Increasing Trends in Nonfatal Fentanyl Overdose Emergency Visits Through Q3 2023

Recent research indicates a concerning rise in nonfatal overdose emergency department visits related to fentanyl, continuing through the third quarter of 2023. Data compiled from the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report shows an 8.7% quarterly increase in these incidents between late 2020 and late 2023, with rates climbing from 1.4 to 3.5 per 10,000 ED visits. Notably, the increase was most prominent among non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native populations, who experienced the highest rates and the greatest growth, with an average quarterly increase of 9.0%. However, from Q3 2023 onward, there was an 11.0% quarterly decline, bringing the rate down to 2.9 per 10,000 visits by the first quarter of 2024.

Researchers, led by Cassandra M. Pickens, Ph.D., analyzed trends across various demographics such as age, sex, race, and ethnicity to understand the scope of fentanyl's impact. Their findings highlight the importance of ongoing local and state monitoring to identify areas requiring targeted prevention, treatment, and recovery programs. The rise in nonfatal overdoses underscores the ongoing challenge of fentanyl exposure and the critical need for enhanced public health interventions.

This data emphasizes the persistent and evolving crisis posed by fentanyl, urging health authorities and communities to remain vigilant and proactive in combating this public health issue.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-fentanyl-nonfatal-overdose-ed-rose.html