CDC Report: U.S. Drug Overdose Deaths Declining

February 28, 2025

There’s encouraging news in the ongoing effort to reduce drug overdose deaths in the U.S.

A recently released report by the CDC shows a nearly 24 percent decline in drug overdose deaths nationally for the 12 months ending in September 2024, compared to the previous year.

"It is unprecedented to see predicted overdose deaths drop by more than 27,000 over a single year," said Allison Arwady, MD, MPH, director of CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. "That's more than 70 lives saved every day. CDC's public health investments, our improved data and laboratory systems for overdose response, and our partnerships with public safety colleagues in every state mean that we are more rapidly identifying emerging drug threats and supporting public health prevention and response activities in communities across America."

Here are some key takeaways:

• More improvement needed:  Despite the encouraging progress, overdose remains the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18–44.
• Encouraging trends:  In addition to the large provisional drop in fatal overdoses, the report shows smaller decreases in nonfatal overdoses, as measured by emergency department (ED) visits for overdose.
• Pennsylvania’s data:  Pennsylvania had significant decreases in both overdose deaths (-28%) and ED visits (-7%).
  • Five states—Alaska, Montana, Nevada, South Dakota, and Utah—saw increases in overdose deaths, highlighting the continued need for rapid local data and tailored response.
• The why:  Multiple factors contribute to the drop in overdose deaths, including widespread, data-driven distribution of naloxone; better access to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders; shifts in the illegal drug supply; a resumption of prevention and response after pandemic-related disruptions; and continued investments in prevention and response programs.
• Quotable:  “We are moving in the right direction, and we must accelerate and strengthen CDC's continued investments in prevention to reduce overdose deaths,” the CDC noted. “Expanding access to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders—including medications for opioid use disorder such as buprenorphine and methadone—is important, in addition to building more community-driven interventions and promoting education and early intervention to prevent substance use disorders before they begin.”

The report and more information about the CDC's overdose prevention efforts and data is available online.