In 2024, there were 75,761 deaths from preventable poisoning, resulting in a death rate of 22.3 per 100,000 population. Males are at a higher risk, with a death rate of 32.1, compared to 12.6 for females. While total poisoning deaths decreased by 24% from 100,304 in 2023, they still remain over six times higher than the totals recorded in 1999.
Drug poisonings, commonly referred to as drug overdoses, account for 96% of these deaths. More than 67% of drug overdose fatalities involved opioids.
Deaths due to alcohol poisoning have decreased by 26% since 2020, totaling 1,958 in 2024. Males account for three times as many alcohol poisoning deaths as females. It is also important to note that alcohol may be present alongside other drugs in many cases.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WONDER
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