JK Costello, MD, MPH’s Post

The leading route of use in drug overdose deaths changed from injection during January–June 2020 (22.7% of deaths) compared with ingestion (15.2%), snorting (13.6%), and smoking (13.3%) to smoking during July–December 2022 (23.1% of deaths). #stopoverdose #harmreduction #opioids #publichealth https://lnkd.in/gUs43RNN).

The leading route of use in drug overdose deaths changed from injection during January–June 2020 (22.7% of deaths) compared with ingestion (15.2%), snorting (13.6%), and smoking (13.3%) to smoking during July–December 2022 (23.1% of deaths). #stopoverdose #harmreduction #opioids #publichealth https://lnkd.in/gUs43RNN).

A recent CDC report found that more drug overdose deaths are now occurring from smoking drugs than from injecting them (thanks to the Recovery Research Institute for the graph and synopsis). More specifically: - Overdose deaths from injection *decreased* by 29% - Overdose deaths from smoking *increased* by 74% - Overdose deaths from snorting *increased* by 19% The authors speculate this could be due to the fact that many counterfeit pills contain fentanyl, and those pills are often smoked rather than ingested. Additionally, other smoked drugs (like methamphetamine) can be contaminated with fentanyl. They also speculate it could be due to shifts in drug-use culture, moving away from riskier methods due to concerns about overdose. Personally, I'm wondering if this change also reflects the increased presence of fentanyl in earlier stages of common drug use progression. Or put differently: because many people are averse and anxious to needles and injection due to perceived risk, oftentimes use begins with delivery methods that feel less risky and more familiar, such as ingestion, smoking, or vaping. As such, there are far more people who use drugs by smoking or ingestion (or snorting) rather than injection. So if fentanyl is increasingly reaching this population of people, we would expect to see an increasing number of deaths in that population, as well. What's your take on the shift? If you have thoughts, please share below in the comments! Would love to discuss. RRI Article and figure source: https://lnkd.in/geEgGurB CDC report: https://lnkd.in/gW5yvipe #overdose #opioidepidemic #overdoseprevention #addiction #publichealth

The shift in drug overdose deaths toward smoking drugs reflects evolving drug use patterns and potential exposure to fentanyl. This highlights the need for comprehensive strategies addressing drug use culture, harm reduction, and access to treatment. Let's continue the conversation on effective interventions to mitigate overdose risks. #DrugOverdose #HarmReduction

There were more than 109,000 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2022, with nearly 70% of those involving illegally manufactured fentanyl. A February report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states the leading form of drug use in overdose deaths changed from injection in 2020 to smoking in 2022. Find out more: https://loom.ly/pZf2W5s.

The increasing trend of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. is a growing concern, as illustrated by recent data from the CDC. Overdose fatalities involving various substances, including prescription opioids, heroin, stimulants, psychostimulants, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants, all show alarming patterns. The data clearly indicate the rising toll of synthetic opioids, especially fentanyl, in these deaths. It's crucial to stay informed and support policies aimed at combating this crisis. #substanceusedisorder #recoveryispossible https://lnkd.in/eVe9DU6C

To all my LinkedIn friends, please review this post and help fight the stigma of hiding and avoiding requests for help….we can all make a difference - one life at a time!

Prescription drug abuse is a silent epidemic sweeping our society. Once deemed safe alternatives to illicit substances, prescription drugs now pose a grave crisis, undercutting our health and peace. Opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants - once guardians of health, now ironically catalyze a health catastrophe, escalating from innocent intentions to dangerous dependencies. A common misconception? Prescription drugs are safer. In reality, misuse can trigger health problems identical to those caused by illicit substances. The prescription drug black market flourishes, driven by ease of access. This access, coupled with misconceptions about safety, has spurred a surge in abuse rates with potential lethal outcomes. Yet, knowledge can be our panacea. Healthcare professionals, education and awareness campaigns, and stricter regulations form our shield against this silent epidemic. The pharmaceutical industry must play its part too, providing accurate information about potential risks and side effects. We need a holistic, multidisciplinary approach. Community outreach, policy changes, responsible media reporting - all of these can significantly contribute to corrective efforts. Collaboration among healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations is vital in addressing this silent but deadly epidemic. With concerted efforts, we can unmask the hidden dangers of prescription drug misuse and support those impacted. A healthier, safer future awaits us, but only if we are ready to confront our present, to question our assumptions, to challenge the status quo. Are we? Read more about this silent epidemic and join the conversation. Let's rally against prescription drug abuse and foster a safer future. #PrescriptionDrugAbuse #SilentEpidemic #Opioids #Benzodiazepines #Stimulants #HealthcareReform #CommunityOutreach #MedicalVigilance #PolicyChange #Education Read more on our blog: https://lnkd.in/dHgFGV2D

Whether obtained by prescription or through illicit drug sales, fentanyl is contributing to a rising epidemic with devastating consequences. In this article, learn more about what fentanyl is, how to recognize symptoms of its use, identify overdose warnings, and find tools to keep yourself or your children safe. #FentanylAwareness #OverdoseAwareness

Here is reasoning for my beliefe that we need to allow smoking in Safe Consumption Sites Smoking drugs, not injection, now most common way to overdose in U.S.: report By Naomi Barghiel Global News Posted February 17, 2024 4:00 am Updated February 16, 2024 4:09 pm Fatal drug overdoses from smoking substances, rather than injection, has increased dramatically in the United States, a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found. Injection-related overdoses were previously the most commonly documented route for drug deaths in the country. However, a report published Thursday found that the rate decreased by 29.1 per cent between 2020 and 2022, falling from 22.7 per cent to 16.1 per cent. Meanwhile, the percentage of overdose deaths with evidence of smoking increased by 73.7 per cent during the same timeframe, rising from 13.3 per cent to 23.1 per cent... https://lnkd.in/exAavkMF