(RightWing.org) – Drugs continue to be a real problem in the US. Over the past two decades, the number of overdose deaths has increased five times over. In 2022, figures hit a new devastating record, with nearly 108,000 deaths. And, nearly 70% of those were attributed to fentanyl, the deadly synthetic opioid that is more than 100 times stronger than morphine. A provisional report is now highlighting just how dangerous it is.
CDC Report
On Thursday, March 21, the CDC released its final figures for drug overdoses for 2022. The tally was an astonishing 107,941 deaths, an approximate 1% growth from the year prior. Adding to the concern is that there was an increase of 4.1% in the deaths caused by synthetic opioids outside of methadone. This includes fentanyl analogs, fentanyl, and tramadol. Those attributed to cocaine, methamphetamine, methylphenidate, and amphetamine also increased.
The difference in the provisional vs final tallies is that estimates consider all deaths in the US, whereas the final figures include only US residents.
Broken Down by Demographics
The rate of overdose deaths in females declined, while that of males increased, sitting at approximately 70% now. There was some change in the age brackets, as well. For example, people aged 65 and older saw a 10% increase in the number of deaths.
There is some good news, though. For younger groups, those in the 15-24 and 25-34 age brackets, the rate of overdose deaths declined. The number of those who died of heroin, methadone, and semisynthetic or natural opioids also declined.
In terms of ethnic groups, all non-white categories rose. American Indians and natives of Alaska have seen the largest spike in deaths, with a 15% increase. By contrast in white adults, the rates dropped from 36.8 to 35.6, one of the only races to decline.
While 2023 figures won’t be released until next year, the provisional data for the first 10 months of FY2023 indicate that the rate has remained steady.
Crisis Not Over
Despite the number of deaths leveling out, there’s still a significant number of people dying from drug overdoses, particularly fentanyl, which is responsible for the majority of deaths. Authorities continue to seize worrying amounts of the synthetic opioid, but there’s no telling how much is getting into the country. In 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized the equivalent of more than 376 million fatal doses. In 2024, it’s already seized enough of the drug to kill more than 82.6 million people.
Additionally, with the increasing availability of the drug in schools, the American Medical Association is cautioning institutions to begin carrying Naloxone to help treat overdoses quickly and efficiently.
Copyright 2024, RightWing.org
