In the United States, drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death and for those under age 50, the leading cause of death. Two-thirds of the fatal overdoses were from an opioid. In 1999, cocaine-related overdose deaths exceeded that of opioids; the rise of heroin overdoses began around 2010, and those related to synthetic opioids (e.g. fentanyl) in 2013. Should drug dealers be charged with murder for the cocaine-related overdose deaths? Should pharmaceutical companies be charged with murder for the opiod-related overdose deaths?
Mayo Clinic Minute: Opioid Overdose
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