Over 70% of opioid overdose deaths in the United States involve synthetic opioids like fentanyl. What does this data suggest about the risk of synthetic opioids?

The high share of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids suggests that these drugs pose a serious overdose risk. Drugs such as fentanyl can be much more potent than many other opioids, so a small amount can cause dangerous effects, including slowed or stopped breathing. Therefore, the best answer is that synthetic opioids often have higher potency, which increases overdose risk.

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