Recent data reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that 88,000 Americans have died from drug overdoses during the 12-month period that ended in August. Compared to provisional, the August data is sharply higher than the CDC reported just a few months ago in December. Adding 27% more deaths to the interim drug overdose death rates reminds us that overdoses have increased in spite of our efforts. The most recent data show the limitations of evidence-based and FDA-approved treatments for opioid use disorders, Narcan- an antidote to opioid overdose, reduced stigma, and improved treatment access. More patients with OUDs are currently being treated with medication-assisted therapy (MATs), and deaths continue to increase. Where is prevention?

Published on: April 22, 2021
doi: 10.17756/jas.2021-050
Citation: Gold M. 2021. Opioid, Cocaine and Methamphetamine Overdose Crisis and Deaths in 2021. J Addict Sci 7(1): 1-5.