Drug overdose deaths down

Independent, UK -    Drug overdose deaths in the United States saw a significant decline last year, with approximately 70,000 Americans succumbing to overdoses – a 14% reduction from the previous year. This marks the third consecutive annual drop, representing the longest such decline in decades, according to preliminary federal data released on Wednesday.

The 2025 total is comparable to the figures recorded in 2019, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that decreases were observed across various drug types, including fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. While the vast majority of states experienced a fall in overdose fatalities, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico notably saw increases.