NATIONAL — The United States is facing a devastating new height in its ongoing overdose crisis with staggering statistics showing that more than 100,000 people have lost their lives to drug overdoses over the past year.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdoses have been on the rise in the U.S. for several years, with the crisis reaching unprecedented levels in recent months. In 2020, the CDC reported a record high of 81,230 drug overdose deaths, a significant increase from the 47,589 deaths reported in 2010.
The rise in drug overdoses is being attributed to a number of factors, including the increased availability and potency of illicit drugs, particularly opioids, as well as a lack of access to addiction treatment and support services. The COVID-19 pandemic has also contributed to the crisis, with many people experiencing increased stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to increased drug use and overdoses.
The U.S. government and health officials are urging communities to come together to address this critical public health issue. Measures such as expanding access to addiction treatment, improving access to the opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone, and cracking down on the illegal drug trade are just a few of the strategies being proposed to curb the rising tide of drug overdoses.