KFF: The Rate of Overdose Deaths Decreased in 2023

Data Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on November 20, 2024

A recent report by the Kaiser Family Foundation highlighted good news: the rate of overdose deaths notably decreased during 2023.

This decrease marks a potential large shift in the ongoing opioid crisis. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that by December 2023, opioid-related fatalities were 20% lower than in December 2022. This reduction was primarily attributed to a decrease in deaths involving synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, known to drive many overdose deaths.

Despite this encouraging trend, overall deaths were still high at nearly 100,000. The decrease was inconsistent across different demographics and regions. White individuals experienced the most substantial decline in opioid deaths, while Black individuals saw a smaller reduction. Geographically, some states reported significant decreases, whereas others continued to face high overdose rates.

Experts caution that while the decline is promising, it is too early to determine if this trend will continue. Factors such as the availability of fentanyl, the emergence of new synthetic opioids, and varying access to treatment and harm reduction services could influence future trends.

The federal government has implemented several strategies to combat the opioid epidemic, including enhancing access to treatment, expanding harm reduction initiatives, and intensifying efforts to disrupt the supply of illicit opioids. However, the effectiveness of these measures varies, and ongoing efforts are necessary to sustain and build upon the progress made in reducing opioid-related deaths.

For the full analysis, please visit the article by the Kaiser Family Foundation at the following link:

https://www.kff.org/mental-health/opioid-deaths-fell-in-mid-2023-but-progress-is-uneven-and-future-trends-are-uncertain/