In 2011, overdose deaths in the U.S. were on a decline mostly due to interdiction efforts and international cooperation to reduce the production of illicit drugs. Since about 2014, a reversal of this trend could be clearly seen as legal semi-synthetic opioids and cocaine stimulants were replaced by the fully synthetic fentanyl and methamphetamine. By 2022, overdose deaths caused by illicit fentanyl led to the worst drug crisis the U.S. has ever experienced in its history, with 1,500 people dying every week of overdose-related cases. By 2022, deaths caused by fentanyl significantly reduced the life expectancy in the U.S. and were also seen as a major drag on the U.S. economy. Despite efforts to control the trade of chemicals used in the synthesis of fentanyl, the tide of fentanyl-related deaths continues to be a major threat to U.S. national security.Klobucista C and Martinez A (April 19, 2023) "Fentanyl and the U.S. Opioid Epidemic" Council on Foreign Relations. Accessed 6 August 2023.
in 2011 overdose deaths in the us were on a decline mostly due to interdiction efforts and international cooperation to reduce the production of illicit drugs since about 2014 a reversal of this trend could be clearly seen as legal semi-synthetic opioids and cocaine stimulants were replaced by the fully synthetic fentanyl and methamphetamine by 2022 overdose deaths caused by illicit fentanyl led to the worst drug. crisis the us has ever experienced in its history with 1500 people dying every week of overdose-related cases by 2022 deaths caused by fentanyl significantly reduced the life expectancy in the us, and were also seen as a major drag on the us economy despite efforts to control the trade of chemicals u!sed in the syn.thesis of fentanyl the tide of fentanyl-related deaths continues to be a major threat to us national securityklobucista c and martinez a (april 19 2023) "fentanyl and the us opioid epidemic" council on forei.gn relations accessed 6 august 2023