US drug overdose deaths that occurred in isolation, 2022–2024

NEJM Evidence

Data were obtained from SUDORS (State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System) for 2022-2024. Of 191,577 overdose deaths, 76% occurred in isolation with no opportunity for rescue. Of the deaths in isolation, 73% were in a house or apartment and 23% elsewhere (car, sidewalk, bar). There was a person nearby (but not present) for 29% of the deaths in a house or apartment and 13% of the deaths elsewhere. The authors suggest improved overdose education and reversal agent availability could increase rescues by these nearby persons. For deaths in complete isolation, technologies that monitor vital signs (phone apps, wearable devices) could alert first responders. 

 

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