Report: "Deaths of Despair" Decline Nationwide, but Still More Prevalent in Appalachia

The Daily Yonder

May 5, 2026

According to research done for the Appalachian Regional Commission, deaths associated with drug overdoses, alcohol, and suicide have been declining, but Appalachian deaths of despair remain 33% higher than those in the rest of the U.S. People born between 1981-1999 are among those most affected by deaths of despair.

Alcohol use · Appalachia · Behavioral health · Health disparities · Illicit drug use · Mental health · Mental health conditions · Mortality · Prescription drug misuse · Substance use and misuse · Suicide and suicide prevention