Scope of the Opioid Problem

Drug overdose deaths, especially those involving opioids like heroin and fentanyl, have been increasing in the United States.

The first wave of the opioid epidemic in the United States and the rise of opioid overdose deaths began in the late 1990s. There was a large increase in the number of prescriptions for natural and semi-synthetic prescription opioids such as oxycodone. The companies responsible for developing and marketing these medications did not properly warn physicians or consumers of the addictive properties of opioids. Higher rates of prescribing led to higher rates of opioid use disorders.

The second wave of the opioid epidemic began in 2010 when it started to become more difficult to receive prescription opioids, and individuals who had developed opioid use disorders began seeking out alternative options for pain relief. The country saw a rise in heroin use and related overdose deaths.

The third wave of the opioid epidemic began in 2013 when there was a spike in overdoses involving synthetic opioids such as illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) and its analogues.

Fentanyl continues to cause high rates of overdoses in the United States. Some researchers believe that we have entered a fourth wave of the opioid epidemic with increased rates of polysubstance use. Illegally manufactured substances may be mixed or “cut” with another substance; this combination may cause additional harm to the individual. Polysubstance use is not always intentional; individuals who use substances may not be aware that drug has been cut with another.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the age-adjusted rate of overdose deaths nationally is 31.3 deaths per 100,000 standard population. This rate had nearly quadrupled from 8.9 in 2003 to 32.6 in 2022. The 2023 rate shows a decrease in overdose deaths by 4.0% from 2022 and notable improvement in managing the opioid crisis. This improvement is largely a result of harm reduction efforts such as widespread naloxone (Narcan®) availability. (CDC)

The Opioid Crisis in CT

Connecticut has been impacted by the opioid epidemic.

Over 8% of Connecticut high school students reported taking prescription pain medications without a prescription or differently than prescribed. (Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2021)
In 2023, there were 1,329 unintentional drug overdose deaths in the state. There was a 7.5% decrease in drug overdose deaths in 2023 compared to 2022. This was the second consecutive year of declining overdose deaths. 2024 data is not yet finalized, but the number is anticipated to decrease yet again from the 2023 figure based on partial data through June of 2024. (CTDPH, 2024; CTDPH, 2019-2024)
- The percentage of overdose deaths caused by fentanyl in 2023 was 83.3%, down from 86% in 2022.
Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer often seen in combination with fentanyl, was found in 22% of overdose deaths in 2023, compared to 24% in 2022. Xylazine was first reported as present in an overdose-related death in Connecticut in 2019. (CTDPH)