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Daily Data InsightsSince 2000, deaths from drug use have increased six-fold in North America

Since 2000, deaths from drug use have increased six-fold in North America

This chart titled “Drug use disorder death rate” shows the estimated annual number of deaths from drug use disorders per 100,000 people from 2000 to 2021, highlighting the sharp increase in North America. The data is represented for Canada and the United States, indicated by red lines, compared to other regions in lighter colors.

	•	In 2000, the United States had a drug use disorder death rate of 5 per 100,000 people, which increased significantly to 31.8 per 100,000 by 2021.
	•	Canada’s rate was 2.9 per 100,000 in 2000, rising to 19.2 per 100,000 in 2021.
	•	Other regions shown in the background have relatively stable and lower death rates from drug use disorders.

Data source: World Health Organization (2024).

Drug-related death rates have increased six-fold in Canada and the United States over two decades, according to recent data from the World Health Organization’s Global Health Estimates. We have just updated our charts with the latest data.

In 2000, drug-related death rates in Canada and the United States were reasonably similar to rates in other countries. But since then, deaths from drugs, particularly opioids, have risen sharply.

Opioids include prescription painkillers like OxyContin and Vicodin, synthetic opioids like fentanyl, and drugs like heroin.

Over recent years, opioids have become common in the management of chronic pain, and they’ve become much easier to access on the illicit drug market.

Explore data on deaths from drug use and other health issues in our Global Health Explorer

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