Trends and Geographic Patterns in Drug and Synthetic Opioid Overdose Deaths — United States, 2013–2019
2021
This brief from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) presents trends and patterns in drug and synthetic overdose deaths by region in the United States and draws data from 2013 to 2019. The age-adjusted rate of deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone increased by 1,040 percent over that period. The most significant relative increase in synthetic opioid-related death rates occurred in the West, and the largest relative increase in psychostimulant-involved death rates occurred in the Northeast region. The report provides specific data, figures, and maps on overdose deaths by type of drug and offers more detail on particular states and regions across the United States. The authors urge evidence-based prevention and response strategies, including treatment and overdose prevention efforts, response efforts focused on polysubstance use, and comprehensive and coordinated approaches from clinicians, public health, public safety, and community actors.
Source:
Mattson C et al. Trends and Geographic Patterns in Drug and Synthetic Opioid Overdose Deaths — United States, 2013–2019. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2021; 70(6): 202-207.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7006a4.