How many people overdose in America each year? Does 107,000 appear high or low?

The number of drug overdose deaths increased significantly in 2021, reaching more than 107,000. The same year was marred by the persistence of the Covid pandemic and an increase in fatal overdoses linked to opioids such as fentanyl.

The United States has a long history of drug overdose-related deaths due to its deteriorating drug supply. In 2021 alone, drug overdose deaths have hit a staggering record of 107,000. This latest report was published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Following the release, the director of NIDA, Dr. Nora Volkow that the latest figures on drug overdoses are quite gigantic.

In fact, the present figure shows that the number of overdose deaths has increased by 15% compared to 2020. This further implies that an overdose death occurs approximately every 5 seconds in the United States.

The most recent record also shows a continuing trend of increasing drug overdose deaths, which have plagued the United States for more than two decades. And according to research, this overdose death is being fueled largely by the opioid epidemic across the country.

Deaths related to synthetic opioids also at all-time highs

In 2021, overdose deaths from drugs that included fentanyl and various manufactured opioids exceeded 70,000. This represented a 23% increase in overdose deaths compared to 2020. Cocaine overdose deaths also increased by 23% and deaths from various stimulants and methamphetamine increased by 34%.

Fentanyl, a dangerous and popular common compound, is often used by illegal manufacturers to create counterfeit opioid drugs. This makes the use of such drugs a high override risk. CDC officials also pointed out that illegal dealers also make other pills containing fentanyl, leaving customers unaware of the risks.

According to Volkow, quoted by the Los Angeles Times, the combined effect of these traffickers’ actions is that many people are at great risk. This includes people who rarely use drugs and even adolescents. When people are exposed to these powerful substances, even in minute amounts, they can cause an overdose.

The drug overdose epidemic in the United States has intensified over the past year as the Covid pandemic has made it difficult for professionals to access individuals with drug problems. This made it very difficult to provide effective drug abuse treatment and mental health services to these individuals.

Keith Humphreys, a Stanford University researcher on drug policy and addiction, confirmed that the deadly trend of overdose deaths is set to continue more than ever. According to him, 2022 will most likely be just as terrible as 2021 or worse.

It’s also important to note that while overdose deaths have been recorded in the United States, the numbers have varied geographically. Of all states, Hawaii saw a 2% decrease in drug overdose deaths. On the other hand, Alaska saw a large increase in overdose deaths with a 75% increase.

While the current number is sad, Humphreys gave a rather cynical estimate of more than a million drug overdose deaths in 10 years. However, he believes that if public policy is changed, these deaths can be greatly reduced or avoided altogether. He also pointed out that the rise of manufactured opioids like fentanyl will continue as they are easily manufactured in laboratories. This is especially true when you compare the manufacturing process to that of traditional herbal medicines.

The ill effects of these easily accessible drugs that can be bought on various online platforms and social media apps have yet to be fully realized. Humphrey acknowledged that heroin may not be as popular in the next decade since everything is fentanyl now. Humphreys posed a rhetorical question: “What do we do at a time when we no longer need agriculture to make drugs?

Harm reduction saves lives

Humphreys discussed the issue at length, affirming that the answer to the epidemic of drug overdose deaths in the United States is not single or simple. However, he did mention that several mitigation measures will go a long way. He emphasized measures such as increasing access to prescription naloxone pills, which help reverse the effect of an overdose and reduce overdose deaths.

Humphreys compared naloxone to fire extinguishers and explained that in most cases they are not needed. But if there is trouble, they will surely come to the rescue.

Several drug policy advocates, including Deputy Director of the Drug Policy Alliance Sheila Vakharia, have expressed concern about the rising number of overdose deaths. Vakharia reiterated in an interview with NFO that it is heartbreaking and devastating that the country remains in such a position.

She went on to reiterate that the country has been battling the drug overdose crisis for more than two decades. And so far there is no end to the crisis in sight. If anything, the situation appears to have only gotten worse compared to previous years.

Just last month, the Biden administration announced its plan to deal with the rise in drug overdose deaths. The plan includes support for harm reduction strategies that include improved accessibility to naloxone. This latest development and funding from the Biden administration is a thoroughly positive sign for curbing overdose deaths, according to Vakharia.

According to Vakharia, harm reduction in relation to the program has historically been significantly underfunded with private, local and government funding. This makes it very difficult to maintain the program.

Vakharia also pointed out that much more can be done to encourage harm reduction programs. Some of these include support for overdose prevention centers, like one that recently opened in New York. Despite the centers’ internal success, only two prevention centers operate legally in the United States. And these centers could certainly save many lives across the country if they received more support.

Conclusion

With funding and support from the Biden administration, things will soon change for the better. The harm reduction program as well as the collective efforts of the attorneys will continue to improve and hopefully things will improve.

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