Why it matters: The number of deadly overdoses from fentanyl has surged between 2016 and 2021, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report found that 69,943 people died of a fentanyl-induced overdose in 2021, up considerably from 2016.
What they are saying: Caleb Banta-Green, a research professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine’s Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, said specifying the drug that caused the overdose is crucial for researchers. “We need to know exactly what people are dying from so we know what services they need to stay alive,” said Banta-Green.
The big picture: The report found an increase in deadly overdoses from several other drugs as well, including increases in methamphetamine and cocaine-related fatalities. The CDC said that it “analyzed literal text from the National Vital Statistics System mortality data for deaths occurring in the United States among U.S. residents.”
What to watch: The surge in deadly overdoses from fentanyl and other drugs highlights the need for continued research and resources to combat the opioid epidemic. It is also important to address the illegal manufacture and distribution of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
My take: The rise in deadly overdoses from fentanyl and other drugs is a tragic reminder of the ongoing opioid epidemic and the need for continued efforts to address it. This includes a focus on treatment and prevention, as well as efforts to address the illegal manufacture and distribution of drugs like fentanyl.
