The opioid epidemic in Virginia: 2,000+ saved lives, $5.2B in possible savings

By Olivia Trani

Drug overdoses have been Virginia's leading cause of unnatural deaths since 2013, and new data from Virginia Commonwealth University is highlighting the high cost in human and economic terms.

This month, VCU's Center on Society and Health partnered with the Virginia Department of Health to release a third round of data via the updated Virginia Opioid Cost Data Tool, which now provides visual, geographic insights into opioid-related deaths.

Among takeaways from the newly analyzed 2023 data:

• 70% of drug-related deaths in Virginia were preventable in 2023, and evidence-based opioid care could help prevent more.
• Harm reduction centers across the state reversed as many as 2,085 overdoses.
• Evidence-based opioid care could save Virginia communities $5.2 billion, up from $3.5 billion in 2021.

Experts emphasize that these opioid overdose statistics demonstrate both the progress of harm reduction and the continued urgency of investing in evidence-based solutions to save lives and reduce economic losses.

"We know evidence-based opioid care saves lives and is worth the investment," said Derek Chapman, Ph.D., director of the Center on Society and Health and a professor at VCU's School of Public Health. "In 2023, more overdoses were reversed than the number of fatal overdoses that year, thanks to comprehensive harm reduction efforts. And we need to keep more people alive and help them live well, so they have the chance to recover through any path that is right for them."

A visual map of the impact of the opioid epidemic in Virginia

The rate of deaths from the Virginia opioid epidemic dropped 43% in 2024. But as shown in the previous year's data, the toll ripples across the full commonwealth, especially in poorer communities where opioid care could save more lives and boost local economies.

In late 2022, the Center on Society and Health and the VDH launched a first-of-its-kind tool to illustrate how much the opioid epidemic in Virginia costs residents each year, from impacted families to the businesses and publicly funded systems around them. In the latest update, the refreshed website offers an improved map showing which communities have faced the greatest opioid-related economic losses and which would benefit most from investment in evidence-based care.

"Of course, it's impossible to fully measure the human impact of this crisis. But we are hopeful the website redesign makes it easier to understand both the epidemic's felt impact across Virginia communities and the potential benefits of investing in a healthier future," Chapman said. "With newer localized data, state and local agencies can invest in care to support those impacted and the wider communities."

The latest data release and website redesign provide a fuller picture, outlining lost labor costs, health care costs, the impact on child services and education, as well as the criminal justice-related costs such as opioid-related arrests and incarcerations. The data can be viewed as a total in Virginia or by selected localities, highlighting the specific impact they experience.

Costs you may not realize: Economic impact of the opioid epidemic

While people who use opioids and their families often face such financial stresses, including caregiving for loved ones, their communities experience ripple effects, too. With fewer healthy people available to participate in the workforce and potentially needing more care:

• Every Virginian pays higher health care premiums.
• Businesses lose out on workers' potential productivity and pay higher health care costs.
• Governments collect less tax revenue.
• Taxpayer-funded programs face increased costs related to health care, child welfare services and K-12 education, and criminal justice.

These ripple effects underscore the impact of the opioid epidemic on the economy, which extends well beyond individuals and families to affect every community across the state.

Chapman and other experts note that improving opioid use outcomes through research-based care strategies would be cost-effective, boosting people's health and the economy while saving money over time.

For more about the opioid crisis in Virginia and specific communities, visit the refreshed website.

FAQs about the opioid epidemic

Why can an opioid overdose cause death?

An opioid overdose can cause death because opioids slow breathing and suppress oxygen flow to the brain. When breathing becomes too shallow or stops completely, oxygen levels in the blood drop, leading to unconsciousness, brain damage, or death within minutes if untreated. Lifesaving medications such as naloxone can reverse an overdose when administered promptly, giving family members and bystanders a vital window to save a life before emergency help arrives.

What drugs are considered opioids?

Opioids include prescription pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl, as well as heroin. While these drugs are often prescribed to manage pain, using them in non-prescribed ways or combining them with alcohol or sedatives can greatly increase the risk of addiction and overdose.

Where can I find community resources for unhealthy opioid use?

Community resources for unhealthy opioid use are available through state health departments, local harm reduction centers and nonprofit organizations. Many areas in Virginia also offer free naloxone distribution, syringe services and medication-assisted treatment programs. If you or someone you love is struggling, contact a Virginia help line for confidential support and local referrals. Seeking help early can prevent overdose and connect individuals to long-term recovery options.

What are the signs of opioid addiction?

Signs of opioid addiction include cravings, withdrawal symptoms and continued use despite negative consequences. You might also notice mood swings, secrecy about medication use, changes in sleep or appetite, or withdrawal from friends and family.

What are the signs of an opioid overdose?

Signs of opioid overdose include slowed breathing, pinpoint pupils and loss of consciousness. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if available. Stay with the person until help arrives. Quick action from family, friends or bystanders can prevent a fatal outcome.