Drug Epidemic in the United States Is Deadlier Than Ever, New Data Suggests

Drug Epidemic in the United States , Is Deadlier Than Ever, New Data Suggests.<br />CNN reports the epidemic of drug overdoses in the United States has reached new highs, and experts say it's getting worse.<br />In the last six years, drug overdose deaths in the United States have doubled.<br />Health officials say the rise in popularity of fentanyl <br />and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have contributed <br />to increasing levels of drug-related deaths.<br />According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in a 12-month <br />period ending September 2021, .<br />an estimated 104,288 Americans <br />died of drug overdoses.<br />Per the CDC, overdose deaths <br />rose 16% from the previous year.<br />Health officials contend we must <br />act now to minimize overdose <br />deaths in the United States.<br />Experts say programs such as needle exchanges for users could make an "immediate" impact to reduce <br />drug overdose deaths.<br />Harm reduction can be <br />life-saving for individuals... <br />that are not ready to receive medications or treatment but <br />are at a very high risk of dying. , Dr. Sarah Wakeman, associate professor at Harvard Medical School, via CNN.<br />Federal data shows the highest percentage <br />of overdose deaths among Americans stemmed from the use of synthetic <br />opioids, such as fentanyl