What type of drug is linked to the highest number of drug-related deaths?

Opioids are associated with the highest number of drug-related deaths due to their potent analgesic properties and the risk of respiratory depression, which can lead to fatal overdose. The opioid epidemic has become a significant public health crisis, particularly in many parts of the world, including the United States. Factors contributing to the high mortality rates include the widespread availability of prescription opioids, the increasing prevalence of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, and the tendency for users to combine opioids with other substances, which can exacerbate the risks.

In contrast, substances like cocaine, while dangerous, have not been linked to the same volume of fatalities when considering overdose alone. Alcohol, though responsible for many deaths, often contributes to long-term health issues and accidents rather than direct overdose deaths when compared to opioids. Marijuana, on the other hand, is not associated with overdose deaths in the same way, as it has a lower toxicity profile and is not known to cause lethal overdose in the same manner as opioids. Thus, opioids stand out as the category causing the highest number of drug-related fatalities.