Drug overdose deaths surpass 47,000 in 2014

The U.S. death rate from drug overdoses increased 6.5% in 2014 to a record 47,055, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. That includes an 80% increase in deaths from synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and 26% increase from heroin. “To curb these trends and save lives, we must help prevent addiction and provide support and treatment to those who suffer from opioid use disorders,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D. “This report also shows how important it is that law enforcement intensify efforts to reduce the availability of heroin, illegal fentanyl and other illegal opioids.”