The 2023 Medical Examiners Commission Drug Report has been released, offering key insights into trends and findings from the analysis of drug-related deaths in Florida. Of the 231,925 deaths reported in 2023, medical examiners investigated 34,274 cases. Toxicology reports revealed that drugs were present in 14,798 deaths, underscoring the complex role substances play in fatalities across the state. See the highlights below and access the full report here.
Decrease in Drug-Related Deaths
Encouragingly, total drug-related deaths declined by 5% in 2023 compared to 2022, with 794 fewer deaths reported. Similarly, opioid-related deaths dropped by 10% (777 fewer deaths), with 7,235 deaths involving opioids either as the cause or present in the system. Opioid-caused deaths decreased by 11%, marking a reduction of 681 fatalities.
Most Frequently Detected Drugs
The top five most frequently occurring substances included:
- Ethyl alcohol: 5,890 occurrences
- Fentanyl: 5,530 occurrences
- Cocaine: 3,565 occurrences
- Benzodiazepines: 3,419 occurrences (including 1,106 involving alprazolam)
- Cannabinoids: 3,153 occurrences
Drugs Causing the Most Deaths
Fentanyl was the leading cause of drug-related deaths, responsible for 4,962 fatalities. Other top contributors included:
- Cocaine: 2,377 deaths
- Methamphetamine: 1,983 deaths
- Ethyl alcohol: 1,236 deaths
- Amphetamine: 860 deaths
Drugs Most Likely to Cause Death
The following drugs were listed as causing death in more than 50 percent of the deaths in which these drugs were found:
- Halogenated inhalants (93%)
- Fentanyl (90%)
- Fentanyl analogs (85%)
- Synthetic cannabinoids (83%)
- Heroin (81%)
- Methamphetamine (74%)
- Cathinones (70%)
- Cocaine (67%)
- Mitragynine (66%)
- Hallucinogenic phenethylamines/piperazines (64%)
- Xylazine (62%)
- Methadone (58%)
Prescription Drugs
- Prescription drugs, often mixed with illicit substances or alcohol, were involved in 8,461 deaths, reflecting an 8% decline. Of these, 5,595 deaths were caused by at least one prescription drug, a 10% decrease. Notably, fentanyl—a prescription drug that is predominantly illicitly obtained—featured in 79% of its reported occurrences.
- Benzodiazepines, carisoprodol/meprobamate, zolpidem, gabapentin, and opioids (excluding heroin, fentanyl analogs, and U-47700) represented nearly half of all drug occurrences when excluding alcohol.
Shifting Trends
- Heroin: Occurrences decreased by 59%, with heroin-caused deaths dropping by 54.5%.
- Fentanyl: Both occurrences and fentanyl-caused deaths declined by 11% and 12%, respectively.
- Methamphetamine: A decrease in occurrences (8%) and deaths (10%) was observed.
- Cathinones: A striking 67% rise in occurrences and a 73.5% increase in deaths were reported, predominantly involving N,N-Dimethylpentylone.
- Xylazine: Occurrences rose by 17%, with deaths linked to the drug increasing by 27%.
Implications for Prevention and Policy
These findings underscore both progress and ongoing challenges in combating drug-related deaths in Florida. The decline in opioid-related deaths, including fentanyl, highlights the potential impact of targeted interventions and public health strategies. However, the surge in cathinones and xylazine-related deaths calls for immediate attention to emerging drug threats. While efforts to enhance overdose prevention and treatment accessibility remain vital, prioritizing prevention is essential.
