2020 saw a lot of death around the world throughout the pandemic, but there’s another cause of death on the rise that was unforeseen: overdose. The CDC has reported the highest number of yearly overdose deaths ever recorded. Meanwhile, the FDA continues to vilify Kratom, an organic supplement which could have saved many of those lives.
Drug Overdose Deaths on the Rise
Drug overdose deaths rose by almost 30% in the United States during 2020, resulting in the highest number recorded in history, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported this week. Over 93,000 people died from drug overdoses last year. That’s a 29.4% increase from the over 72,000 deaths in 2019.
This is the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period, and the largest increase since at least 1999
Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse
That means in 2020 an average of 256 Americans died from overdosing every single day, up from 198 the previous year. These deaths have increased by 450% since 1999. In the graphic below, you can see that just two years ago these deaths were on a decline. But with the stresses of COVID-19, they have skyrocketed.
Which Drugs are the Culprit?
It is no surprise, given the state of the opioid epidemic in the United States, that opioids are at the center of this issue, accounting for about three quarters of the deaths last year.
Overdose deaths from synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) and psychostimulants such as methamphetamine also increased in 2020 compared to 2019. Cocaine deaths also increased in 2020, as did deaths from natural and semi-synthetic opioids (such as prescription pain medication)
Statement from the NCHS
These deaths involving opioids have reached nearly 70,000, up from about 50,000 in 2019. In total, since 1999, nearly 841,000 Americans have lost their lives to drug overdosing, with over 70% of these deaths resulting from opiate misuse.
The Opioid Crisis, the FDA, the AKA, & How You Can Help
The opioid epidemic has been plaguing the nation for decades, and it is clearly only getting worse. So what is the FDA doing about it? Pushing more synthetic opioids to the public, all while fighting a war on Kratom in the background. The history of FDA’s hatred for Kratom is undeniable; even when stories of Kratom saving lives and helping people fight these opioid addictions abound.
Thankfully, the American Kratom Association is fighting to keep Kratom legal around the country. You can help by becoming a Kratom Consumer Advocate, and keeping up with the AKA. The AKA is fighting for everyone’s access to clean and safe Kratom, which could help save the thousands of lives we’re losing to opioid overdoses.
Below is a short video testimonial of how Kratom helped to save just one life.
Conclusion
Kratom is a viable alternative for those who are hesitant, for obvious reasons, to start on prescription opiates. It is also a viable option for those who are struggling with opiate addiction in relieving withdrawals and cravings. These are things that cannot be ignored given the state of our nation’s opiate epidemic. This epidemic may not be contagious like COVID19, but it is very real, and claiming the lives of hundreds of Americans every single day. We hope to continue to get the word out about Kratom, support further research into its healing properties, and continue to see Kratom in the hands of people whose lives it could change.
As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. If you’re looking to learn more about Kratom, CBD, and related news, head on over to our blog. And, when you’re ready to purchase some top quality Kratom and CBD products, visit our shop!
