Review of the CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)

On May 3rd, 2019, the CDC released an MMWR which discussed the increase in overdose deaths. Read the full article here.

According to the report, "Overdose deaths involving cocaine and psychostimulants continue to increase." (Kariisa, Scholl, Wilson, Seth, Hoots, 2019). This is referring to a study done from 2016 to 2017.

The article's discussion focuses on the increase in overdose deaths specifically involving cocaine and other pscyhostimulants. Psychostimulants could include methamphetamine, ephedrine, and other similar drugs. America has been facing an opioid overdose crisis, but with this new MMWR report discusses the potential for more increases in cocaine and stimulant related deaths.

Overall, cocaine-related death rates have been declining since 2006. However, in 2012, these rates started to increase and were still increasing in 2017 (Kariisa, et al., 2019). It's important to stay informed with recent public health trends, including reports on substance abuse and overdose rates.

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References

Kariisa M, Scholl L, Wilson N, Seth P, Hoots B. Drug Overdose Deaths Involving Cocaine and Psychostimulants with Abuse Potential — United States, 2003–2017. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019;68:388–395. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6817a3external