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35th AM (2025) - Poster Session
Escalating Emergency Department Burden from Opioid ...
Escalating Emergency Department Burden from Opioids in the U.S. National Trends in...
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Pdf Summary
This study analyzes national trends in opioid-related emergency department (ED) visits in the U.S. from 2021 to 2024, focusing on fentanyl and prescription opioids, using data from the DAWN surveillance system. The findings reveal a significant and sustained increase in opioid-related ED visits over this period. Total opioid-related visits rose from approximately 1,052,800 in 2021 to nearly 1,248,500 in 2024, an 18.6% increase. Prescription opioid-related visits also increased by 15%, from about 642,000 to 735,000, while fentanyl-related visits surged by over 40%, from 221,000 to 309,000.<br /><br />Adults aged 26–44 accounted for the highest rates of ED visits across all opioid types. Males comprised about 60–65% of these visits. White patients had the largest volume of visits overall, but African American patients showed disproportionately high rates of fentanyl-related ED visits. Geographically, the South and West regions exhibited the highest rates of visits related to both fentanyl and prescription opioids.<br /><br />Despite efforts to control opioid prescribing, the persistent rise in prescription opioid-related ED visits indicates ongoing misuse, diversion, and unmet treatment needs. The growing proportion of fentanyl-related visits—from 21% in 2021 to nearly 25% in 2024—underscores the escalating impact of synthetic opioids on public health.<br /><br />The study highlights the need for adaptive public health responses that address both synthetic and prescription opioids. Recommendations include regionally targeted harm reduction, enhanced surveillance, and expanded access to evidence-based treatments. Limitations of the data include the potential for repeated visits by the same individuals and certain constraints in subgroup analyses due to sample size and data suppression.<br /><br />In conclusion, the national opioid crisis continues to intensify, with fentanyl playing an increasing role alongside persistent prescription opioid misuse, leading to greater ED burden and necessitating comprehensive and targeted public health strategies.
Keywords
opioid-related emergency department visits
fentanyl
prescription opioids
DAWN surveillance system
opioid crisis 2021-2024
opioid misuse
synthetic opioids impact
regional opioid trends
harm reduction strategies
public health response
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