CDC has released a new report of final 2017 data detailing the growing number of drug overdose deaths in the United States. The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Drug and Opioid-Involved Overdose Deaths – United States, 2013-2017 examines increases in drug overdoses and deaths involving opioids across prescription opioids, heroin, and synthetic opioids other than methadone by demographic and geographic characteristics.
The 2017 data from this report show:
- Drug overdose deaths continue to rise in the United States. In 2017 alone, there were more than 70,000 drug overdose deaths, which was an increase of more than 6,600 deaths from 2016. This was a 9.6% increase in the overdose death rate, continuing the increase observed since 1999.
Opioids are a significant contributor to the rise in drug overdose deaths, especially synthetic opioids, like illicitly-manufactured fentanyl.
- From 1999-2017, more than 399,000Americans lost their lives to opioid overdoses from prescription and illicit opioids.
- Opioids were involved in almost 68% of drug overdose deaths in 2017, a 12% rate increase from 2016.
- The almost 45% increase in death rates involving synthetic opioids (other than methadone) was likely driven by illicitly-manufactured fentanyl (IMF).
- Overdose death rates involving prescription opioids and heroin were stable from 2016 to 2017.
- Rates of overdose deaths involving cocaine and psychostimulants with abuse potential also increased by more than a third in 2017.
The report examined differences in overdose across the U.S. by demographics and county urbanization level, showing increases in opioid overdose deaths across all demographics (including persons aged ≥25 years old). State-level analyses revealed how death rates changed over time.
What can be done?
A coordinated approach is needed to prevent and respond to drug overdoses, specifically those involving opioids. CDC conducts surveillance and research; builds state, local, and tribal capacity for prevention; supports providers, health systems, and payers; partners with public safety; and empowers consumers to make safe choices.
It is important to share the latest data, prevention resources, and information to spread the word about what we can all do to save lives from drug overdoses.
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