NIH/NIDA supports that number: https://d14rmgtrwzf5a.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/cdcwonder2015_5.jpg https://d14rmgtrwzf5a.cloudfront.net/sites/default/f

NIH/NIDA supports that number: https://d14rmgtrwzf5a.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/cdcwonder2015_5.jpg https://d14rmgtrwzf5a.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/cdc... From 2001 to 2013 there was a 5-fold increase in the total number of deaths from heroin overdose. Edit: I believe a 500% increase in overdose deaths qualifies under the 'epidemic' definition of "a sudden, widespread occurrence of a particular undesirable phenomenon."