There have been greater than 100,000 drug overdoses within the US 2021, following a disturbing pattern of elevated overdose deaths 12 months over 12 months.
Between over a 12-month interval, greater than 103,000 overdose deaths had been recorded within the US, in accordance with the Nationwide Heart for Well being Statistics, which is a part of the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. That is per preliminary studies launched final fall.
Nonetheless, the variety of predicted overdose deaths in 2021 now exceeds 107,000, in accordance with the NCHS information. That is a few 15% improve from 2020.
About 93,000 overdose deaths had been recorded in 2020, a few 28% improve from the earlier 12 months.
Opioids are the main reason behind overdose deaths, with 77,766 opioid overdoses recorded in 2021. Artificial opioids, like fentanyl, are the second-leading reason behind overdose deaths, with 68,303 recorded within the US in 2021. The report got here out at some point after the primary Fentanyl Consciousness Day, established by the US Drug Enforcement Administration.
Traditionally, fentanyl deaths had been concentrated within the 28 states east of the Mississippi River, the place the heroin market has been primarily dominated by white powder heroin. However NCHS information from 2020 exhibits 10 western states had the most important improve in artificial opioid deaths – 98%.
Will increase in artificial opioid overdose deaths had been constant in different areas in 2020 as effectively.
Consultants consider the COVID-19 pandemic pandemic is partially guilty for the rise in drug use. Many drug customers turned socially remoted, had been unable to get remedy or different assist and fentanyl turned extra prevalent within the illicit drug provide through the pandemic.
The CDC warns that substance use issues can even improve the severity of sickness from COVID-19 in an contaminated individual.
Caitlin O’Kane
