaign uses a mix of community events, school programs, radio ads, and online outreach. These efforts not only highlight the dangers of prescription opioid misuse but also provide information on how to recognize, prevent, and treat opioid misuse.
Fortunately, New Mexico has seen a decrease in drug overdose deaths throughout the state for the second consecutive year since 2021. However, while progress has been made, the problem remains serious. In 2023, fentanyl was linked to 65% of overdose deaths, and methamphetamine was involved in 51%.
Alcohol misuse is also a major concern. According to a 2023 report from the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee, the state has the highest alcohol-related death rate in the nation and ranked sixth in drug overdose deaths in 2021. During the pandemic, these numbers rose sharply: between 2019 and 2021, alcohol-related deaths increased by 31% (with 2,274 deaths in 2021), while overdose deaths jumped 68% (1,029 deaths in 2021).
To combat these challenges, New Mexico has invested heavily in behavioral health and addiction treatment. The state spends about $800 million each year on the Medicaid behavioral health program, which is the primary source of funding for substance use treatment. In addition, another $246 million annually goes toward behavioral health services, including substance use care, through agencies that are part of the state’s Behavioral Health Collaborative.
