(WNY News Now) – The United States is grappling with a worsening drug epidemic as overdose deaths surge, reaching over 110,000 in the past year, marking a 63% increase since 2018, according to recent analysis. New York, with 3,556 deaths in the last 12 months, is one of the states deeply affected.
U.S. – A persistent issue spanning decades, the US drug epidemic has intensified, with opioids present in almost 70% of overdose cases nationwide. In the last year, Washington, Oregon, and Nevada saw substantial increases, while Arkansas, Virginia, and Indiana recorded significant declines. South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa have the highest overdose death rates.
Key Findings:
Nationwide, overdose deaths reached 110,469 in the past 12 months.
The most significant increases occurred in Washington, Oregon, and Nevada.
Arkansas and Virginia witnessed substantial decreases.
Opioids account for nearly 70% of overdose fatalities.
Since 2015, opioid-related deaths have surged from 52,000 to 110,469 in the last year, with the pandemic contributing to a 30% increase from 2019 to 2020.
Opioids remain the primary cause of overdose deaths, responsible for 34% of all cases since 2015. When considering synthetic, natural, and semi-synthetic opioids, this figure rises to 70% (160,000 deaths).
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please consult the resource below.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
1-800-662-4357 (HELP)
SAMHSA Hotline
Data was sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drug overdose deaths over the last 12 months are between the months of April 2022 and March 2023.
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