Drug Overdose Deaths Among Women Aged 30-64

A report released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (linked above) states that drug overdose deaths among women aged 30 to 64 years between 1999 and 2017 increased by 260%, from 6.7 deaths per 100,000 in 1999 to 24.3 in 2017. Deaths involving antidepressants, benzodiazepines, cocaine, heroin, and synthetic opioids increased in this time frame. The CDC recommends a "multifaceted approach involving the full spectrum of care services", acknowledging the "remaining need to consider middle-aged women who remain vulnerable to death by drug overdose."