End Substance Use Disorder Statement on U.S. Surpassing 100,000 Lives Lost to Overdose in a Year

Today, the Centers for Disease Control announced that the United States lost an estimated 100,306 loved ones to drug overdoses from April 2020 through April 2021 - the deadliest year on record. End Substance Use Disorder released the following statement:

“As we enter the holiday season, more than 100,000 families will be gathering not in celebration, but in grief, over the loss of a beloved parent or child to an overdose,” said Erin Schanning, president of End Substance Use Disorder. “Every life lost to an overdose is a tragedy. But the biggest tragedy of all is that each of these deaths was preventable. People can and do recover from substance use disorder when they receive proven treatment and support. It’s up to each of us to honor the loved ones we have lost by ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need to stay safe and heal.”

Overdose deaths rose 29% in one year and now claim more lives than car accidents and homicides. Three-quarters of overdoses involved opioids. While Americans from all walks of life are affected, communities of color suffered the fastest growing rates of overdoses.