The rise in drug overdose deaths in the United States has resulted in an increased number of organs available for transplant, according to a study published in this week’s New England Journal of Medicine.

These transplants are often just as successful and safe as those involving organs from trauma victims and people who died of natural causes, the researchers found.

“We were surprised to learn that almost all of the increased transplant activity in the United States within the last five years is a result of the drug overdose crisis,” study lead researcher Dr. Mandeep Mehra said in a news release. More than 110,000 Americans are on transplant waiting lists, HealthDay reports.

“In the unfortunate circumstances where opioid deaths happen, organ donation can extend life of many patients in need of transplant,” said study co-author Dr. Josef Stehlik. “Yet, these organs are often not considered suitable for organ donation.”