Drug overdose deaths declining

October 4, 2024

Source: National Vital Statistics System, CDC, August, 2024

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that overdose deaths have declined about 10% between April, 2023 and April, 2024. Overdose deaths are still about at the 2021 rate and remain over 40% higher than the rate of deaths in 2019. This study is adjusted for delayed reporting.

Higher death rates from opioid use disorder in the early 2020s were driven almost entirely by synthetic opioids, mostly fentanyl. While these opioids are very useful for severe pain in a medical setting, they can be deadly, even in tiny doses. The illicit drug supply has been contaminated with fentanyl, and some people have died of respiratory depression while having no idea that the drug they were using contained fentanyl.

This decrease could be due to more effective enforcement of laws preventing importation of fentanyl. The Drug Enforcement Administration reports that fentanyl seizures increased by a factor of three from 2021 to 2023. More likely, this decrease is due to more availability of naloxone (Narcan) via a nasal spray, which is now carried by most first responders and available in some workplace first aid kits. California just passed a bill that will require naloxone in workplace first aid kits by 2028. I carry naloxone in my backpack in case I encounter someone who is unexpectedly unresponsive and not breathing; I got it for free at our local library. Members of employer-sponsored health plans can generally have the purchase of naloxone covered by insurance, and the drug is available for less than $50 for a package of two without a prescription.

Implications for employers:

-        Despite this welcome decrease, deaths from drug overdoses still remain near historic highs.

-        Employers can add naloxone to first aid kits and can train employees to recognize signs of opioid overdose and administer naloxone in the event of overdose in the workplace as well as managers and supervisors to recognize signs of opioid use disorder and refer employees to an Employee Assistance Program.

-        Employers can be sure that their plan members with opioid use disorder or who are on prescribed narcotics can get ready access to substance use disorder treatment, including medication assisted treatment such as buprenorphine (Suboxone) or methadone to help them stay off narcotics.

-        Here is a link to a National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health guide for employers seeking to provide naloxone for emergency on-site use.

-         Here is a link to a previous post on employer actions to prevent opioid overdose deaths in the workplace.

Thanks for reading.  You can find previous posts in the Employer Coverage archive

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Tomorrow: Public interest in vaccinations is waning