OVERDOSE DEATHS FROM SMOKING DRUGS NOW EXCEED INJECTION
Over the last 3 decades, there have been several fluctuations in opioid use patterns and prevalence estimates in the United States. The predominant opioid involved in overdose deaths shifted from prescription opioids in the 1990’s and early 2000’s, to heroin in 2010, and to synthetic opioids like fentanyl in 2013. Recent estimates suggest that about 70% of drug overdose deaths involve synthetic opioids other than methadone, with fentanyl accounting for the majority of these deaths. Since 2015, there has also been a steady increase in deaths involving both fentanyl and stimulants.
This...