The Alarming Surge of Polysubstance Overdoses: A Lethal Crisis

The combination of fentanyl with stimulants like cocaine and meth is driving a "fourth wave" of the overdose crisis in the United States, according to a study published in the journal Addiction. Overdoses involving both fentanyl and stimulants have increased 50-fold since 2010, accounting for 32% of U.S. overdoses in 2021 and nearly 35,000 deaths. The rise in polysubstance overdoses highlights the need for comprehensive treatment strategies that address both opioid and stimulant use disorders. The toxic and unpredictable drug supply makes it crucial for individuals to use test strips to check for the presence of fentanyl in other drugs. Additionally, the availability of the overdose antidote Narcan should be expanded to help prevent fatalities.