Drug Overdose Deaths Rise In The US

Drug overdose deaths rise in the US

Overdose deaths increased 4.8% in 2019, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reducing the slight decline in 2018. Health authorities predict that the pandemic will significantly increase these rates.

Photo: Donald Clark / Pixabay

More than 70.6 thousand people died of drug overdose in 2019, CNN reports. In 35 states, deaths for this reason increased, in 13 states - decreased. South Dakota broke the record with overdose deaths 54% higher in 2019 than the previous year. North Dakota is second with a 31% increase and Alaska 27%.

Former head of the American Medical Association, Patrice Harris, said the numbers show the importance of removing any barriers to drug addiction treatment.

"The drug overdose epidemic is more deadly than ever, and without strong evidence-based action, it will become even more dire," Harris said.

According to the latest World Drug Report, published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the number of opioid users is estimated at 53 million, 56% more than previously estimated. Moreover, only every seventh person with drug addiction receives timely treatment.