The drug overdose epidemic is accelerating quickly, according to recent reports from Fortune and Bloomberg. Federal data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that drug overdose deaths spiked by 21 percent last year, which was more than the previous four years combined.1
According to the data from the CDC, for every 100,000 residents, nearly 20 died of an overdose in 2016. Comparatively, 16.3 people died of drug overdoses per 100,000 in 2015.2
This increase in drug overdose deaths is being driven by opioid abuse and extremely potent synthetic drugs that are circulating on the black market, such as fentanyl and carfentanil.3,4
More than 52,000 people died of drug overdose in 2016 and President Trump declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency late last month, which will provide more resources for treatment.
According to a report from National Public Radio, the administration’s opioid plan will expand access to telemedicine services to provide addiction treatment to those in remote areas, increase the speed of the hiring process for medical professionals working on opioids, and provide funding in programs for dislocated workers and people with HIV/AIDS to be used to treat their addictions.5
Who Is at Risk for Opioid Overdose?
Although many different drugs can cause an overdose, people who abuse opioid drugs are most likely to suffer from a non-fatal or fatal overdose.6 Some of the most common risk factors include:
- Opioid abuse following a decrease in tolerance – Individuals who have recently been released from jail, or just completed drug detox or drug and alcohol rehab program have an increased risk of overdose. This is because their tolerance is very low.
- Opioid injection – Opioid drugs that are injected can cause an overdose much more quickly than other methods of use. This may not give the user any time to call for emergency help before slipping into a state of unconsciousness, especially if they are using drugs alone.
- Prescription opioid use – People who use prescription opioid medications, particularly high doses of them, are more likely to abuse them and suffer from an overdose.
- Abuse of other sedatives – Individuals who abuse opioid drugs while also abusing alcohol, benzodiazepines, cocaine, or other sedatives are much more likely to overdose.
Having a history of prior overdose, substance abuse and/or incarceration, having a mental health condition, lower socioeconomic status, and being male are also factors that may increase a person’s risk of overdosing.7,8
Preventing Drug Overdose: Reaching Loved Ones
If you have a loved one who is addicted to opioid drugs or any other addictive substance, early intervention is essential in preventing overdose and other harmful effects of drug abuse. Talking to a loved one about their drug abuse is the first step to helping them get the treatment they need. If a one-on-one conversation does not produce any change, you may need to enlist the help of a professional interventionist to plan a productive intervention with the family and loved ones of the addicted individual.
At Nova Recovery Center, we can provide intervention assistance and connect you with a professional interventionist who can help you get your loved one into treatment. Our addiction treatment center provides a full continuum of care and a long-term rehab program that gives individuals the skills and tools they need to live a life of sobriety.
You don’t have to live in fear that your loved one may overdose at any minute. Please call (512) 605-2955 to speak to a Nova Recovery Center representative and learn more about our drug rehab program.
References:
- http://fortune.com/2017/11/03/american-drug-deaths/
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-11-03/american-drug-deaths-rose-more-last-year-than-in-the-previous-four-combined
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/health_policy/monthly-drug-overdose-death-estimates.pdf
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates
- http://www.npr.org/2017/10/26/560083795/president-trump-may-declare-opioid-epidemic-national-emergency
- http://www.who.int/substance_abuse/information-sheet/en/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4751580/
- http://www.who.int/substance_abuse/information-sheet/en/
What Are the Overdose Death Rates in Texas and How Effective Is Treatment at Preventing Future Overdoses?
Direct Answer: Texas reported over 5,000 drug overdose deaths in 2022, with rates continuing to climb due to fentanyl-laced substances. Professional addiction treatment is highly effective at preventing future overdoses—studies show that people who complete rehab are 50-70% less likely to experience a fatal overdose compared to those who don’t seek treatment, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) reduces overdose death risk by up to 75%.
Current Overdose Death Statistics in Texas
The Texas Department of State Health Services and CDC data reveal alarming trends:
- Over 5,000 overdose deaths annually in Texas, with fentanyl involved in more than 80% of opioid-related fatalities
- Austin, Houston, and San Antonio have seen significant increases in overdose emergency room visits, particularly among young adults aged 18-35
- Synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) are now the leading cause of overdose deaths, surpassing prescription opioids and heroin
- Polysubstance use—combining opioids with stimulants like methamphetamine or cocaine—accounts for nearly 40% of Texas overdose deaths
How Effective Is Addiction Treatment at Preventing Overdoses?
