U.S. Drug Overdose Deaths (IMAGE) University of Pittsburgh Caption The spike in overdose deaths in 2016-2017, and their return to the expected trajectory in 2018 coincide with availability and disappearance of the powerful drug carfentanil. Credit University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.