October 7, 2024 – Drug overdose deaths fell significantly within the U.S. last yr, recording the biggest single-year decline in at the least a decade.
About 101,000 people died of drug overdoses last yr, in comparison with just over 112,000 people the previous yr. The still preliminary figures assume a decline of 10%.
The steep change continues to be not enough to bring the annual toll right down to pre-pandemic levels, when the country typically recorded fewer than 75,000 drug overdose deaths per yr. But the brand new data represents a reversal from strong year-over-year increases.
“This is exciting,” said Nora Volkow, MD, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse NPR. “That looks real. This looks very, very real.”
The newly published figures from the CDC The figures are for April 2023 to April 2024. The report authors note that these are preliminary figures and the actual number might be higher once some outstanding death investigations are accomplished.
Drug overdose deaths are largely resulting from using opioids, which include heroin, painkillers akin to oxycodone, and powerful synthetic substances akin to fentanyl. During one Overdosethe brain cannot regulate respiratory properly.
The decline in overdose deaths last yr could also be due partially to the increasing availability of the drug Naloxonewhich will help restore an individual's respiratory and stop the consequences of opioids. There was an over-the-counter version of the drug approved Although this approval occurred around the tip of the last overdose reporting period, its impact on overdose deaths is more likely to be seen in next yr's data.
But a nationwide awareness effort should still have played a task, akin to the U.S. Surgeon General's “Be Prepared” campaign. Get naloxone. Save a life.” The campaign The goal is to assist people understand whether a detailed friend or member of the family is prone to an opioid overdose, and in that case, have naloxone available and trained in how you can administer it.
Other national efforts to cut back overdose deaths included law enforcement efforts to forestall human trafficking and expanded efforts to assist people get treatment. A federally funded project was implemented last month study pointed to a simpler treatment for people taking strong fentanyl by optimizing the dosage of a commonly used addictive drug called buprenorphine. The study showed that adults with an opioid use disorder who received higher doses can have a lower risk of going to the emergency room or being hospitalized in comparison with adults who received the usual dose.
Signs of an opioid overdose include small pupils, slowed respiratory, and lack of consciousness. If someone near you is prone to an opioid overdose, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist about taking naloxone.
If you or someone you already know is combating substance use, you may get treatment and help by calling the national hotline 800-662-HELP (4357) or at FindTreatment.gov.