Research consistently demonstrates that professional treatment saves lives:
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone reduces overdose death risk by 50-75% for opioid use disorder
- Inpatient rehab completion is associated with a 60-70% reduction in overdose risk within the first year after treatment
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) that include relapse prevention training and naloxone education decrease fatal overdose rates by 40-50%
- Aftercare and alumni support—including 12-step participation, counseling, and check-ins—further reduce long-term overdose risk by maintaining sobriety and early intervention during relapse
- Naloxone distribution programs integrated into treatment have reversed thousands of overdoses in Texas, giving individuals a second chance at recovery
Why Treatment Works: The Recovery Advantage
Addiction treatment addresses the root causes of substance use and equips individuals with life-saving tools:
- Medical detox safely manages withdrawal and reduces the risk of relapse to dangerously high doses
- Behavioral therapies (CBT, DBT) teach coping strategies that replace drug use with healthier responses to stress and triggers
- Peer support and community reduce isolation, a major risk factor for fatal overdose
- Relapse prevention planning includes overdose response training, naloxone kits, and emergency contacts
- Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders (depression, PTSD, anxiety) lowers the likelihood of self-medication and accidental overdose
Nova Recovery Center’s Approach to Overdose Prevention
At Nova Recovery Center, we integrate evidence-based overdose prevention into every level of care across Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Colorado Springs, plus our online IOP program:
- Comprehensive assessment to identify overdose risk factors and tailor treatment plans
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) supervised by addiction medicine physicians
- Naloxone training and kits provided to all clients and families
- Relapse response protocols that prioritize safety and immediate re-engagement in care
- Alumni support and monitoring to maintain accountability and provide rapid intervention if warning signs emerge
If you or a loved one is at risk of overdose or struggling with opioid, fentanyl, or polysubstance use, call Nova Recovery Center at (512) 893-6955 for a confidential assessment. Our team is available 24/7 to discuss treatment options, insurance verification, and immediate placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current overdose death rates in Texas?
Texas reported over 5,000 drug overdose deaths in 2022, with fentanyl involved in more than 80% of opioid-related fatalities. Rates have increased significantly in urban areas including Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, particularly among adults aged 18-35.
How effective is addiction treatment at preventing future overdoses?
Addiction treatment is highly effective—medication-assisted treatment (MAT) reduces overdose death risk by 50-75%, and completing inpatient or intensive outpatient rehab lowers fatal overdose risk by 60-70% compared to those who don’t receive treatment. Ongoing aftercare and naloxone access further improve survival rates.
What type of treatment is most effective for preventing opioid overdoses?
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) using buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone is the most effective intervention for opioid use disorder, reducing overdose death risk by up to 75%. Combined with behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, and naloxone distribution, MAT provides the strongest protection against fatal overdose.
Does insurance cover overdose prevention treatment in Texas?
Yes, most major insurance plans—including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicaid—cover addiction treatment and overdose prevention services in Texas. Nova Recovery Center accepts most insurance and provides free verification to confirm your benefits and out-of-pocket costs. Call (512) 893-6955 to check your coverage.
What should I do if someone I know has overdosed?
Call 911 immediately. If you have naloxone (Narcan), administer it right away by nasal spray or injection. Place the person on their side to prevent choking, stay with them until help arrives, and provide information to emergency responders. Texas has Good Samaritan laws that protect people who call for help during an overdose. After stabilization, contact Nova Recovery Center at (512) 893-6955 to discuss treatment options and prevent future overdoses.
Related Resources:
What Are the Overdose Death Rates in Texas and How Effective Is Treatment at Preventing Future Overdoses?
Direct Answer: Texas reported over 5,000 drug overdose deaths in 2022, with rates continuing to climb due to fentanyl-laced substances. Professional addiction treatment is highly effective at preventing future overdoses—studies show that people who complete rehab are 50-70% less likely to experience a fatal overdose compared to those who don’t seek treatment, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) reduces overdose death risk by up to 75%.
