A new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that overdose deaths in the United States still remain high, with over 93,000 deaths reported between June 2023 and June 2024. The report also shows that drug overdose deaths involving illegally manufactured fentanyl (IMF) started declining in late 2023 and highlights a re-emergence of carfentanil, a synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than fentanyl. While still rare, overdose deaths involving carfentanil have increased sharply.
In 2023, nearly 70% of all overdose deaths involved IMFs, equating to approximately 72,000 deaths. Compared to 2022 regional data, overdose deaths involving IMFs in 2023 declined slightly in the Northeast, Midwest, and South but rose almost 34% in the West. Since 2021, the proportion of IMF-related deaths has remained steady at approximately 70%- 80% in most regions. However, cases increased in the West from 48.5% in early 2021 to 66.5% by mid-2024.
Overdose deaths involving carfentanil rose sharply, from 29 cases in early 2023 to 238 in early 2024, spanning 37 states. Despite a projected decrease in overall overdose deaths from 2022 to 2023 (the first decline since 2018), the resurgence of carfentanil could jeopardize progress. Prevention strategies that address potent opioids like carfentanil are critical for reducing overdose deaths nationwide.
Carfentanil is responsive to naloxone, but its potency can result in detrimental effects, requiring more doses and faster administration to prevent fatal overdose. Sustained reductions in overdose deaths will require continued efforts to expand access to harm reduction, enhance prevention efforts, and improve the availability of treatment.
Read the report here: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7348a2.htm