Vicodin Abuse and Addiction Rates in Southern California
Opioid overdose deaths remain a significant concern, with nearly 75% of the 108,000 overdose deaths in the 12 months ending April 2022 involving opioids. Synthetic opioids were involved in approximately 87% of opioid-related deaths as of June 2021. Despite a 30% decrease in prescription opioid deaths between 2011 and 2019, overall rates remain high.
The Central Valley region of California, including cities like Fresno and Sacramento, faces significant drug trafficking and abuse issues, with Controlled Prescription Drugs (CPDs) widely abused. From 2000 to 2021, the United States saw drug overdose deaths rise from about 17,500 to over 106,000, with 75% involving opioids. Overprescribing opioid painkillers has significantly contributed to the increase in opioid-related deaths.