Deadliest Illicit Drugs in the US Today

In their recent report, “The 2019 National Drug Threat Assessment (NDTA),” combines federal, state, local, and tribal reports from law enforcement and other government agencies regarding which substances represent the greatest threat to America today, causing more than 192 drug poisoning deaths daily.

Their findings, in order according to significant threat, include:

Threat #1: Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids:

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that remains at the top of the list of deadliest illicit drugs, sourced from China and Mexico, where it is produced entirely from chemicals rather than plants.  Dealers lace opioids, heroin, and other illicit substances with Fentanyl to increase profits.  Unsuspecting buyers often suffer overdose or death as a result.  Fentanyl causes more deaths than any other illicit drug available today.

Threat #2:  Heroin:

Heroin is an addictive illicit substance that is derived from morphine.  It can be a white or brown powder, or a black sticky substance (black tar heroin).  People inject, snort, or smoke heroin for its euphoric effects.  Mexico is the primary source of heroin coming into the US.  More than 14,900 people died from a heroin overdose in 2018.

Threat #3:  Prescription drugs:

The third most deadly abused substance in the US includes controlled prescription drugs (CPDs).  Traffickers manufacture counterfeit CPDs and often combine them with other deadly substances such as fentanyl to increase profits.  The most commonly abused prescription drugs include opioids, depressants such as benzodiazepines, and stimulants such as Adderall.  More than 16 million people use prescription drugs for non-medical reasons each year.

Threat #4:  Methamphetamine:

Methamphetamine is an addictive psychostimulant.  It was originally used in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers.  It causes increased energy, talkativeness, and a sense of euphoria.  The drug is available by prescription, but traffickers from Mexico continue to smuggle illicitly produced methamphetamine across the southern borders of the US.  More than 12,676 people died from methamphetamine overdoses in 2018.

Threat #5:  Cocaine:

Cocaine is an addictive stimulant drug.  As a controlled substance, it is available by prescription.  However, street dealers often dilute cocaine with amphetamine or fentanyl to increase their profits, creating an even more dangerous product.  Users either snort or inject the drug.  More than 14,600 people died from cocaine-related overdoses in 2018.