Drugs killed almost 72,000 people last year, a record
(Worthy News) – More people than ever are dying from drug overdoses, with death tolls surpassing 72,000 in 2017, according to preliminary data out Wednesday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The latest data, which won’t be finalized until the end of this year, show that deaths from drug overdoses continue to rise, surpassing the record 63,632 deaths in 2016. The trend is a sign that public health officials are struggling in their efforts reduce death tolls amid the scourge of highly addictive, deadly opioids.
The increases in drug overdoses are largely propelled by opioids, which caused roughly 40,000 overdoses. Of these, 30,000 were from fentanyl, an opioid 50 times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl is made with chemicals in a lab, while heroin is made from the poppy plant. [ Source: Washington Examiner (Read More…) ]
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