WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – According to QuoteWizard, the number of overdose-related deaths has been on the rise since 2015 and increased greatly almost as soon as the COVID-19 pandemic began.
QuoteWizard analysts found that drug overdose deaths have risen 50% since 2019 and are now over 100,000 a year. Nationwide, 103,664 people died of an overdose in 2021, as compared to 99,973 in 2020 and 68,757 in 2019.
The increase in overdose-related deaths has impacted each state differently, but in all, 10 states have seen deaths rise by nearly 20% or more:
| State | Overdose deaths in the last year | % in change |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 256 | 44% |
| New Hampshire | 467 | 26% |
| Idaho | 360 | 24% |
| South Dakota | 95 | 22% |
| Vermont | 253 | 21% |
| Kansas | 670 | 20% |
| Maine | 633 | 20% |
| Montana | 195 | 20% |
| Washington | 2,267 | 20% |
| Georgia | 2,437 | 17% |
QuoteWizard states that opioids are the leading cause of overdose deaths. Since 2015, they have been the cause of almost 80,000 deaths which makes up 34% of all overdose deaths. If we include synthetic, natural, and semi-synthetic opioids, the number of deaths rises to 160,000, making up 70% of all overdose deaths.
President Joe Biden recently unveiled a five-part plan to address the rise in overdose deaths which includes a $125 billion expansion in services.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, click here to find a list of resources.
