Overview
- Researchers analyzed 404,964 U.S. death certificates listing fentanyl from 1999 to 2023 using the CDC WONDER database.
- Among adults 65 and older, fentanyl-related deaths rose from 264 to 4,144 between 2015 and 2023, and the share involving stimulants climbed from 8.7% to 49.9% (2,070 deaths), a 9,000% jump.
- For adults ages 25 to 64, fentanyl deaths increased from 8,513 to 64,694 over the same period, with stimulant involvement rising from 21.3% to 59.3% (a 2,115% increase).
- The increase in seniors’ fentanyl–stimulant deaths accelerated starting in 2020, with cocaine and methamphetamine most commonly involved, exceeding alcohol, heroin and benzodiazepines.
- Authors emphasize that the national, cross-sectional study describes trends without explaining causes, and they urge broader screening, cautious opioid prescribing for older patients and caregiver naloxone education.