Drug overdose deaths in Kentucky rose 49% in 2020; fentanyl and methamphetamine remained the biggest drivers of death
By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health NewsDrug-overdose deaths in Kentucky rose 49% in 2020, according to the state’s latest annual report.
“In addition to the stress caused by the pandemic, we believe the increase in overdose deaths for 2020 is due to a rise in illicit fentanyl and its analogues within the drug supply. The problem is also exacerbated by the widespread availability of potent, inexpensive methamphetamine,” Van Ingram, Executive Director of the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, said in a news release.
The state recorded 1,964 overdose deaths in 2020, the highest number recorded to date. That was 648 more than in 2019, when 1.316 were recorded. It is also 498 more overdose deaths than in 2017, when the state recorded its last record high for overdose deaths, 1,566.
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| Ky. Health News table, from state data; yellow counties had fewer than 20 OD deaths, so rates are less reliable; rates were not released for those with fewer than 10. |
Toxicology reports show that fentanyl was involved in 1,393 of the overdose autopsies, or approximately 71% of all overdose deaths for the year. Acetylfentanyl, another version of the drug, was found in 502 of the cases.Heroin was involved in 191 of the 2020 overdose deaths, an increase from 166 in 2019. Also seeing increases from the prior year were morphine, detected in 504 cases; alprazolam, 237 cases; gabapentin, 390 cases; methamphetamine, 801 cases; and oxycodone, 198 cases.
“Deaths attributed to overdose in 2020 are a somber reminder that the opioid epidemic continues to deeply impact our commonwealth . . . Opioid response is complex and our success will be dependent on our willingness to unite in a shared responsibility to end the stigma and discrimination against substance use disorders and build an equitable system of care that engages and empowers individuals and their families to lead healthy, fulfilling lives,” Health Secretary Eric Friedlander said in the release.
Data for the report was compiled with data from the Kentucky Office of the Medical Examiner, the Kentucky Injury Prevention & Research Center, and the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics.
This will seem cruel to many I assume. Darwin had a theory that only the fittest of a given species was destined to survive. This natural selection made the whole stronger. We spend billions on these drug addicts to keep them alive, send them to rehabs like ARC, and many others, with little or no results. Does this make the human species stronger? NO. We base our actions on emotions, when other species (with some exceptions), don’t. Our human emotions are draining funds that could be far better spent on people in genuine need. The answer to every downfall we have is not drugs people. A bad economy, a loss of a home job or loved one isn’t either. I’ve experienced all I’ve mentioned and never turned to drugs as a problem solver. When something bad happens pick you’re ass up and move on! Let these weaklings go, the world will be a far better place without them. The doctors have a certain amount of responsibility to a degree in that they have helped enable many of these weaklings. Send those doctors to prison, and quit coddling the drug addicts who choose to be just that (with very few exceptions). The few that get and stay clean were destined to survive, those that don’t never were. This is my opinion and I stand by it.
Charley drugs could of helped your problem