Smoking Surpasses Injecting as Most Common Method of Drug Use in US Overdose Deaths, CDC Study Finds
In a groundbreaking study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it has been revealed that smoking has overtaken injecting as the most prevalent method of drug use in U.S. overdose deaths. The study, which is being hailed as the largest of its kind, sheds light on the evolving drug landscape in America and the potential implications for public health.
The CDC embarked on this study after receiving reports from California suggesting a rise in the smoking of fentanyl, a potent and illicit painkiller that has been linked to a significant number of overdose deaths. While some preliminary research has indicated that smoking fentanyl may be slightly less deadly than injecting it, lead author Lauren Tanz emphasizes that both methods carry a substantial overdose risk. It remains unclear whether the shift towards smoking fentanyl will ultimately lead to a reduction in overdose deaths.
Fentanyl, an infamously powerful drug, has traditionally been injected by drug users. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the smoking of fentanyl. Users typically place the powder on tin foil or in a glass pipe, heat it from below, and inhale the resulting vapor. Although smoked fentanyl is less concentrated than its syringe counterpart, there are perceived advantages to this method. For instance, individuals who inject drugs often suffer from pus-filled abscesses and are at risk of contracting hepatitis and other diseases. By switching to smoking, these users can avoid visible track marks on their arms and potentially improve their employment prospects.
To conduct the study, CDC investigators utilized a national database compiled from death certificates, toxicology reports, and information provided by coroners and medical examiners. Data was collected from the District of Columbia and 27 states between 2020 and 2022. Out of the total 311,000 U.S. overdose deaths during this period, information on drug consumption methods was available for approximately 71,000 cases, representing around 23% of the total. The findings revealed a 74% increase in overdose deaths with evidence of smoking and a 29% decrease in deaths with evidence of injection. The study also noted a rise in deaths related to snorting drugs, although not as significant as smoking-related deaths.
Experts caution that determining the exact percentages of deaths resulting from different drug consumption methods can be challenging. Many cases involve the use of multiple drugs through various routes. Additionally, some deaths may not have a specified method of drug use. However, the study found that in late 2022, smoking accounted for 23% of deaths with an identified method, followed by injections at 16%, snorting at 16%, and swallowing at 14.5%.
Lead author Lauren Tanz believes that the data collected is representative of the nation as a whole. The study included data from states across all regions of the country, and all regions showed an increase in smoking and a decrease in injecting. The report highlights that smoking was the predominant method in the West and Midwest, while it was roughly equal to injecting in the Northeast and South.
While the study has been praised for its comprehensive approach, some experts point out its limitations. Determining the exact circumstances surrounding an overdose death can be challenging, especially in cases where there are no witnesses. Injection marks on the body often make injections more easily identifiable, whereas detecting smoking requires finding paraphernalia such as pipes or foil at the scene. Additionally, it is worth noting that investigators may have mistakenly identified straws used for inhaling fentanyl vapors as evidence of snorting.
The findings of this CDC study provide valuable insights into the changing landscape of drug use in America. By understanding the prevalent methods of drug consumption, policymakers and public health officials can develop targeted strategies to address the overdose epidemic. As the nation grapples with the devastating consequences of drug abuse, it is crucial to stay informed and adapt interventions to meet the evolving needs of those affected.
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