Overdose Deaths Spike To Highest-Ever Levels In CT

CONNECTICUT — Fatal overdose deaths once again climbed in Connecticut after only a one-year drop. The state saw an 18 percent increase in deaths — 1,200 in 2019 compared with 1,017 in 2018.

Opioids were involved in 94 percent of fatal overdoses. The state saw an increase in the number of deaths involving fentanyl and cocaine. Fentanyl-cocaine combination overdoses have surged in recent years and were found in around a third of all Connecticut overdose deaths in 2019.

Fatal overdose victims were between ages 17 and 74, with an average age of 43.

Overall, fentanyl was involved in 82 percent of all fatal overdoses in Connecticut during 2019. The number has steadily climbed over the years after involvement in only 4 percent of all overdose deaths in 2012.

A powerful veterinary tranquilizer not approved for human consumption is also being found in more deaths, said Dr. James Gill, the state’s chief medical examiner.

“Xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer, was detected in 71 fentanyl deaths,” Gill said. “This is likely being added locally as an adulterant.”

Xylazine drug abuse in humans was reported in Puerto Rico during the early 2000s, according to the Maryland Poison Center. Naloxone won’t reverse a xylazine overdose, but it will still counteract opioids such as heroin, which are often mixed with xylazine.

Connecticut lawmakers have passed several laws over the years in an effort to combat the growing opioid addiction crisis. Last year, a new law went into effect that requires prescribers of opioids to discuss a care plan with patients who have more than a 12-week supply of opioids.

The following municipalities had the largest number of residents who died from overdoses. Some of the victims had consumed drugs in other towns.

1. Hartford: 96
2. Waterbury: 89
3. Bridgeport: 60
4. New Haven 58
5. New Britain: 37
6. Bristol: 28
7. Torrington: 27
8. East Hartford: 25
9. Norwich: 25
10. New London 22

Overdose deaths aren't just a problem in the larger cities, but the smaller cities and towns as well. East Haven, with a population of around 28,700, had 16 residents die of overdoses, according to the state Department of Public Health. Derby, with an estimated population of 12,500, had nine fatal overdoses.

Below is the town-by-town breakdown for residents who died from overdoses. Some overdoses occurred in other areas. The below figures don’t include out-of-state residents who died.