In which age group is the burden of opioid deaths in the United States the highest?

The age group of 25-35 years has been identified as experiencing the highest burden of opioid deaths in the United States. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including increased rates of opioid prescription and misuse among younger adults, the prevalence of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and the social and economic challenges faced by individuals in this age range.

Research indicates that young adults in this group are often at a critical stage in their lives, dealing with issues related to employment, relational stress, and mental health, which can contribute to substance use and ultimately increase the risk of overdose. Furthermore, the opioid crisis has severely impacted communities, and younger adults are more likely to engage in risky behaviors associated with drug use.

Consequently, public health interventions and policy responses have placed a strong focus on this age group as a priority for addressing the epidemic and reducing the rates of overdose deaths related to opioid use.