It is the first time since 2021 that the estimated number of drug overdose deaths in 12 months falls below 100,000, to 98,820
After decades of increase, the United States is now seeing a significant drop in drug overdoses nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preliminary data from the CDC says drug overdose deaths fell 12.7 percent in the 12 months ending in May of this year.
“This is the largest reduction in overdose deaths on record,” White House officials said in a statement. “And the sixth consecutive month of reported decreases in the total expected number of drug overdose deaths in 12 months.”
According to published figures, it is also the first time since 2021 that the estimated number of drug overdose deaths over 12 months fell below 100,000, to 98,820.
Health officials wondered how the numbers went down
Health experts, who have been working for decades to stop the upward trajectory of opioid deaths, driven primarily by fentanyl, say that while this is good news, they are baffled by how the number of deaths has suddenly decreased. While it is unclear what caused the sudden and unexpected decline, there are many theories being pursued.
Overdose reduction strategies, such as increased availability of Narcan: an opioid antagonist Indicated for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose, they have also been widely used before the sudden drop in their numbers.
“We’ve been doing the things we do for over 10 years. I would love to say it’s finally working,” CBS News quoted Dr. Joan Papp, an emergency physician at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. “But boy, I don’t know. I wish I knew so I could bottle it.”
According to experts, one of the reasons for the decline in numbers could be the lack of dependence on drugs after the pandemic. Doctors say more people now use drugs in the presence of others or would call 911 before the situation became serious.
Data shows drug overdose cases decreased in 41 states
CDC data shows that drug overdose deaths over the past 12 months have dropped significantly in at least 41 states. Even the country’s largest metropolitan area, New York City, saw a small but measurable drop.
According to statistics, in 2023, 3,046 people in the city died from drug overdoses, a 1 percent decrease from 2022 and the first drop in overdose deaths in New York since 2018.
Similarly, in Seattle, the national trend is repeating itself, as the city recorded 22 percent fewer overdose deaths in the first nine months of this year compared to last year. The number of non-fatal overdoses also decreased. Authorities say about 85 percent of people who use drugs in Seattle also carry Narcan.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the post for any purpose.
We respect the intellectual property rights of content creators. If you are the owner of any material featured on our website and have concerns about its use, please contact us. We are committed to addressing any copyright issues promptly and will remove any material within 2 days of receiving a request from the rightful owner.