How many overdose deaths occurred in the U.S. in 2020?

In 2020 alone, there were 91,799 overdose deaths in the U.S. This number encompasses all states, genders and ethnicities. If you include past years, the total number of overdose deaths since 1999 is over 932,000.

How significant were opioids in overdose deaths in 2020?

In 2020 alone, around 75% of reported incidents were opioid deaths. That’s over 68,000 opium-related overdoses.

What happened during the opium waves?

Since 1999, there have been three opium waves — periods wherein overdose deaths involving a specific opioid increased significantly. In 1996, prescribed opioids triggered the first opium wave. The second happened in 2010 and involved heroin. Fentanyl was the culprit for the third wave, which happened only three years later in 2013.

Do the number of opioid deaths vary between age, race and gender?

Yes, they do vary. There are more opioid deaths involving males, White Non-Hispanics and those between 35 and 44.

Which states had the most overdose deaths in 2020?

California had the most opioid deaths in 2020 at 8,908 reported incidents. However, West Virginia comes out on top regarding its death rate at 70 per 100,000. California's was only 13.7.

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Last Updated: 1/11/2023

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