Prescription Depressant-Involved Overdose Mortality in Massachusetts (2000-2023): A Cohort Study

Key Points

• Overdose mortality has significantly increased due to prescription depressants in Massachusetts since 2000.
• From 2000 to 2023, overdose deaths involving prescription depressants rose sharply, highlighting a growing public health crisis.
• Cohort study design was utilized to track trends in prescription depressant-involved overdose fatalities over two decades.
• This finding supports the need for urgent policy changes and enhanced prevention strategies to address overdose risks.