Significant decline in drug overdose deaths in the United States

The number of drug overdose deaths in the United States fell significantly in 2024, reaching a five-year low, offering some hope for the nation's opioid crisis, according to recent data.

In 2024, 80,391 people died from drug overdoses in the United States, a 27% decrease from 110,035 the previous year. This is the lowest number since 2019.

The number of deaths from fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that has claimed many lives in recent years, also fell significantly, from approximately 76,000 deaths in 2023 to 48,422 last year. Only two states saw increases in these cases: Nevada and South Dakota.

This improvement was achieved under President Joe Biden, whose administration has facilitated access to alternative treatments and made the overdose-relief drug Naxolone a focus of its anti-drug policy. The administration of Donald Trump, who returned to office last January, did not hesitate to claim that these good numbers are due to its efforts.

A statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated, "Since President Trump declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency in 2017, support from Congress has enabled the CDC to strengthen its overdose prevention capacity in every state."

The statement added, "Despite these sweeping improvements, overdose remains the leading cause of death among Americans ages 18 to 44, underscoring the need for continued efforts to improve the situation."

The opioid crisis began in the 1990s when pharmaceutical companies flooded the US market with prescription painkillers like OxyContin. Another opioid contributing to the current wave is fentanyl, which is manufactured illegally, particularly in China, and brought into the United States via Mexico. This substance is often mixed with stimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine.

Overdose deaths have risen dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic due to disruptions in healthcare and worsening mental health issues.

More than one million Americans have died from overdoses over the past two decades.