The CDC reported a decrease in annual drug overdose deaths for the first time since 2018, with Nebraska’s statistics showing a decrease of more than 20% from last July to this year’s.
But overdoses still claimed the lives of more than 107,000 Americans, according to Justin Dillard, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the Omaha field division of the DEA. About 70% of the deaths from the previous year were associated with opioids like fentanyl.
As families gather for the holidays, Dillard said it’s an important time to talk with friends and family about the danger of drug use.
“Fentanyl is out there, and it’s the biggest threat that we've seen in our country, as far as drugs go,” Dillard said. “It really is a good opportunity now to talk about the fact that one pill can kill you. You don't have to be a habitual user of drugs to fall victim to this.”
He said methamphetamine is still a concern for overdose deaths, as well, as more than 1,000 pounds of methamphetamines were seized in Nebraska last year.
Just two milligrams of fentanyl can become lethal, and DEA reports show that seven out of 10 pills seized contain the deadly drug.
“Any life lost is one that's too many for us,” Dillard said. “And even the loss of one life is something we want to try to avoid.”
The DEA encourages people to stay aware of the resources available for the dangers of drug use.