Fentanyl-Linked Overdose Deaths Among Seniors Soar 9,000% in 8 Years

Key Takeaways

Fentanyl deaths are surging among seniors

In particular, overdoses related to fentanyl combined with stimulants have skyrocketed 9,000%

The fentanyl-stimulant death rate among seniors is approaching that of younger adults

TUESDAY, Oct. 14, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Fentanyl overdose deaths are surging among seniors, particularly in cases where the powerful opioid is mixed with stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine, a new study says.

Fentanyl-stimulant overdose (OD) deaths skyrocketed by an astonishing 9,000% during the past eight years, approaching rates found in younger adults, researchers reported Saturday at an American Society of Anesthesiologists’ meeting in San Antonio, Texas.

“A common misconception is that opioid overdoses primarily affect younger people,”