Overdose Deaths Involving Opioids, Cocaine, and Psychostimulants — United States, 2015–2016
In 2016, there were 63,632 drug overdose deaths in the United States. Opioids accounted for 66.4% (42,249) of deaths, with increases across age groups, racial/ethnic groups, urbanization levels, and multiple states. Age-adjusted death rates for overdoses involving synthetic opioids other than methadone doubled from 2015 to 2016, and death rates from prescription opioids, heroin, cocaine, and psychostimulants also increased.
MMWR Weekly / March 30, 2018 / 67(12);349–358
Puja Seth, PhD; Lawrence Scholl, PhD; Rose A. Rudd, MSPH; Sarah Bacon, PhD