| U.S. drug overdosee deaths increased by more than 20% from 2015 to 2016 — from 16.3 to 19.8 per 100,000 people — according to new data published in MMWR.
Among the other findings, based on administrative data from 31 states and Washington, D.C.:
- Opioids accounted for two-thirds of overdose deaths in 2016.
- The overdose death rate from synthetic opioids (e.g., fentanyl) doubled between 2015 and 2016 (from 3.1 to 6.2 per 100,000), while overdose deaths from prescription opioids increased by 11%, and from heroin, 20%.
- Overdose deaths involving cocaine increased by over 50%, while those involving psychostimulants rose by 33%.
- Overdose deaths increased in males and females, in those aged 15 and older, and in all races/ethnicities studied.
- The ongoing and worsening drug overdose epidemic requires immediate attention and action.” Efforts should include increased access to nonopioid pain treatments, better naloxone availability, and partnership with law enforcement officials and first responders.
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