TRENTON, NJ – The number of people dying from drug overdoses in New Jersey has tripled over the past ten years, leaving one glaring question. Are we losing the battle against the opioid epidemic? According to a new gallop poll, most Americans and those in New Jersey believe the answer is yes, we are losing the battle.
A recent Gallup poll reveals a significant shift in American attitudes towards the illegal drug problem, with 52% of U.S. adults now believing the country is losing ground in the fight against it. This marks a historic low in optimism, as only 24% feel progress is being made, the lowest since Gallup began tracking this issue in 1972.
The survey, conducted between October 2-23, indicates a stark contrast from 2019, when a more optimistic view prevailed. Drug overdose deaths, particularly from synthetic opioids like fentanyl, have surged, contributing to this grim outlook. Other drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamines have also seen increased overdose rates since 2019.
Republicans are notably negative, with 75% viewing the U.S. as regressing, while Democrats are more divided, with 40% seeing improvement and 27% seeing a decline. This partisan divide reflects broader attitudes towards the current administration’s handling of the drug crisis.
The poll also found that 74% of Americans consider the national drug problem extremely or very serious, a significant increase from 64% in 2021. However, the perception of the drug problem at a local level is less severe, with 35% viewing it as extremely or very serious.
Across party lines, majorities perceive the national drug issue as serious, though Republicans (86%) and independents (74%) show greater concern than Democrats (63%). This sentiment is especially pronounced among Republicans, 62% of whom categorize the national drug situation as extremely serious – the highest percentage for any party group in Gallup’s history.
The growing pessimism and concern among the U.S. public about the drug crisis suggest potential political implications, possibly influencing the next presidential election’s agenda and candidates’ policy proposals.