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This is The Drug Report’s Friday Fact report - Fatal Overdoses are Increasing, but Oregon is an Outlier due to Measure 110

Report Highlights:

In the span of two years, from 2020 to 2022, there has been a concerning rise in overdose deaths attributed to various drugs across several states in the western United States. The statistics, sourced from the CDC’s WONDER database, reveal a distressing trend:

• Oregon: Experienced the highest increase, with overdose deaths soaring by 74.7% during this period.

• Washington: Not far behind, witnessing a rise of 59.6% in overdose fatalities.

• Idaho: Also had a notable increase, with overdose deaths climbing by 29.3%.

• California: Recorded a 25.5% increase in overdose deaths.

• Nevada: Saw a 17.7% rise in overdose fatalities.

Oregon’s radical policy, Measure 110, which decriminalized the possession of all drugs, has no doubt been a primary factor in these deaths.

These statistics underscore the urgency of addressing the root cause of the drug and overdose crisis and highlight the need for comprehensive strategies, including making treatment more accessible than drugs.

The Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS) is a national drug policy think/action tank whose vision is a world in which children and families thrive, substance use is prevented, and there is rapid access to quality treatment. From prevention and recovery to smart law enforcement and better international cooperation, we are working to change the face of drug policy. Too many people are losing their lives to addiction. It is time for big change.