CDC

CDC reports nearly 24% decline in U.S. drug overdose deaths

February 26, 2025

New provisional data from CDC's National Vital Statistics System predict a nearly 24% decline in drug overdose deaths in the U.S. for the 12 months ending in September 2024, compared with the previous year. This is the most recent national data available and shows a continued decline in overdose deaths. Provisional data show about 87,000 drug overdose deaths from October 2023 to September 2024, down from around 114,000 the previous year. This is the fewest overdose deaths in any 12-month period since June 2020.

While this national decline is encouraging news, overdose remains the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-44, highlighting the importance of sustained efforts to ensure this progress continues. In most recent data, 45 states showed declines in overdose deaths, but 5 states—Alaska, Montana, Nevada, South Dakota, and Utah—still saw increases, highlighting the continued need for rapid local data and tailored response.

Source:

(2025, February 25). CDC. CDC Reports Nearly 24% Decline in U.S. Drug Overdose Deaths. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2025/2025-cdc-reports-decline-in-us-drug-overdose-deaths.html