All articles tagged with #drug overdoses
U.S. life expectancy rose to a record 79 years in 2024, driven by the fading impact of COVID-19 and falling death rates from heart disease, cancer, and drug overdoses, with preliminary data hinting at further gains in 2025.
U.S. life expectancy rose to a record 79 years in 2024, driven by fading COVID-19 deaths and lower mortality from heart disease, cancer and drug overdoses; preliminary 2025 data hint at further gains. About 3.07 million Americans died in 2024, roughly 18,000 fewer than 2023, with declines across racial groups and both sexes, while COVID-19 dropped out of the top 10 killers and unintentional injuries declined the most. Infant mortality was little changed, and health experts say more progress is needed to close remaining gaps.
The CDC is restoring full funding for its Overdose Data to Action program, which had faced delays and partial funding under the previous administration, aiming to better track and reduce drug overdoses including fentanyl, with concerns raised about transparency and impact on communities.
A recent surge in drug overdoses in Baltimore is suspected to be caused by a 'bad batch' of drugs contaminated with dangerous substances like fentanyl and other additives, highlighting ongoing challenges in tracking, prevention, and the dangers of adulterated street drugs.
A study shows that California's life expectancy has only partially recovered from pandemic-related declines, with ongoing disparities by race, ethnicity, and income, and drug overdoses and cardiovascular disease now major factors affecting longevity.
In Baltimore, drug overdoses, particularly from fentanyl, are devastating Black men aged 50 to 70 in subsidized senior housing. This demographic, left behind by the city's changing economy, accounts for nearly 30% of drug fatalities despite being only 7% of the population.
For the third consecutive year, drug overdoses are the leading cause of accidental death in Travis County, with 486 deaths in 2023, up from 417 in 2022. Fentanyl-related deaths also increased, though at a slower rate than previous years. Efforts to combat the crisis include increased access to naloxone, recovery housing, and data collection on non-fatal overdoses. Families of victims and advocacy groups are calling for more resources and education to prevent these deaths.
Canada's social safety net, once a source of pride, is showing signs of strain as affordable housing, healthcare access, and food insecurity become increasingly prevalent issues across the country. The housing crisis is particularly acute in cities like Toronto, where international students and low-income residents struggle to find affordable accommodations. In Calgary, rising food prices have led to a 40% increase in food bank usage, while in Montreal, a shortage of general practitioners has resulted in long wait times for medical care. Vancouver is grappling with a growing opioid crisis, with more than six people dying daily from toxic drug use. Despite government efforts, the challenges facing Canada's social programs are complex and multifaceted.
The latest CDC report reveals that drug overdoses in the U.S. reached a record high in 2022, with nearly 108,000 deaths, driven largely by fentanyl. While the rate of increase has slowed, experts emphasize the need for addiction treatment, recovery support, education on hidden substances like fentanyl, and widespread mental health resources. Strategies such as increasing the behavioral health workforce, providing care in all settings, and prioritizing medication-assisted treatment are crucial in addressing the ongoing overdose crisis.
US life expectancy has increased to 77.5 years in 2022, attributed to declines in COVID-19, heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, and homicide. However, it remains below its peak of 78.9 years a decade ago. Men's life expectancy rose to 74.8 years, while women's increased to 80.2 years, with fatal drug overdoses contributing to a decade-long decline. Factors impacting longevity include genetics, diet, exercise, and socioeconomic status, with social engagement playing a significant role in healthy aging.
In 2022, U.S. life expectancy increased to 77.5 years, rebounding from the impact of COVID-19, but infant deaths rose and drug overdose deaths hit a record high, with 107,941 fatal overdoses. The age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths nearly quadrupled from 8.2 in 2002 to 32.6 in 2022. While deaths from COVID-19 decreased, it remains the fourth-leading cause of death. Other leading causes of death, such as heart disease and cancer, saw declines, but drug overdoses continue to rise, particularly among those 35 and older.
Life expectancy in the U.S. rebounded in 2022 to 77.5 years, but still lags behind peak levels and other comparable countries. COVID-19 and drug overdoses continue to be significant contributors to deaths, with COVID-related fatalities decreasing but overdoses rising. Heart disease and cancer remain the leading causes of death, while infant mortality saw a troubling increase in 2022.
In 2022, US life expectancy improved by 1.1 years, but child deaths rose and drug overdoses reached record levels, causing concern among experts. Covid-19 death rates dropped, but the virus still accounted for 6% of all deaths. Heart disease and cancer remained the leading causes of death, while a rising death rate among children, particularly ages 1 to 14, is worrying. Drug overdoses, especially involving synthetic opioids, continued to increase, with nearly 108,000 deaths in 2022. Experts emphasize the need to scale up interventions and support to address the overdose epidemic and its impact on different demographic groups.
A new CDC report reveals that for the first time, more fatal drug overdoses in the US come from smoking drugs than injecting them, with smoking overdose deaths surging 74% while injection overdose deaths fell 29% from early 2020 to late 2022. The shift to smoking fentanyl may be due to the perception of better intake control, as well as the physical toll on veins from frequent injections. Over 70% of the 2022 drug overdose deaths were linked to synthetic opioids, including illegally manufactured fentanyl.
A study by the CDC has revealed that smoking opioids has overtaken injection as the primary route of drug overdoses, raising concerns about the lack of strategies to address this shift. The percentage of overdose deaths with evidence of smoking has quadrupled, while those with evidence of injecting drugs have also risen. The rise in smoking-related overdoses is attributed to the increasing practice of polysubstance use and the potency of synthetic opioids mixed with stimulants. The study underscores the need for harm-reduction efforts to include safer smoking supplies and inhalation spaces, especially as the opioid epidemic continues to claim lives.