Suspected Nonfatal Drug-Related Overdoses Among Youth in the US: 2016–2019

An analysis of emergency department data shows a rise in nonfatal drug overdoses for youth under 15, from 2016 to 2019. Overdoses among the youngest kids aged 0-14 are relatively rate. However, risk increases with age, as the rate of all drug overdoses among youth aged 15-24 was more than double that of 11-14-year olds. Stimulant overdoses increased for all age groups, while heroin decreased for 15-24-year olds.

Comprehensive prevention approaches that incorporate coordinated care at the individual, school, family, and community levels have shown promise for preventing substance use among youth and warrant more research to ensure long-term impact.