In 2022, the United States faced a staggering 109,680 drug-related deaths, marking a 2.5% increase from the previous year. The primary contributor to these fatalities was illicit fentanyl, which accounted for 72.5% of overdose deaths nationwide. The rise of fake prescription pills, often containing lethal doses of fentanyl, has become a significant concern. Reports indicate that 70% of these counterfeit pills tested by the DEA are now positive for dangerous amounts of fentanyl.

Illicit fentanyl is not the same as medical fentanyl. It is often disguised as legitimate prescription medications like oxycodone and hydrocodone. These fake pills are readily available on social media and e-commerce platforms, making them accessible to anyone with a smartphone. Cartels are mass-producing these counterfeit drugs, misleading the public into believing they are safe.

Despite the alarming increase in fentanyl deaths over the past few years, there was a slight decrease in 2023, raising hopes for a continued downward trend. However, the situation remains complicated by the introduction of xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer mixed with fentanyl, creating a new threat known as \"tranq.\"

In addition to fentanyl, psychostimulants, primarily methamphetamine, are responsible for 31% of drug-related deaths in the U.S. In the first half of 2023 alone, over 17,000 Americans died from overdoses related to these stimulants. The Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels are the main suppliers of methamphetamine, producing highly potent versions that have adapted to evade chemical import restrictions.

Prescription drugs also play a significant role in the drug crisis. They are among the most commonly misused substances in the country, with 70.5 million Americans aged 12 and older reported to have used illegal drugs or misused prescription medications in 2023. This highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and action to combat the ongoing drug epidemic.