Intro
Data can help make sense of epidemics that are affecting Americans.
Drug abuse, including fentanyl
The misuse of fentanyl and other drugs has led to rise in overdose deaths in recent years.. This section explores the data behind these trends.
- Drug overdose deathsIn 2023, 69% of drug overdose deaths involved fentanyl or other synthetic opioids.Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Leading causes of deathIn 2022, the leading causes of death were heart disease, cancer, and accidents.Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Fentanyl at the borderAs of May 2025, authorities seized approximately 3880 pounds of fentanyl at US borders in 2025.Source: US Customs and Border Protection
Mental health
Data on mental illness and suicide.
