Drug Overdoses Spike in 2019 (and 2020 Will Likely be Worse) 

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2018 saw the first decline in drug overdose deaths in nearly 30 years. In fact, they declined by about 5% to 70,000 lost American lives. The 2018 decline is generally described by decreases in deaths from prescription opioid medications, the drugs that started the nation’s addiction crisis back in the 1990s.  However, that short-lived trend reversed course in 2019 as new record numbers in are persisting to rise, a revival that is likely problematic and perhaps exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

drug abuse deaths

Fears Mount for Continued Climb in Overdose Deaths in 2020

Nearly 72,000 Americans died from drug overdoses last year, according to data by the Centers for Disease Control — an increase of 5 percent from 2018. Deaths from drug overdoses continue to move higher than the peak yearly death totals ever recorded for car accidents, guns or AIDS, and their acceleration in recent years has decreased overall life expectancy for Americans.

Right now, it appears 2020 may increase further. In fact, drug overdose fatalities have grown by an average of 13 percent so far this year over last year. If this tendency continues for the rest of the year, it will be the strongest increase in annual drug-related deaths since 2016.

Up until the last few years, Fentanyl had been largely found in the northeastern states and other parts of the eastern United States. It was generally found as an additive in powdered supply of street heroin. But in recent years, Fentanyl and other strong “man-made” opioids have been attributed for an increasing number of overdose deaths in California, Arizona, and other Western states. Most of the heroin in the Western United States is in a form known as black tar: a sticky substance that is not easily combined with Fentanyl powdered additive. Generally, this has kept Fentanyl out of the heroin supply in the West. But, according to the reports, increasing numbers of counterfeit pills containing Fentanyl — often falsely promoted as oxycodone or other prescription painkillers — are appearing in these states, causing a swell in drug overdoses.

Simple Path Recovery is a beach side, boutique addiction treatment center located in Pompano Beach, FL. Recognized as an intimate Florida Drug & Alcohol Rehab, Simple Path is committed to individualized care, 12-step integration, and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Their addiction helpline is available 24/7 at 855-467-3625.

About the Author

Matthew Koenig is the principal of Last Call Marketing, which devotes their efforts to Digital Marketing, Content Marketing, Website Design and SEO, primarily in healthcare and tourism concerns. Mr. Koenig is based out of South Florida. His sober date is June 10, 2013.


Jack’s journey began when he arrived at Simple Path to get clean and sober. He never thought he could deal with his anxiety and depression without using drugs. Group and one-on-one therapy empowered him to deal with his problems and get better. Going strong at his one-year anniversary, Jack is in a very good place.


Jack

"Simple Path saved my life. There hands on approach to helping you start living a self reliant independent sober life has been nothing short of a blessing to me. I am totally grateful for the staff and the techs."


Harry C.

"I am so grateful for simple path and all the staff there. They have taught me a lot about myself and how to deal with everyday life challenges. Ian with out a doubt saved my life without him in my corner I don’t know where I would be. The clinical staff is very informative about addiction and help client’s get back on there feet. I’m so very grateful they got to be part of my journey."


Jake S.

"This IOP program has been a pillar in my recovery. They let me stay for as long as I needed to and worked on my core issues. "


Jessica R.

"Simple path by far is the place to go for help with alcohol and drugs.. I went through there intensive out patient program which you live in their house for 30 days. It changed my life for the better... They have the best theripest that work with you individually and in group,. This is where I found myself again.. I have been sober for 6 months now thanks to simple path and all their great employees that really care about you and build you up for your next chance at life... This is the place to start your new journey in life."


Allison W.

"Simple Path is an absolutely great place to start turning your life around! From the beginning they were extremely helpful and made sure my entire process very easy and smooth. Everyone that helped me personally there from the start - Lee, Kyle, Matt are all fantastic guys who always had my back with any assistance I needed, always went the extra mile and remained that way my entire time there."


Max B.

"I just want to say thank you simple path you helped to save my life. I was broken before I came here but today my life is amazing. I learned so much from talking with staff and all the coping skills I learned in the groups. The fact that the staff walked in my shoes gave my hope when I first got here. I am so grateful that I chose this place. If you want to get sober this is the place to be."


Jordan D.

"I've worked with a number of addiction treatment centers over time and I'm always impressed by the smaller programs. Simple Path rises to the top of this group that resonates with staff and patients alike."


Matthew K.

Simple Path was there for Dennis when he was most broken. They provided him with support and gave him the tools he needed to shed the ill feelings he once felt about himself. Today, Dennis has a new perspective, gaining the confidence to walk out of Simple Path’s doors a changed man; living a healthier and happier life.


Dennis

"Amazing place if you are trying to get sober. Helps kick start your life when you get into the real world. All the staff here genuinely cares about all the clients."


Jake B.

"Simple path is a good place to go if you're in need of halfway with some clinical help! The staff is great both at iop and at housing. Lee, Derrick, and Ian are all great employees along with Denise and Peter at IOP."


Dan D.

"I sent my son here and the staff at SPR made the process so easy and comfortable for us and my son. I can't say enough good things about this place.


Delores M.

"Amazing program! Very life changing and caring-people! Simple-Path saved my life."


Chase D.

"All the therapists are great and very supportive!"


Matthew L.

"This place is great. I have nothing but the best to say about simple path I would definitely recommend it to anyone. I never thought recovery was possible before I came hear but I now have 8 months of sobriety. The staff was very helpful and I learned a lot from the groups."


Devin C.

"Simple path recovery has truly been a godsend for me. From day one, they took me under their arm and showed me how to live a happy and successful life in recovery! They gave me all the spiritual tools I needed and a lot more! I’ve met a lot of people in recovery and I can honestly say simple path cares. I’m still friends with all the staff and they are definitely my recovery family. God bless you guys!"


Justin M.

"Simple path gave me a second chance at the life I was always meant to have... and a second, and a third. If you really want to get sober Simple Path will arm you with the knowledge to do so. 90% of all the staff at housing and clinical are in recovery with substantial time. By far the best experiences of my life were at Simple Path Recovery. Shout out to Matt, Stevie, Pete, Carrie, Adam, and Derick. I love each and every one of you guys."


Davey R.

"I have sent numerous patients to Simple Path with great success. The transition from my facility to theirs has always been a smooth one. The care and compassion at this facility is remarkable. Most of my work is with Matt O’Malley who goes over and beyond to make sure our patients feel comfortable when they arrive at the facility. It’s an honor to collaborate with this facility daily!"


Pat C.

"Staff genuinely cares, clinical staff and therapists are educated and also care about clients. Techs, Jason, And Dave care and will talk with clients and provide experience and advice."


Matt K.

"Nice staff, beautiful property and facility along A1A."


Jeremiah C.

"I attended Simple Path in June of 2019. I had never tried to get sober and I never went to treatment before. I was scared and vulnerable. I immediately felt safe at Simple Path. In the IOP the therapists listened to me, like actually heard and genuinely cared about me. They not only helped me on my path to sobriety but they also helped me immensely with my trauma. God willing I'll have 16 months on the 1st. I couldn't have done it without all the love and care from Simple Path. Thank you to Cathy, Heidi, Carrie, Emily, Sammy Jo and Ian!"


Vanessa

"I can’t put into words what this place have done not for just for my daughter but our whole family. The phone calls/ text didn’t stop when she finished treatment. They still go above and beyond to stay in contact with us all. I know without a doubt these guys love what they do!! I would recommend ANYONE to this treatment center. And can never thank them enough for what they did for my family."


Dana J.

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