Drug Overdose Deaths are Down in the U.S. for the First Time Since 2018

According to the CDC, drug overdose deaths decreased by 3% from 2022 to 2023, marking the first decline since 2018. Over 107,000 overdose deaths were recorded during this period. Dr. Deb Houry, Chief Medical Officer, described the reduction as "heartening," although the data is provisional and could change.

Opioid-related deaths dropped from 84,181 to 81,083, with a minor decrease in fentanyl-related deaths. Conversely, deaths involving psychostimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine rose from 63,991 to 66,169. Read more from CBS News here.