Deaths in the U.S. from alcohol, drugs and suicide have hit an all-time high.
A new study gathers that there are more recent American deaths related to drugs, alcohol abuse and suicides than during any other point over the last two decades. In 2017, the number of reported deaths under these circumstances hit the highest level since record-keeping began in 1999.
National death rates from drugs, alcohol and suicide rose by 6 percent in 2019. That’s 43.9 to 46.6 deaths per every 100,000 people. It was a slower increase than the previous two years, but over the average 4 percent increase reported since 1999. These are number calculated by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Deaths from suicides alone saw 4 percent increase, with 13.9 to 14.5 deaths per every 100,000 people. Meanwhile, deaths from synthetic opioids including fentanyl rose 45 percent and overall increased tenfold over the past five years.
Recently, music lost a legend — Keith Flint of The Prodigy took his own life. Last year, Avicii passed away tragically in an apparent suicide. These are just two people. Now, more than ever, it’s important we as a society value mental health and awareness.
Source: USA Today