CDC Report Reveals Increase in Carfentanil-Linked Overdose Deaths

The CDC reported a staggering 720% increase in carfentanil-related overdose deaths this year.

At a Glance

Overdose deaths with carfentanil detected surged from 29 to 238 in just one year across 37 states.
The synthetic opioid is 100 times stronger than fentanyl and poses a significant threat to first responders.
86.9% of carfentanil-related deaths also involved illegally manufactured fentanyls (IMFs).
Overall drug overdose deaths in the U.S. showed signs of improvement in 2023.
Health officials stress the need for robust overdose prevention strategies.

Alarming Rise in Carfentanil Deaths

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a shocking increase in overdose deaths related to carfentanil, a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than fentanyl. In the first half of 2024, carfentanil was detected in 238 overdose deaths, up from just 29 in the same period of 2023. This represents a staggering 720% increase across 37 states, primarily concentrated east of the Mississippi River.

The average monthly deaths with carfentanil detected skyrocketed from 3.3 between January 2021 and June 2023 to 34.4 from July 2023 to June 2024. This resurgence is particularly alarming given that carfentanil had previously declined in U.S. illicit drug markets after contributing to numerous overdose deaths in 2016-17.

Detection of Illegally Manufactured Fentanyls and Carfentanil in Drug Overdose Deaths — United States, 2021–2024
Overdose deaths overall and with IMFs detected began declining in 2023, except in the West.https://t.co/EGOoPj7kZT

— CDUHR (@CDUHR_NYC) December 5, 2024

The Deadly Mix: Carfentanil and Fentanyl

The CDC’s report reveals a dangerous trend: 86.9% of carfentanil-related deaths also involved illegally manufactured fentanyls (IMFs). This lethal combination significantly increases the risk of overdose and complicates treatment efforts.

The DEA describes carfentanil as a white powdery substance similar in appearance to cocaine or heroin. This similarity makes it difficult for users to distinguish between substances, increasing the risk of accidental overdose. Carfentanil’s extreme potency means that even minute amounts can be fatal.

Threats to First Responders and Treatment Challenges

The resurgence of carfentanil poses significant risks not only to drug users but also to first responders and law enforcement personnel. The drug’s potency is so high that accidental exposure through touch or inhalation can be dangerous.

The extreme potency of carfentanil also complicates overdose treatment. Standard doses of naloxone (Narcan), the primary medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, may be insufficient to counteract carfentanil’s effects. This challenge underscores the need for enhanced emergency response protocols and increased availability of naloxone.

A Ray of Hope Amid the Crisis

Despite the alarming rise in carfentanil-related deaths, there is a glimmer of positive news in the overall drug overdose landscape. The CDC reported that the total drug overdose death toll in the U.S. showed signs of improvement in 2023, marking the first decrease since 2018.

However, this improvement was not uniform across the country. While the Northeast, Midwest, and South experienced slight decreases in overdose deaths involving IMFs from 2022 to 2023, the West saw a concerning 33.9% increase.

Urgent Call for Enhanced Prevention Strategies

Health officials are emphasizing the critical need for robust overdose prevention strategies in light of the carfentanil resurgence. These efforts should include widespread naloxone distribution, educational campaigns about counterfeit pills and substances containing IMFs, and expanded access to drug checking services.

It’s important to note that while fentanyl test strips can identify the presence of fentanyl, they cannot detect carfentanil. This limitation underscores the need for comprehensive prevention strategies that address the broader spectrum of synthetic opioids in circulation.

As the nation grapples with this evolving crisis, continued implementation and expansion of prevention programs remain crucial. With sustained efforts and adaptive strategies, there is hope for further reductions in overdose deaths across the United States.