close
close

Have fatal drug overdoses in the US increased 800% in the last two decades? Yes.

Federal data shows fatal drug overdoses in the United States increased by about 800% between 1999 and 2022.

In 1999, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 11,155 overdoses. In 2022, that number rose to 83,558 – a 793% increase. These deaths were deemed unintentional and included deaths caused by fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, meth, prescription drugs and more. The number of deaths per 100,000 people increased by 650% from 4 to 30 during this period.

Colorado saw a 655% increase in accidental overdose deaths between 2000 and 2023, from 219 to 1,654, while the number of deaths per 100,000 people increased by 457%. Of those who died, 11,265 were men and 5,740 were women. Overall, those ages 35 to 44 were the age group with the most deaths in the state.

This fact brief is a response to conversations like this.

The full source list can be found below.

References:

U.S. and Colorado drug overdose death data compiled by The Colorado Sun based on the CDC Wonder database and health data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, accessed October 2024. Source link.

Colorado Health Information Dataset Queried for Accidental Drug-Related Overdose 2000-2023, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, accessed October 2024. Source link.

Story Type: Fact Check

Tests a particular statement or series of statements asserted as fact.

Por recently completed his master's degree in journalism from CU Boulder and is interested in writing about the environment and exploring local stories. When not working on some form of writing, Por is either looking for Thai food or cuddles… More from Por Jaijongkit

You may also like...