This is an executive summary of highlights from the 2022 report on physicians’ actions to help end the nation’s drug-related overdose and death epidemic—and what still needs to be done.

Opioid prescribing continues downward trend while overdose and death related to illicitly manufactured fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine increase.

The American Medical Association Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force continues to advance evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and physicians to help end the nation’s drug-related overdose and death epidemic. Physicians’ positive actions, however, are limited by an insufficient focus on meaningful policy implementation and enforcement to support affordable, accessible, evidence-based care for patients with a substance use disorder, pain or access to harm reduction services such as naloxone, syringe services programs and fentanyl test strips.

We urge all stakeholders to come together to help reverse this national epidemic.

• View the 2012-2021 state-by-state opioid prescribing data (PDF)
• View the 2014-2021 state-by-state prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data (PDF)
• View the 2012-2021 naloxone prescription data (PDF)
• View the 2012-2021 medications to treat opioid use disorder (MOUD) prescription data (PDF)

Learn more about the AMA Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force's recommendations to help physicians to take action on evidence-based interventions.

Download the 2022 overdose epidemic report (PDF).

With an increased number of people reporting worsening mental health in recent years, it is imperative that people are aware of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) telephone program.

People experiencing a suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress can call, chat or text 988, and speak to trained crisis counselors. The national hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The previous National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will continue to be operational and route calls to 988 indefinitely.