Over 321,000 U.S. Children Orphaned by Drug Overdoses in a Decade

A landmark study reveals a doubling in the rate of children losing parents to overdoses, highlighting stark racial disparities.

From 2011 to 2021, the rate of U.S. children who lost a parent to drug overdose increased from 27 to 63 per 100,000.
American Indian/Alaska Native children faced the highest rates of parental loss due to overdoses.
Non-Hispanic Black children saw the largest annual increase in parental loss rates.
Researchers emphasize the need for comprehensive support for families to prevent and manage the trauma of overdose losses.
The study calls for culturally-informed approaches in prevention and recovery services to address racial and ethnic inequities.