The New York Times reports a record number of overdose deaths in 2017, reaching 72,000. Reflecting a 10% increase in deaths from 2016, the overdose epidemic shows little sign of slowing down. "According to the CDC estimates, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids rose sharply, while deaths from heroin, prescription opioid pills and methadone fell."
"Strong synthetic opioids like fentanyl and its analogues have become mixed into black-market supplies of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and the class of anti-anxiety medicines known as benzodiazepines. Unlike heroin, which is derived from poppy plants, fentanyl can be manufactured in a laboratory, and it is often easier to transport because it is more concentrated." Read more.
Copyright New York Times