Have fatal drug overdoses in the U.S. increased 800% in the past two decades?
Colorado Sun
Yes.
Deadly drug overdoses in the United States increased about 800% between 1999 and 2022, federal data shows.
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 fatalities from fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, meth, prescription drugs and more. Deaths per 100,000 people rose 650% during that period, from 4 to 30.
Colorado saw a 655% increase in unintentional overdose deaths between 2000 and 2023, from 219 to 1,654, while deaths per 100,000 people rose 457%. Of the people who died, 11,265 were men and 5,740 were women. Overall, the age group that experienced the most deaths in the state were people ages 35-44.
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