Article Summary –
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 3% decline in fatal drug overdoses in the United States in 2023, marking the first drop in five years. The decrease was largely due to a nearly 4% reduction in opioid-related deaths, according to CDC data. Various measures to combat the opioid crisis have been implemented, including legislation to limit the distribution of fentanyl, FDA approval of naloxone for over-the-counter use, and a White House initiative to train employees across the country in naloxone administration.
US Experiences First Decline in Drug Overdoses in Five Years
The United States saw a decline in fatal drug overdoses in 2023 for the first time in half a decade, predominantly due to reduced opioid overdoses according to CDC data released on May 15.
The CDC estimated 107,543 overdose fatalities in the US in 2023, a 3% decrease from the previous year’s statistics of 111,029 deaths.
Opioid-related fatalities decreased by around 4%, from 84,181 in 2022 to 81,032 at the close of 2023.
“Today’s data specifying a decline in drug overdoses throughout 2023 is encouraging and signifies our nation’s progress in preventing such deaths,” CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Deb Houry stated. She attributed the decline to collective efforts towards prevention, services, and harm reduction.
However, opioid deaths, which had been rising steadily for decades, took a distressing turn in 2020 with a surge amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Congress members and the Biden administration are crafting strategies to combat the opioid epidemic. On April 24, President Biden endorsed a bill which included the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, aimed at disrupting fentanyl supply chains.
In 2022, the FDA authorized over-the-counter use of naloxone, a nasal spray used to counteract opioid effects and treat overdoses. In March, a White House initiative was announced to enable nationwide naloxone administration training for employees to prevent opioid overdoses.
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