U.S. Opioid Epidemic Claims its Highest Yearly Death Toll Yet

A report published by the CDC mid- November has shown that the United States has reached a record high in overdose deaths. A vast majority of these deaths are contributed to opioids, mainly fentanyl, and experts agree that the already deadly effects of these drugs have been exacerbated by the pandemic.

The Stats[1]

 

  • During the 12-month period ending April 2021, more than 100,000 people died of drug overdoses in the United States.
    • This is a 28.5% increase from this same period a year ago.
  • Nearly two-thirds (64%) of all drug overdose deaths in the 12-month period ending April 2021 were opioid related.
    • This is a massive jump from the 49% figure from last year.

Why Now?

Experts say that, along with the heightened stress of the pandemic, which increases drug abuse, closed borders have created less room for non-synthetic opiates to be smuggled in from other countries, leaving dealers with no choice to produce the synthetic, deadly alternative.[2]

Simply put, fentanyl is even more dangerous opioid available at an even lower price than non-synthetic. With fentanyl being even stronger and faster acting than its counterparts, it is entirely possible to overdose on much, much smaller amounts. This, of course, was a concern long before COVID-19, but the pandemic has seen more and more individuals turning to fentanyl use, many times unknowingly.

If you or a loved one is struggling from drug abuse, you can seek help before it is too late. Contact Livengrin at 215-638-5200 or at info@livengrin.org  and start your journey down the road of recovery today.

 

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2021/20211117.htm

 

[2] https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/17/health/drug-overdose-deaths-record-high/index.html