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What Drugs Cause the Most Deaths?

Writing by Posted On: April 28, 2023
Francisco Church
Chief Editor of - Recovery Ranger

Francisco Church is a rehabilitation specialist and the chief editor of Recovery Ranger. He creates this site to offer guidance and support to individuals seeking...Read more

Every year, millions of people around the world succumb to the devastating effects of drug use. But what drugs are most lethal? In this article, we’ll explore the drugs that are responsible for the most deaths and the dangers associated with them. We’ll also discuss the measures society can take to help protect people from the harms of certain drugs. So, if you’re interested in learning more about the drugs that are causing the most deaths, read on to find out.

Accidental drug overdose is now the leading cause of death from injury in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone, are the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths. Opioid analgesics are responsible for the majority of drug overdose deaths, followed by cocaine, heroin and benzodiazepines. In addition, many overdose deaths involve multiple drugs. The CDC also reports that overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, increased by about 72 percent from 2014 to 2015.

What Drugs Cause the Most Deaths?

Drugs that Cause the Most Deaths in the World

Drugs are a major cause of death around the world. While some drugs are used for medical purposes and to treat illnesses, many drugs are used illegally and can lead to fatal overdoses or other causes of death. This article will explore the drugs that cause the most deaths in the world.

Drugs can be organized into three categories: illicit drugs, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Illicit drugs are drugs that are illegal to obtain or use, such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Prescription drugs are drugs that require a doctor’s prescription to obtain, such as opioids and tranquilizers. OTC drugs are drugs that are available without a prescription, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Illicit Drugs

Illicit drugs cause the most deaths in the world. Heroin is the most deadly, as it is responsible for more than 40,000 deaths in the United States alone in 2017. Cocaine use is also linked to thousands of deaths each year, with more than 10,000 deaths reported in the United States in 2017. Methamphetamine is also responsible for a significant number of deaths, with more than 7,000 deaths in the United States in 2017.

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In addition to overdoses, illicit drugs can also cause deaths from violence, accidents, and suicide. Drug use can also lead to health complications, such as heart, lung, and liver disease, which can lead to death.

Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs are also responsible for a significant number of deaths each year. Opioids are the most commonly prescribed and abused drugs, and they are responsible for more than 47,000 deaths in the United States in 2017. Tranquilizers, such as benzodiazepines, are also linked to thousands of deaths each year.

Prescription drugs can lead to deaths from overdose, as well as from drug interactions and health complications. Prescription drug abuse can also lead to death from violence, accidents, and suicide.

Over-the-Counter Drugs

Over-the-counter drugs can also cause deaths, although they are less common than deaths caused by illicit and prescription drugs. Acetaminophen is the most commonly used OTC drug, and it is linked to thousands of deaths each year. Many people overdose on acetaminophen, as it is easy to take too much. Ibuprofen is also linked to a significant number of deaths each year, although it is not as dangerous as acetaminophen.

OTC drugs can lead to death from overdoses, drug interactions, and health complications. OTC drug abuse can also lead to death from violence, accidents, and suicide.

Conclusion

Drugs are a major cause of death around the world. Illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, are responsible for the most deaths, followed by prescription drugs, such as opioids and tranquilizers. Over-the-counter drugs, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can also cause deaths, although they are less common. Drug use can lead to death from overdoses, violence, accidents, suicide, and health complications.

Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions

What Drugs Cause the Most Deaths?

Answer: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the three drugs that cause the most deaths are opioid pain relievers, heroin, and cocaine.

How Many Deaths are Attributed to Opioid Pain Relievers?

Answer: In 2018, opioids were responsible for 46,802 overdose deaths in the United States. This number accounted for 67.8% of the total overdose deaths that year.

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What is the Death Rate from Heroin Use?

Answer: In 2018, heroin was responsible for 15,958 overdose deaths in the United States. This number accounted for 23.3% of the total overdose deaths that year.

What is the Death Rate from Cocaine Use?

Answer: In 2018, cocaine was responsible for 14,556 overdose deaths in the United States. This number accounted for 21.7% of the total overdose deaths that year.

What Other Drugs Cause Overdose Deaths?

Answer: While opioids, heroin, and cocaine are responsible for the majority of overdose deaths, other drugs such as methamphetamines, benzodiazepines, and alcohol can also cause overdoses. In 2018, these drugs caused 5,845, 7,860, and 8,935 overdose deaths, respectively.

What is the Best Way to Prevent Overdose Deaths?

Answer: The best way to prevent overdose deaths is to address the underlying causes of the problem. This can include improving access to addiction treatment and recovery services, expanding the use of naloxone to prevent overdoses, and increasing awareness of the dangers of drug misuse. Additionally, it is important to provide education about safe prescribing practices for opioids and other drugs to help reduce the potential for overdose.

Which Drugs Cause The Most Overdose Deaths?

Drug overdose is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. It is a tragedy that affects individuals and families across the nation. From prescription opioids to illegal substances, drugs can have severe and deadly consequences. While there is no one type of drug that is solely responsible for the majority of deaths, opioids, stimulants, and depressants are all linked to a significant number of fatalities each year. By understanding the potential risks associated with certain drugs, we can work together to reduce the number of drug-related fatalities in the United States.

Francisco ChurchChief Editor of - Recovery Ranger

Francisco Church is a rehabilitation specialist and the chief editor of Recovery Ranger. He creates this site to offer guidance and support to individuals seeking to overcome addiction and achieve lasting sobriety. With extensive experience in the field of addiction treatment, Francisco is dedicated to helping individuals access the resources they need for successful recovery.

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