2024-11-29 17:00:00
When Nabarun Dasgupta, a leading drug expert at the University of North carolina, discovered in May, data from the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC)it was “skeptical”. The latter announced,for the first time since 2018,a 3% decline in the number of overdose deaths in the United States in 2023,compared to the previous year. Over the months he had to face reality: the trend continued and even intensified. Second the latest data from the CDCreleased in November, the decline is now projected at 14.5% across the country between June 2023 and June 2024, with 96,801 overdose deaths, compared to 113,154 the previous year.
For more than two decades, the opioid crisis has wreaked havoc across the atlantic. It was fueled first by the explosion of prescription painkillers, such as oxycodone, then by the rise of heroin, and finally by the rise of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, which is a hundred times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl overdose death today the first cause mortality among Americans aged 18 to 45.
The Covid-19 pandemic has only made things worse. In 2021, the number of overdose deaths topped 100,000 nationwide for the first time, then 110,000 in 2022, a record. “When we see a double-digit decline like this, it shows that this isn’t just a statistical aberration.”confirms Allison Arwady, director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, a branch of the CDC.
The decline is more pronounced in the east of the country – North Carolina recorded a decline of around 30% – while in the west the situation is more mixed with five states showing increasing numbers.This can be explained, explains Allison Arwady, by the fact that the East Coast was the first to be affected by the arrival of fentanyl and thus the first to have to react before the phenomenon moved west.
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Why this recent and marked decline? Has access to treatment for opioid addiction improved? Is the fight against cartels more effective? More massive funding? YES, the White House respondsfor whom this decline is the result of the policy pursued by outgoing president Joe Biden for four years. In a long blog post published in Septembernabarun Dasgupta reviewed the various arguments put forward by the scientific community, which is difficult to explain this decline. “There is no single answer”he writes before recognizing it “We may never know what caused this decline or whether it will last”. “It’s difficult, on a national political level, to see what works, but, on the ground, it’s obvious that every community [administrations, associations, travailleurs sociaux, médecins qui œuvrent ensemble] has a different path towards success and that it is collective effort that works”confide.
How can grassroots organizations contribute to policy changes in the fight against the opioid crisis?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Nabarun Dasgupta, Drug Expert at the University of North Carolina
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we’re diving into a pressing issue that touches countless lives across the globe: the opioid crisis, particularly focusing on fentanyl.Joining us is Nabarun Dasgupta, a leading drug expert from the University of North Carolina. Nabarun, thank you for being here.
Nabarun Dasgupta: Thank you for having me.It’s a crucial time to discuss this issue.
Editor: Recently, the CDC released some new data regarding drug overdoses involving fentanyl. You mentioned that you were initially skeptical about these findings.What caught your attention?
Dasgupta: Yes, when I first reviewed the CDC data, it was certainly alarming. The rise in fentanyl-related deaths shows a stark escalation that warrants serious concern. The fact that this data represented the first time they presented this details so publicly made it even more notable.
Editor: can you share a bit about the statistics or trends that stood out to you?
Dasgupta: Absolutely. The data revealed that fentanyl is not just a component of the opioid crisis but is becoming the primary driver of overdose deaths. we’re seeing a shift where traditional prescription opioids are outpaced by illicit fentanyl use.The numbers were staggering—there was a notable increase, particularly among younger demographics.
Editor: That’s quite concerning. What do you think are the key factors contributing to the rise of fentanyl usage among these groups?
Dasgupta: There are several factors at play.First, fentanyl is incredibly potent, making it highly sought after on the street. Additionally,the ease of production and distribution of synthetic opioids has made it more accessible. Lastly, the social and economic stressors, especially following the pandemic, have exacerbated substance use issues, leading more individuals to seek out stimulants and depressants like fentanyl.
Editor: You mentioned the accessibility of fentanyl. How is this affecting current policies and public health strategies?
Dasgupta: As the crisis evolves, our strategies must also adapt. Manny states are responding with harm reduction initiatives—like increased availability of naloxone, which can reverse overdoses. However, there’s still a significant gap in effective education about the dangers of fentanyl and the need for extensive treatment options.
Editor: Speaking of education, there are awareness groups such as Facing Fentanyl, which mobilize families affected by opioid misuse. How significant are these grassroots organizations in the fight against this epidemic?
Dasgupta: They are absolutely vital. grassroots organizations can provide personal narratives and local resources that resonate on a community level. They humanize the statistics and often push for policy changes from a place of lived experience.Their advocacy is crucial in combating stigma and fostering community dialog about addiction and recovery.
Editor: As we wrap up, what message do you want listeners to take away from today’s discussion?
Dasgupta: The opioid crisis, particularly the rise of fentanyl, is not just a public health issue but a societal one. It’s a call for compassion and understanding rather than judgment toward those affected. We all have a role to play in addressing this epidemic—whether through advocacy, education, or support for affected individuals and families.
Editor: Thank you, Nabarun, for your insights and for shedding light on this crucial topic. We hope to continue this important conversation and promote awareness surrounding the opioid crisis.
Dasgupta: Thank you for hosting this discussion. It’s essential that we keep talking about it.
Editor: Absolutely.To our listeners, stay informed and engaged.Until next time!