Washington Crisis Alert
By: Inesh Dey, Iris Dey, and Ishaan Kothari
The Opioid
Epidemic
Raising awareness. Protecting families. Understanding the data that matters in the fight against Washington's deadliest drug crisis.
Overdose Trends
According to Washington Tracking Network's Drug and Overdose data, all SURDORS (State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System) counties of any opioid-related overdose deaths have increased approximately 250% from 2020 to 2023. With there over 2,000 Washingtonians dying from opioids every year, many due to fentanyl. Both urban and rural areas are affected, with some counties in Washington seeing overdose rates way above the state average.
Families at Risk
Parents and teens both face unique challenges in the opioid crisis
For Parents
Parents struggling with opioid use may face shame, fear, or lack of access to support, but getting help is possible and recovery is real (FindTreatment.gov).
At the same time, parents should be aware of their children's risk of exposure to opioids, even if it's unintentional. Safe storage and open conversations save lives.
For Teens
Teens today face immense stress, anxiety and pressure. Some turn to opioids to cope, whether to relieve pain or escape unwanted emotions.
But what seems like a quick fix can turn deadly fast. One laced pill can be fatal. We want you to have the knowledge and tools to protect yourself and your friends (Teen Newsletter, 2022).
What are the signs?
Physical changes
Mood swings
Secretive behavior
Sleep changes
Financial issues
School/work problems
TAKE ACTION!
What you can do to be one step closer to solving the opioid crisis in Washington
Talk early and often
Have open and judgment-free conversations about drug usage
Lock up medications
Keep prescription medications secure and out of reach
Dispose safely
Use medication drop boxes or disposal pouches
Know the signs
Changes in mood, sleep or appearance can signal misuse
Carry naloxone
This is LIFE-SAVING medication that reverses overdoses
Seek Help
Resources exist to help both youth and adults
The Rise of Fentanyl
Fentanyl has been the biggest game-changer in Washington's overdose trends. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reported that fentanyl-related deaths have increased from 224 deaths in 2019 to over 2,300 deaths in 2023.
What makes fentanyl so dangerous is how easily it can be hidden and pressed into counterfeit pills or mixed with powder without the victim realizing it. These pills often look identical to well-known medication like Xanax, Percocet, or Oxycodone, but even a single pill may contain a lethal dose (NIDA, 2024).
Regional Disparities
Urban Impact
Based on WSDOH data, Counties such as King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Spokane report the highest total number of opioid-related deaths due to population size (each having more than 200 deaths).
King
Highest total deaths
Pierce
High urban concentration
Spokane
Eastern WA hotspot
Rural Challenge
Rural areas such as Grays Harbor, Clallam, and Mason counties have some of the highest per capita overdose rates in the state. These regions often lack treatment centers, access to naloxone, or even primary care.
Limited treatment facilities
Restricted access to naloxone
Insufficient healthcare infrastructure
Who's Being Affected?
Previously, based on WSDOH data, opioid misuse was most prevalent among adults aged 25 to 54. Now it increasingly affects both elders and teenagers, with alarming increases across racial demographics.
White
+219%
Increase from 2020 to 2023
African American
+410%
Increase from 2020 to 2023
Hispanic
+230%
Increase from 2020 to 2023
This is often due to systemic barriers in accessing healthcare and culturally responsive treatment. The overdose crisis highlights issues of equity and access, not just substance availability.
Polysubstance Use: A Dangerous Trend
Another factor in overdose trends is polysubstance use—where people consume multiple drugs simultaneously, often unknowingly. Many fentanyl overdoses are connected with other stimulants such as methamphetamine or cocaine.
According to WSDOH, nearly half of opioid-involved deaths in 2022 also involved another substance, and many users did not realize fentanyl was present. This makes education and awareness of naloxone even more important, as the traditional warning signs of opioid use may be masked by another drug.
~50%
of opioid deaths involve multiple substances
The Data Behind the Crisis
Understanding the statistics helps us target our efforts where they're needed most
Data retrieved and calculated from Drug and Overdose data collected by the Washington Tracking Network.
Per county drug deaths from 2020 to 2023
In this time, nearly every recorded county has seen an increase in drug related deaths
Click on a county to see its data.
King
County
2020
Population: 2,269,673
Crude Death Rate: 21.24
Relative Death Rate: 19.86
2023
Population: 2,347,800
Crude Death Rate: 50.77
Relative Death Rate: 46.07
Change in Statistics
Relative Death Rate Changed by+131.97%
from 2020 to 2023.And in 2023...
81%
2819 out of 3458 drug deaths were caused by opioids.
Opioid & Stimulant Overdose Deaths by Sex (2019–2023)
Year Details
Click a bar in the chart to view detailed information for that year.
Real Stories of Addiction
Behind every statistic is a human story. These are the voices that remind us why this fight matters.
The Human Cost of Opioids
A raw glimpse into how opioid addiction destroys lives and tears families apart, revealing the true human cost behind Washington's deadliest drug crisis.
From Addiction to Recovery
A powerful account of strength and resilience in the face of opioid addiction, showing that recovery is possible with proper support and treatment.
Resources & Information
Learn more about opioid addiction, prevention, and recovery
Emergency Resources
SAMHSA National Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357) - 24/7 treatment referral and information service for substance use disorders
Washington Recovery Helpline
24/7 helpline for substance use, problem gambling and mental health (1-866-789-1511)
Seattle ARP - Donate
Support recovery programs by donating to Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Program
Naloxone Finder
Where to get naloxone (Narcan) in Washington to prevent overdose deaths
Washington Opioid Settlements
Learn about how settlement funds are being used to address the crisis
SAMHSA Treatment Locator
Find substance use treatment facilities and programs in your area
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 for crisis support from trained counselors
National Institute on Drug Abuse
National research organization dedicated to advancing addiction science
NIDA Opioid Research
Research findings and resources about opioid use and addiction
WA State Overdose Dashboard
Current data and statistics on overdoses in Washington State