Receive daily email updates from our reporters across the United States with the most recent news.
Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
A recent study has discovered that in the US, there are more deaths caused by drug overdoses from smoking rather than injection.
A recent research project carried out by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed a 75% increase in overdose deaths linked to smoking, while deaths related to drug injection decreased by approximately 30% between January-June 2020 and July-December 2022.
The study revealed that the greatest impact was seen in fatalities where illegally produced fentanyls (IMFs) were present.
The results, as reported by the CDC, can aid in shaping public health and harm reduction efforts to combat the dangers of smoking and decrease fatalities.
The study examined information from the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System in order to depict patterns in methods of drug consumption across 27 states and the District of Columbia.
During the study period, it was discovered that the number of deaths with indications of smoking had increased by over two times from 2,794 to 5,843. Additionally, by 2022, smoking was the most frequently noted method of use in overdose deaths.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pointed out that all regions in the United States showed comparable trends.
Scientists believe that this alteration could suggest a shift from injecting heroin to smoking IMFs among individuals who use drugs.
The issue of addiction in Oregon has ignited intense discussions about potential resolutions.
The study suggests that the number of deaths could be on the rise due to a mixture of inhaled medications and stimulants, which may be smoked.
The CDC report mentioned that smoking drugs may be seen as less expensive and have less social stigma compared to injecting them.
According to researchers, although smoking may have a lower risk of bloodborne infections than injection, it also increases the risk of overdose due to the quick absorption of the drug.
The researchers noted certain constraints in the study, stating that they were unable to determine the reasons and circumstances surrounding overdose deaths, particularly those that occurred without any witnesses.
The use of injections may result in more visible marks on the body compared to smoking, making it a more noticeable method of drug administration.
Nonetheless, according to scientists, the discoveries can still aid in decreasing overdose fatalities.
They are advocating for increased public health communication that highlights the dangers of overdose associated with smoking and other methods of drug consumption.
Source: independent.co.uk
