The United States will once again see record numbers of overdose deaths in 2022, according to preliminary CDC data released on June 14.
More than 109,000 Americans died from drug-related overdoses between January 2022 and January 2023, a 0.7% year-on-year increase. Reuters report. The statistic shows that the number of drug overdose deaths will surpass 100,000 for the first time in 2021 due to increased psychological pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic and increased availability of lethal drugs such as fentanyl. Reuters reports that it reflects an upward trend.
The national average increased by 0.7%, but some major regions accounted for most of the increase in deaths. Overdose deaths increased 24.13% in Washington State, 13.91% in New York City, and 12.65% in Texas. According to CDC data.
Overdose deaths have more than doubled over the past decade, with the CDC reporting 47,523 deaths in the 2014 calendar year. Continued abuse of illicit drugs such as prescription opiates and heroin is the biggest driver of this massive increase over the past decade, according to Reuters. (Related: New York City reveals vending machines stocked with cracked pipes and safe-sex kits: report)
The New York City Police Department is investigating whether a large drug cartel was operating at the Bushwick megac, where two so-called asylum seekers overdosed.
The men have been identified as Anthony Jose Luna Ruiz, 24, and Johnny Jose Torres, 25, of Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/i7AMoS24lo
— Crime in New York City (@CrimeInNYC) June 10, 2023
The information comes despite the Biden administration’s push to cut overdose deaths by 2022. National Narcotics Control Strategy, aims to undermine international supply chains and at the same time increase resources for addicts. Part of the strategy included working with NDCS to install drug-related vending machines on the streets. Many cities have also followed this “harm reduction” strategy, installing similar vending machines offering “safe smoking kits” and the anti-overdose drug naloxone.
