Rising Oklahoma Cocaine Crisis: What the 2024 Drug Threat Assessment Reveals

This week, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBNDD) released its 2024 Drug Threat Assessment, a sobering 89-page report that paints a troubling picture of the evolving drug landscape across the state. While methamphetamine and fentanyl remain dominant concerns, a new and alarming trend has emerged: the resurgence of cocaine.

Historically, cocaine has played a secondary role in Oklahoma’s drug challenges. However, the latest OBNDD data shows that cocaine use, seizures, and related overdose deaths are on the rise. For those of us working in the fields of mental health and substance use awareness, this development signals the need for urgent attention and community response.

A Shift in the Substance Use Landscape

One of the most concerning findings from the report is the increasing prevalence of cocaine being used alongside or adulterated with fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid. This lethal combination significantly raises the risk of overdose, especially among individuals who may not know their cocaine is tainted.

The report notes that cocaine-related deaths are now climbing to levels not seen in more than a decade. In Oklahoma, where communities are already grappling with the fallout of fentanyl and methamphetamine, the addition of cocaine into the mix further complicates treatment and prevention efforts.

Mental Health and Cocaine Use

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant, and while it may offer a short-term euphoric effect, it can have devastating consequences on mental health. Repeated use can lead to anxiety, paranoia, depression, and in some cases, long-term cognitive and emotional dysregulation. When used in combination with other substances, especially opioids, those risks are amplified.

For individuals already living with mental health conditions, the introduction of cocaine or stimulant misuse can worsen symptoms and create new challenges for treatment and recovery. Additionally, many people struggling with substance use do not have access to adequate mental health care or resources.

What This Means for Our Communities

At its core, the OBNDD report is a call to action, not only for law enforcement but also for mental health professionals, educators, policymakers, and community leaders. It reminds us that substance use and mental health are deeply intertwined and that addressing one without the other is incomplete.

We urge community members and organizations to:

Educate: Share accurate, stigma-free information about cocaine use and its dangers.

Support: Encourage harm reduction strategies and connect individuals to mental health and addiction services.

Advocate: Push for greater funding for integrated mental health and substance use treatment programs.

Listen: Engage with those with lived experience and involve them in crafting solutions that work.

Final Thoughts

The rise of cocaine use in Oklahoma is not just a law enforcement issue, it’s a public health and mental health crisis. As we digest the findings from this week’s report, we must respond with empathy, evidence-based interventions, and a commitment to building healthier, more resilient communities.