A new study shows that the U.S. has the highest rate of drug overdose deaths compared to other similarly-developed nations.
Researchers looked at overdose death rates in people ages 20-34 in 13 countries between 2001 and 2015.
They found there were more than 63,000 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2016, which is in line with the CDC's estimate.
And in 2015, the drug overdose death rate for Americans was more than double that of other countries studied, including Australia, Denmark, England, Germany and Spain.
The study puts the U.S.' rate at 35 overdose deaths per 100,000 men and 20 deaths in 100,000 women during that year.
Mexico had the lowest overdose death rate for both men and women.
One of the study's authors told media outlets it's not entirely clear why some countries are ranking better than others, but it could have to do with the implementation of some programs designed to curb overdose risk. That includes things like naloxone distribution, heroin treatment center availability and needle exchange program prevalence.
Experts point out that the opioid crisis plays a role in the U.S. findings.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
