This graph represents the number of deaths that were a result of drug poisoning. Data courtesy the CDC.
New CDC data shows the overall number and rate of drug overdose deaths increased notably between 2013-2014, driven in large part by continued increases in heroin deaths and an emerging increase in deaths involving illicit synthetic opioids. These new data reaffirm that we have not seen the peak of the opioid abuse and overdose epidemic and highlights the need for continued action to prevent opioid misuse and dependence to save lives.
Drug overdose death rates have never been higher. Data shows 18,893 overdose deaths involving opioid pain relievers in 2014, which is an increase of 16 percent, or 2,658 deaths, compared to 2013 data. Prescription opioid-related overdose deaths are increasing in part because deaths involving synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and tramadol, increased by 79 percent from 2013-2014, totaling 5,544 deaths in 2014. Heroin-related deaths have more than tripled since 2010. Heroin-related death rates increased 28 percent from 2013-2014, totaling 10,574 deaths in 2014. Heroin is often cut with fentanyl – with or without the user’s knowledge – in order to increase its effect.
The opioid epidemic touches all of us. HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell’s home state of West Virginia, for example, has the highest drug overdose death rate of any state in the country. These statistics reflect what we’re seeing across America, in communities large and small and among people from all walks of life – a rising tide of opioid abuse and overdose.
