Updated May 4, 2018 - Health

The rise of newer, deadlier opioids

Synthetic opioids, some of the most potent drugs, were involved in close to half of all opioid deaths in 2016 and 30% of overdose deaths overall, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Data: Journal of the American Medical Association; Chart: Harry Stevens/Axios
Data: Journal of the American Medical Association; Chart: Harry Stevens/Axios

Between the lines: Prescription drugs had been the primary cause of overdose deaths — in 2011, only 6% of overdose deaths involved synthetic opioids. But now these more dangerous, often illicit drugs, primarily fentanyl, are driving the ever-rising overdose death toll.

Be smart: While prescription and synthetic opioids have grabbed the most attention in headlines and from the administration, deaths involving heroin, cocaine and even psycho-stimulants are also on the rise.

Go deeper: Opioid prescription rates dropping across the country.

Go deeper