CNN Analysis: Drug deaths rising among teens and preteens

In a recent analysis done for CNN by the US Centers for Disease Control and Protection, it was reported that unintentional drug overdoses have only increased in US preteens and teens during the pandemic.

Drug deaths among children ages 10 to 14 have more than tripled from 2019 to 2020. Annual drug overdose deaths have reached an estimated 104,288 from September 2020 to September 2021. This is a record high in the United States. It is also double the number from six years prior, which was 52,000.

Unfortunately, many have succumbed to a deadly fake for oxycontin, which is fentanyl. Fentanyl is stronger than morphine, and is usually used for those with severe disease to manage strong pain. However, most deaths occur from illegally made fentanyl.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, 4 out of every 10 fentanyl pills are potentially deadly. The CDC has said that since 2013 illegally made fentanyl is often combined with counterfeit prescription pills, cocaine and heroin.

During the pandemic, deaths increased significantly. From May 2020 to April 2021, more than 100,000 people of all ages passed from drug overdoses. This is a 30% increase from the previous year. Synthetic opioids have accounted for the majority of deaths, totalling 64,000.

DEA Special Agent Robert Murphy said, “We’re dealing with a different drug threat. Fentanyl has changed the game. I’ve been in law enforcement my entire adult life – so it’s 31 years now. And I’ve never seen a threat of the drug threat like the one we’re dealing with now. It’s frightening.”