End Substance Use Disorder Statement on CDC’s Release of 2020 Overdose Death Count

Today, the Centers for Disease Control announced that 93,331 Americans lost their lives to an overdose in 2020 - the deadliest year in history. Overdose deaths increased nearly 30% increase from the previous year, which is the largest increase in at least half a century. End Substance Use Disorder released the following statement:

“More than 93,000 families and communities have been changed forever. Each of these deaths is a loved one who is no longer around to share those simple moments with family that give our lives meaning - meals at the dinner table, walks in the park, and holiday gatherings,” said Erin Schanning, president of End Substance Use Disorder and a big sister who lost her little brother, Ethan, to an overdose. “What is most tragic about these deaths is that they were preventable. From supporting healthy childhood development to increasing access to proven treatments and ensuring housing, food, education, and employment are available to all, we know how to end the overdose crisis. How many more families have to suffer before our leaders take real action to stop the heartache and support healing?”

Opioids were involved in nearly three-quarters of the overdoses and cocaine and methamphetamine overdoses grew as well. More than 840,000 Americans have died from an overdose over the last two decades.

Substance use disorder affects every community across the country, regardless of income, race, or ethnicity. End Substance Use Disorder is working to end the death and suffering caused by the condition through education and effective policy. We bring together healthcare providers, people and families affected by substance use disorder, harm reduction and social justice advocates, and local officials to implement common-sense solutions that can save lives.