Note:
We update this information biannually. You can find Monthly Overdose Data at the Rhode Island Department of Health.
Overdose affects communities across Rhode Island
In 2017, 323 Rhode Islanders lost their lives to overdose. From 2011 to 2017, overdose deaths increased by almost 90 percent.
Overdose Deaths by City/Town, 2014 to 2017
Note: Data updated biannually
Note: Counts may not add to annual totals due to missing case information. Incident locations are defined by address locations detailed in police and EMS reports.
Note: Please be careful if you are trying to interpret geographical trends over time. The total count of overdose deaths for Rhode Island includes deaths due to drug overdose when an individual is pronounced dead in Rhode Island. The city or town where the overdose occurred can be different than the city or town where an individual is pronounced dead. In instances where the city of incident was out of state or the city of incident is unknown, the death is usually not included in a geographical count. Variations in unknown city of incident may impact trends. We have suppressed towns with less than 5 deaths to protect privacy and confidentiality.
Overdoses are caused by prescription medications and illicit drugs
Rhode Island’s overdose crisis began with prescription drugs, but overdose deaths from prescription drugs have leveled. Deaths from illicit drugs, such as heroin and fentanyl, are on the rise.
Overdose Deaths by Drug Type, 2009 to 2017
Note: Data updated biannually
Note: Counts may not add to annual totals due to missing case information
Note: Rx medications include prescription opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and benzodiazepines. Illicit drugs include substances such as heroin, illicit fentanyl, and cocaine.
Fentanyl-related overdoses are on the rise
Fentanyl, a highly potent opioid, poses a great threat and worsens our overdose crisis. The number of overdose deaths related to illicit fentanyl has increased by almost 30-fold since 2009. In 2017, over 60% of overdose deaths have involved illicit fentanyl.
Overdose Deaths due to Fentanyl, 2009 to 2017
Note: This chart uses 2017 data from the Rhode Island Department of Health
Note: Data updated biannually
Former inmates are at high risk of overdose
Proportion of Overdose Decedents Released from the Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institutes within 1 Year of Death, 2014 to October 2017
Note: Data updated biannually
Note: *2017 DOC data is pending. Final count may be higher.
Note: Counts may not add to annual totals due to missing case information