WASHINGTON (SBG) - Overdose deaths from illegal drugs have risen to unprecedented levels. In 2020, deaths increased nearly 30% from 2019 with a record 93,000 people who died primarily from street fentanyl. While the pandemic may have contributed to the increase in overdose deaths, Dr. Jeffrey Singer says that the overdose death rate has “been on an exponential growth trend since the 70s. ”“The only thing that's changed over the years is what particular drug is in vogue,” said Dr.