Overdose Deaths: A Step Back from 100, 000

For the first time since 2020, the number of people dying from drug overdoses in the U. S. is expected to drop below 100, 000. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows a 10% decrease in overdose deaths between April 2023 and April 2024. This downward trend has continued, with a 17% decline over a 12-month period ending in June 2024. While the final numbers are still being calculated, the CDC predicts that around 96, 000 people will die from overdoses in this period.The overdose crisis has been particularly deadly since 2014, when the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl started spreading rapidly. The reasons behind the current decline are not clear, but some experts suggest it could be due to better harm reduction programs, increased access to medicines like buprenorphine, or changes in the drug supply. CDC Director Mandy Cohen commented on the progress at a panel in Washington, saying, "We're throwing a lot at this problem, and we're starting to see some important breakthroughs. " However, she also warned against complacency, noting that the country is not out of the woods yet. It's important to remember that even with this decline, the number of overdose deaths is still extremely high. It's a reminder that the overdose crisis is a complex issue that requires ongoing effort and resources.