Drug Overdose Deaths in the US Reach Record High in 2022
In a grim milestone, drug overdose deaths in the United States hit a new record in 2022, with a staggering 107,941 Americans succumbing to overdoses. This marks a 1% increase from the previous year and continues a troubling trend of rising fatal overdoses over the past two decades.
While the rate of overdose deaths decreased for women for the first time in five years, the numbers continued to climb for men, who account for approximately 70% of overdose deaths. Alarmingly, American Indian and Alaskan Native individuals were found to be more likely to die from drug overdoses, with rates jumping 15% in 2022.
Overdose death rates also increased among black, Hispanic, and Asian populations, while decreasing among white individuals. Deaths from heroin and natural opioids showed a decline, but fatalities from fentanyl and other synthetic opioids continued to rise. In fact, fatal overdoses from synthetic opioids other than methadone more than doubled in the last five years.
Furthermore, deaths involving cocaine spiked in 2022, increasing by more than 12% in just one year, while deaths involving psychostimulants saw a 4% increase. Experts point out that there is no single contributing factor to the ongoing drug and overdose epidemics.
In response to the crisis, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced plans to install anti-overdose “life alert” devices in city apartments to swiftly connect drug users to emergency services. Additionally, the city has established two overdose prevention centers where addicts can safely use clean needles under the supervision of medical professionals.
The devastating impact of drug overdoses in the US serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address addiction and prevent further loss of life.
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