Infographic – 72,000 Opioid Overdose Deaths in 2017

Change in predicted 12-month count of drug overdose deaths by state, through Jan. 2018. Click on image for full-size view. (Statista)

18 August 2018. We report regularly on the opioid drug crisis in the U.S., which shows little sign of ending. That assessment was underscored this week with a preliminary report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, showing that more than 72,000 deaths from opioid overdose were reported for 2017, an increase from 66,000 in the previous year.

But the report also indicates some states, where the battle against opioid addiction is fought day-to-day, are making progress in lowering the number of  opioid overdose deaths. This weekend’s infographic, from our friends at Statista, shows Wyoming, Utah, Oklahoma, Montana, and South Dakota were able to reduce the rate of overdose deaths below the expected number for those states, from 8 to 33 percent. Other states, however, are still struggling.

The increase in overdose deaths is attributed to more people using opioids, and the type of drugs used, particularly synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The links below give some of our recent reporting on the epidemic.

More from Science & Enterprise:

• Despite Crisis, U.S. Prescription Opioid Use Remains High
• Trials Show Pain Drug Reduces Post-Surgery Opioid Use
• NIH Exec: Research Offers Opioid Crisis Solutions

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