- According to the CDC, US drug overdose deaths rose by 29% from April 2020-2021 (compared to the prior 12-month period) to 100,306.
- The rise was primarily driven by deaths from synthetic opioid (eg fentanyl) overdoses.
- Meth and cocaine related deaths also rose; heroin-related deaths fell slightly.
- Experts point out Covid-related social isolation reducing access to support groups leading to more addiction and relapses.
- Since 2000, opioid-related overdoses have increased by over 200%.
Yearly drug overdose deaths top 100,000 for first time
(11/17/2021)
