Surge in Fentanyl-Laced Stimulants Fuels Devastating Fourth Wave of US Overdose Crisis

A new study from UCLA has identified a concerning "fourth wave" in the US overdose crisis, with a 50-fold increase in overdose deaths involving fentanyl and stimulants since 2010. Stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine have become the most common drug class found in fentanyl-involved overdoses in every US state. The rise in polysubstance use presents unique healthcare challenges, disproportionately affecting racial minorities and showing regional variances in drug combinations. Experts warn that the combination of fentanyl and stimulants poses significant health risks and challenges for healthcare providers, as there is limited experience in treating this specific combination of substances.