Visualizing the Shifting Causes of the Opioid Epidemic

by Michael McLaughlin January 23, 2020

written by Michael McLaughlin January 23, 2020

A map of the United States showing that fentanyl is the dominant cause of opioid deaths. on the East coast.

The Washington Post has created a series of data visualizations using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that show the evolution of the opioid epidemic in the United States. The visualizations demonstrate that the leading causes of opioid deaths shifted from prescription pills in 2011 to heroin in 2014 to fentanyl in 2017. Roughly 100,000 Americans have died from fentanyl in the last six years.

Take a look.

Michael McLaughlin

Michael McLaughlin is a research analyst at the Center for Data Innovation. He researches and writes about a variety of issues related to information technology and Internet policy, including digital platforms, e-government, and artificial intelligence. Michael graduated from Wake Forest University, where he majored in Communication with Minors in Politics and International Affairs and Journalism. He received his Master’s in Communication at Stanford University, specializing in Data Journalism.

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