Current Overdose Death Statistics in Texas
The Texas Department of State Health Services and CDC data reveal alarming trends:
- Over 5,000 overdose deaths annually in Texas, with fentanyl involved in more than 80% of opioid-related fatalities
- Austin, Houston, and San Antonio have seen significant increases in overdose emergency room visits, particularly among young adults aged 18-35
- Synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) are now the leading cause of overdose deaths, surpassing prescription opioids and heroin
- Polysubstance use—combining opioids with stimulants like methamphetamine or cocaine—accounts for nearly 40% of Texas overdose deaths
How Effective Is Addiction Treatment at Preventing Overdoses?
Research consistently demonstrates that professional treatment saves lives:
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone reduces overdose death risk by 50-75% for opioid use disorder
- Inpatient rehab completion is associated with a 60-70% reduction in overdose risk within the first year after treatment
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) that include relapse prevention training and naloxone education decrease fatal overdose rates by 40-50%
- Aftercare and alumni support—including 12-step participation, counseling, and check-ins—further reduce long-term overdose risk by maintaining sobriety and early intervention during relapse
- Naloxone distribution programs integrated into treatment have reversed thousands of overdoses in Texas, giving individuals a second chance at recovery
Why Treatment Works: The Recovery Advantage
Addiction treatment addresses the root causes of substance use and equips individuals with life-saving tools:
- Medical detox safely manages withdrawal and reduces the risk of relapse to dangerously high doses
- Behavioral therapies (CBT, DBT) teach coping strategies that replace drug use with healthier responses to stress and triggers
- Peer support and community reduce isolation, a major risk factor for fatal overdose
- Relapse prevention planning includes overdose response training, naloxone kits, and emergency contacts
- Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders (depression, PTSD, anxiety) lowers the likelihood of self-medication and accidental overdose
Nova Recovery Center’s Approach to Overdose Prevention
At Nova Recovery Center, we integrate evidence-based overdose prevention into every level of care across Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Colorado Springs, plus our online IOP program:
- Comprehensive assessment to identify overdose risk factors and tailor treatment plans
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) supervised by addiction medicine physicians
- Naloxone training and kits provided to all clients and families
- Relapse response protocols that prioritize safety and immediate re-engagement in care
- Alumni support and monitoring to maintain accountability and provide rapid intervention if warning signs emerge
If you or a loved one is at risk of overdose or struggling with opioid, fentanyl, or polysubstance use, call Nova Recovery Center at (512) 893-6955 for a confidential assessment. Our team is available 24/7 to discuss treatment options, insurance verification, and immediate placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current overdose death rates in Texas?
Texas reported over 5,000 drug overdose deaths in 2022, with fentanyl involved in more than 80% of opioid-related fatalities. Rates have increased significantly in urban areas including Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, particularly among adults aged 18-35.
How effective is addiction treatment at preventing future overdoses?
Addiction treatment is highly effective—medication-assisted treatment (MAT) reduces overdose death risk by 50-75%, and completing inpatient or intensive outpatient rehab lowers fatal overdose risk by 60-70% compared to those who don’t receive treatment. Ongoing aftercare and naloxone access further improve survival rates.
What type of treatment is most effective for preventing opioid overdoses?
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) using buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone is the most effective intervention for opioid use disorder, reducing overdose death risk by up to 75%. Combined with behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, and naloxone distribution, MAT provides the strongest protection against fatal overdose.
Does insurance cover overdose prevention treatment in Texas?
Yes, most major insurance plans—including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicaid—cover addiction treatment and overdose prevention services in Texas. Nova Recovery Center accepts most insurance and provides free verification to confirm your benefits and out-of-pocket costs. Call (512) 893-6955 to check your coverage.
What should I do if someone I know has overdosed?
Call 911 immediately. If you have naloxone (Narcan), administer it right away by nasal spray or injection. Place the person on their side to prevent choking, stay with them until help arrives, and provide information to emergency responders. Texas has Good Samaritan laws that protect people who call for help during an overdose. After stabilization, contact Nova Recovery Center at (512) 893-6955 to discuss treatment options and prevent future overdoses.
Related Resources:
