The article from the White House discusses the severe economic consequences of the illicit opioid epidemic in the United States, with a specific focus on fentanyl.
In 2023, the total cost of illicit opioids was estimated at $2.7 trillion, which is approximately 9.7 percent of the nation’s GDP. This figure includes $1.1 trillion attributed to loss of life, $1.34 trillion to lost quality of life, and $277 billion to additional healthcare and productivity costs.
The report highlights that 93 percent of opioid-related deaths are caused by synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, which are often imported from other countries. The number of fatalities due to opioid overdoses has significantly increased, with 74,702 deaths recorded in 2023, marking a 1.6 times rise since 2017. Additionally, the prevalence of opioid use disorder (OUD) has also grown, affecting approximately 5.7 million Americans.
The article calls for urgent action to address the ongoing opioid crisis, noting that the financial burden and human suffering associated with this epidemic are unsustainable. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies to control the influx of these dangerous substances, which continue to have a profound impact on American society and the economy.
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