Opioid Overdose Deaths in 2017: Prescription vs. Illicit Opioids
Of the nearly 47,000 opioid overdose deaths in 2017, approximately 17.4% involved prescription opioids only, while 58.7% involved illicit opioids only, and 18.5% involved both prescription and illicit opioids. 1
Breakdown of the 2017 Opioid Death Statistics
The total number of opioid-involved overdose deaths in 2017 was 47,600 out of 70,237 total drug overdose deaths (67.8% of all drug deaths). 2 When examining the specific composition of these opioid deaths:
- Prescription opioids only: Approximately 8,280 deaths (17.4% of opioid deaths) 1
- Illicit opioids only: Approximately 27,940 deaths (58.7% of opioid deaths) 1
- Both prescription and illicit opioids: Approximately 8,810 deaths (18.5% of opioid deaths) 1
Critical Context About the Evolving Epidemic
The 2017 data represents a critical inflection point where illicit opioids, particularly synthetic opioids like illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF), became the dominant driver of opioid deaths. 2 From 2013 to 2017, opioid-involved overdose deaths increased 90%, from 25,052 to 47,600, with this increase primarily driven by substantial increases in deaths involving IMF or fentanyl analogs. 3
Geographic Distribution
The hardest-hit states in 2017 were concentrated in Appalachia and the Northeast, with West Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland experiencing the highest age-adjusted death rates. 4
Polysubstance Involvement
A critical caveat is that 62.6% of all opioid deaths involved polysubstance use, including benzodiazepines, cocaine, or methamphetamine, substantially increasing mortality risk. 3 Benzodiazepine co-involvement specifically increases death rates 3- to 10-fold compared to opioids alone. 4
Age Demographics
The opioid epidemic disproportionately affected individuals aged 25-54 years, with opioids causing 20% of all deaths in the 24-35 age group. 4