Use Of Heroin With Fentanyl Rises 123% In The Western United States During 2024

Based on urine drug testing (UDT) results, the percentage of people in the Western U.S. who tested positive for fentanyl and heroin increased from 10% in the first half of 2024 to 23% between July and November 2024. In the western region, UDT-positive for heroin and fentanyl increased by 123% overall. In five western states, the increases were statistically significant, including Arizona (up 389%), Colorado (up 264%), Oregon (up 160%), Alaska (up 102%), and Washington (up 80%).

Nearly 93% of UDTs positive for fentanyl in 2023 contained additional drugs, including many potentially dangerous drugs. For the first time . . .