At A Common Sense America, we believe in facing hard truths. And the truth is simple: America’s fentanyl crisis is not easing—it’s getting worse.
For years, the nation has measured the epidemic by overdose deaths. Those numbers dropped slightly last year, thanks largely to the widespread availability of Narcan. But fewer funerals do not mean less fentanyl. In fact, the opposite is true.
Usage Is Rising, Not Falling
A new analysis of workplace drug tests from Quest Diagnostics found that positive fentanyl results rose to 1.13% in 2024—up from 0.91% in 2023 and more than double the rate in 2020. Randomized workplace screenings are also seven times more likely to detect fentanyl than pre-employment tests, showing that many users simply hide it until they’re hired.
Meanwhile, fentanyl-related overdose deaths fell by about 2%—a small decline that reflects more rescues, not fewer overdoses. Communities are still being flooded with the drug, and families are still living on edge.
Public Safety on the Line
Behind every “saved” overdose is an emergency call that stretched police, firefighters, or EMTs. It’s a hospital bill that strained the system. It’s another sign that fentanyl has embedded itself in everyday life—at schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
This is not victory. It’s survival. And survival is not enough.
Common-Sense Solutions
We can’t measure success by death tolls alone. We need action:
- Target the Supply Chains
Fentanyl is trafficked here by cartels and overseas chemical suppliers. Border enforcement, interdiction, and financial crackdowns on traffickers must be priorities. - Support Law Enforcement and First Responders
The men and women on the front lines need resources, training, and protective gear to safely handle fentanyl and stop it from spreading further. - Increase Penalties for Felony Offenders
Dealers of fentanyl are dealing death. Weak penalties send the wrong message. We need tougher sentencing for high-volume traffickers and repeat offenders.
Conclusion
Narcan is saving lives, but it is not solving the problem. Fentanyl is still everywhere—cheaper, stronger, and more available than ever. Until we choke off the supply, support our first responders, and enforce meaningful penalties, the crisis will continue to grow.
At A Common Sense America, we measure success by whether communities feel safe again. That’s the only measure that matters.
