The Alarming Surge of Overdose Deaths in the US: A Crisis in Polysubstance Abuse

Drug overdose deaths in the United States reached another record level, with over 111,000 people dying from a drug overdose in the 12-month period ending in April, according to provisional data from the CDC. While the pace of increase is slower than in previous years, the numbers remain concerning, especially in parts of the country like the West. Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are involved in nearly 70% of overdose deaths, with psychostimulants and cocaine also contributing. Experts emphasize the need for broader access to and use of treatments for opioid use disorder to reverse the trend in overdose deaths.