What’s Behind the Rise in Cocaine-Linked Deaths?

America’s opioid epidemic is fueling a startling increase in cocaine-related overdose deaths in recent years, as users mix deadly cocktails involving the stimulant that had otherwise shown encouraging signs of stalling impact, according to a U.S. News analysis of mortality data.

The findings raise serious concerns about the extent to which drug users are mixing cocaine, which can result in overdose on its own, with even more deadly drugs like heroin and fentanyl, a strong synthetic opioid. It also raises questions about whether people are mixing the drugs intentionally or are falling victim to tainted products.