US Drug Overdose Deaths Decline for First Time in Five Years

Preliminary CDC data shows a 3% drop in overdose deaths in 2023, but experts urge caution amid ongoing fentanyl crisis.

About 107,500 overdose deaths were reported in 2023, down from 111,000 in 2022.
Fentanyl remains a major driver, involved in nearly 70% of overdose deaths.
Western states like Alaska, Washington, and Oregon saw significant increases in overdose deaths.
Cocaine and methamphetamine-related overdose deaths rose, despite the overall decline.
Experts attribute the decline to various factors, including prevention efforts and shifts in the drug supply.