In 2022…
81,045 people died from opioid overdose.
That’s 223 people every day – a 72% increase over the past five years, and a 906% increase since the beginning of the opioid overdose crisis in 1999, when 22 people a day died of fatal opioid overdose.
71,143 people died from synthetic opioid overdose (fentanyl and others).
That’s 200 people every day – a 125% increase over the past five years, and a shocking 9,926% increase since 1999, when two (2) people a day died from synthetic opioid overdose.
The opioid epidemic is literally killing us.
Every overdose story is the tip of an iceberg. Hidden under the waterline are months and years of pain and suffering – and not just the pain and suffering of the person who overdosed. The families, friends, and spouses of those who lost their battle with opioid addiction experienced addiction while it was happening, too – but for them, overdose is not the end.
It’s the beginning of loss and grieving.
Not a day goes by when they don’t wonder if they could have done something different. Something to help. Something, anything that could have eased the pain and allowed their loved one to overcome addiction and find the path to a new life.
In the middle of this heartbreaking epidemic – we offer hope.