10 years of data show drug overdoses remain a significant health threat in Utah

Danielle ConlonFeatured News

Fentanyl is the most common cause of drug overdose in Utah.

Salt Lake City—A new report from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) shows the drug overdose death rate in Utah has not changed much over the last decade. Drug overdose death rates peaked in 2015 and have stayed close to peak levels since. However, more people died from a drug overdose in 2023 than ever before. There were 606 drug overdose deaths in 2023—an increase of 14.3% from the year before.

“We used to see more prescription opioid and heroin deaths than we do now. Several years ago, most drug overdose deaths involved prescription drugs, heroin, methamphetamine—or a combination of these drugs. Now, most people die from drug overdoses that involve fentanyl or methamphetamine combined with other substances,” said Megan Broekemeir, drug overdose prevention research coordinator with the Office of the Medical Examiner.   

Fentanyl is now the most common drug in overdose deaths. Fentanyl was involved in 47.9% of drug overdose deaths in 2023. Fentanyl is extremely potent, low cost, and highly addictive. 

  • There was a 1160.9% increase in deaths that involved fentanyl from 2014 to 2023.
  • There were 290 deaths that involve fentanyl in 2023 compared to 23 deaths in 2014. 
  • The number of fentanyl deaths more than doubled between 2019 and 2020, and has continued to increase sharply.

“The sharp increase in the number of fentanyl-involved deaths outpaces reductions in deaths from prescription opioids. We will likely see an increase in the drug overdose death rate if this trend continues,” said Dr. Deirdre Amaro, chief medical examiner.  

“We appreciate the dedication and support of Governor Cox and the Utah State Legislature in addressing the overdose crisis. There’s much work to do but DHHS is committed to preventing unnecessary suffering and death in our families and communities and helping all Utahns have fair and equitable opportunities to live healthy and safe lives,” said Tracy Gruber, DHHS executive director. 

DHHS has a long history of prevention work, from collecting data on drug overdose trends; to working with state and local partners on policy, education, and treatment services; educating providers on safe prescribing guidelines; expanding safe disposal sites for unused medications; and educating Utahns on the dangers of opioids through campaigns like Stop the Opidemic and Know Your Script. DHHS is also a key partner on Governor Cox’s Fentanyl Task Force, announced on October 15, 2024. 

To read the full report, visit https://ome.utah.gov/updates