Between 2000 & 2015 U.S. Life Expectancy Rose, But At A Slower Rate Than Expected Due To Opioid Overdose Deaths

Life expectancy rose in the United States from 76.8 years in 2000 to 78.8 years in 2015, but during the same period, drug-poisoning deaths, mostly related to opioids, contributed to reducing life expectancy by 0.28 years. From 2000 to 2015, drug overdose deaths doubled, and overdose deaths involving opioids more than tripled. Death rates related to heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, influenza and pneumonia, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and kidney disease decreased.

These findings were reported in “Contribution of Opioid-Related Deaths to the Change in Life Expectancy in the U.S.” by Deborah Dowell . . .