The Good News About Overdose Deaths in the U.S.
The CDC just reported a 24% decline in U.S. drug overdose deaths.
By Mark S Gold
Published by Psychology Today on March 4, 2025
Key points
• In February 2025, CDC data showed nearly a 24% decline in drug overdose deaths in the U.S.
• The CDC reported 87,000 drug overdose deaths from October 2023 to September 2024, down from 112,000.
• Lifesaving factors include naloxone and the growth of telemedicine and medication-assisted treatment.
New data from the CDC’s National Vital Statistics System released in February 2025 revealed nearly a 24% decline in drug overdose deaths in the United States for the 12 months ending in September 2024 compared to the previous year. Provisional data shows there were about 87,000 drug overdose deaths from October 2023 to September 2024, down from 114,000 the previous year. This is the fewest overdose deaths reported in any 12-month period since June 2020.
