What’s the Opioid Picture in the Los Angeles Region?

Statistics courtesy of California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard, prepared by California Department of Public Health (CDPH - Substance and Addiction Prevention Branch (SAPB). https://skylab.cdph.ca.gov/ODdash

Los Angeles and Ventura Counties

Opioid prescriptions in California are decreasing, thanks to a concentrated effort to fight this crisis. But a lot of work still needs to be done.

Drug-related overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. More than three out of five drug overdose deaths involve an opioid.

But the numbers don’t stop there.

In 2022, health officials tallied these opioid-related statistics:

California

  • 7,385 deaths
  • 21,316 emergency department visits
  • 13.6 million prescriptions

Los Angeles County

  • 1,690 deaths
  • 3,174 emergency department visits
  • 2,739,576 prescriptions

Ventura County

  • 193 deaths
  • 580 emergency department visits
  • 340,203  prescriptions

Many people who misuse opioids get them from a friend or relative — often without that person’s knowledge. By removing the risk of unused opioids in your home, you can help address the devastating opioid crisis affecting so many American families. Proper disposal of unused prescription opioids saves lives.

To find a bin near you, visit medtakebackcalifornia.org.
Read more stories about med bins in Los Angeles and Ventura.