Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. and the role of fentanyl
Addiction expert Joe Schrank calls for radical change in federal drug policies to reduce high overdose deaths in the U.S. Synthetic opioids, especially fentanyl, are the main cause of overdose deaths. While deaths involving opioids decreased in 2023, deaths from cocaine and psychostimulants increased. Western states saw notable increases in overdose deaths, potentially linked to fentanyl availability. Various measures like fentanyl test strips and naloxone are recommended by the CDC to reduce overdose risks.