In 2024, the United States recorded a historic decline in drug overdose deaths, with provisional CDC data revealing a 27% reduction from the previous year. Approximately 80,000 overdose deaths were reported, marking a decrease of 30,000 deaths compared to 2023, which saw 110,000 fatalities. Factors attributed to this decline include increased access to naloxone, expanded addiction treatment, and significant settlements from opioid lawsuits. However, overdose deaths remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, and experts caution against leniency in prevention efforts, emphasizing the need for continued support and research.
Now is not the time to take the foot off the gas pedal, said Dr. Daniel Ciccarone, underscoring the importance of maintaining overdose prevention strategies.
The CDC noted that overdoses are still the leading cause of death for people 18-44 years old, underscoring the need for ongoing efforts to maintain this progress.
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