Fentanyl deaths drop

Shortlysts -  Fentanyl overdose deaths have declined significantly for the first time in over a decade. New CDC data shows approximately 73,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in the 12 months ending August 2025, down 21% from 92,000 in the prior period.

Deaths peaked near 110,000 in 2022, dropped to around 80,000 in 2024, and have continued to fall. This represents the longest sustained decline in decades and the largest single-year drop on record. Most states experienced decreases, with only Arizona, Hawaii, Kansas, New Mexico, and North Dakota showing increases.

Despite the progress, overdose deaths remain well above pre-pandemic levels and continue claiming hundreds of lives daily.