Revised February 2015
The U.S. Government does not track death rates for every drug. However, the National Center for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does collect information on many of the more commonly used drugs. The CDC also has a searchable database, called CDC Wonder.
National Overdose Deaths—Number of Deaths from Prescription Drugs. The figure above is a bar chart showing the total number of US overdose deaths involving prescription drugs from 2001 to 2013. The chart is overlayed by a line graph showing the number of deaths by females and males. From 2001 to 2013 there was a 2.5-fold increase in the total number of deaths. Prescription Drugs include: anti-depressants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines and opioids.
National Overdose Deaths—Number of Deaths from Rx Opioid Pain Relievers. The figure above is a bar chart showing the total number of US overdose deaths involving opioid pain relievers from 2001 to 2013. The chart is overlayed by a line graph showing the number of deaths by females and males. From 2001 to 2013 there was a 3-fold increase in the total number of deaths. Rx Opioid Pain Relievers include: other opioids, methadone, and other synthetic narcotics.
National Overdose Deaths—Number of Deaths from Benzodiazepines. The figure above is a bar chart showing the total number of US overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines from 2001 to 2013. The chart is overlayed by a line graph showing the number of deaths by females and males. From 2001 to 2013 there was a 4-fold increase in the total number of deaths.
National Overdose Deaths—Number of Deaths from Cocaine. The figure above is a bar chart showing the total number of US overdose deaths involving cocaine from 2001 to 2013. The chart is overlayed by a line graph showing the number of deaths by females and males. From 2001 to 2013 there was a 29% increase in the total number of deaths.
National Overdose Deaths—Number of Deaths from Heroin. The figure above is a bar chart showing the total number of US overdose deaths involving heroin from 2001 to 2013. The chart is overlayed by a line graph showing the number of deaths by females and males. From 2001 to 2013 there was a 5-fold increase in the total number of deaths.Get this Publication
