Illicit Fentanyl Involved In 74% Of Opioid Fatalities In Massachusetts

In 2016, illicit fentanyl caused 74% of opioid overdose deaths in Massachusetts. Between 2012 and 2015, the proportion of opioid overdose deaths due to fentanyl more than doubled, from 32% during 2013 to 2014 to 74% in the first half of 2016. During the same time period, opioid overdose deaths in the state increased by 150%.

These findings were reported in “Characteristics Of Fentanyl Overdose - Massachusetts, 2014-2016,” by Nicholas J. Somerville, M.D.; Julie O’Donnell, Ph.D.; R. Matthew Gladden, Ph.D.; et al. The researchers analyzed data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Office . . .