CDC: Drug overdose deaths decreased in 2023
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Key takeaways:
- Drug overdose deaths decreased overall from 111,029 in 2022 to 107,543 in 2023.
- Specifically, there was a decrease in deaths involving opioids and synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl.
Drug overdose deaths in the United States decreased in 2023 for the first time in half a decade, preliminary CDC data showed.
The decrease “is heartening news for our nation and demonstrates we are making progress to prevent deaths from drug overdoses,” CDC Chief Medical Officer Deb Houry, MD, MPH, said in a press release. “The decrease is a testament to the hard work by all of our partners in this effort and the work being done on the ground as part of a coordinated federal effort on prevention, services, and harm reduction.”
An estimated 107,543 people died of a drug overdose during the 12-month period ending in December 2023, a 3.1% decrease from 111,029 in the 12-month period ending in December 2022.
Even with progress made, “this does not mean we have accomplished our mission,” Houry said.
“[T]here are still families and friends losing their loved ones to drug overdoses at staggering numbers,” she said. “This progress over the last 12 months should make us want to reinvigorate our efforts knowing that our strategies are making a difference.”
From 2022 to 2023, overdose deaths involving opioids decreased from 84,181 to 81,083, while deaths linked to synthetic opioids like fentanyl dropped from 76,226 to 74,702.
However, during this period, deaths due to psychostimulants increased from 35,550 to 36,251, as did deaths due to cocaine, which increased from 28,441 to 29,918.
Some states saw significant decreases in overdose deaths in 2023, with Nebraska, Kansas, Maine and Indiana experiencing at least a 15% drop, according to the release. Meanwhile, Washington, Alaska and Oregon had a 27% or greater increase in deaths.
The findings follow several efforts to reduce increasing drug overdoses. Last year, the CDC awarded $279 million to 49 states and health departments to help effectively address overdoses.
“Our thoughts remain with those who have lost loved ones and those who are struggling with addiction or know someone who is,” Houry said. “Our country is committed to ending this epidemic and preventing unnecessary death and suffering.”
References:
- Provisional drug overdose death counts. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm. Accessed May 16, 2024.
- Statement from CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Deb Houry on 2023 overdose death data. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s-overdose-data.html. Published May 15, 2024. Accessed May 16, 2024.
- U.S. overdose deaths decrease in 2023, first time since 2018. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2024/20240515.htm. Published May 15, 2024. Accessed May 16, 2024.
Perspective
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Anita Gupta, DO, PharmD, MPP, GMP, FASA
The CDC's provisional data reveal an encouraging 3% decrease in overall drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2023 compared with 2022 — the first annual decline since 2018. This positive trend can be attributed to a drop in opioid overdose deaths, including those involving the dangerous synthetic opioid fentanyl. While deaths from cocaine and methamphetamine increased, highlighting the polysubstance nature of the crisis, the overall decline signifies progress in combating the opioid epidemic.
However, the data also highlight the rising concern of mixed drug overdoses involving combinations of substances, as well as stark regional variations across the country. These challenges underscore the need for localized, tailored strategies to address the specific drug use patterns and needs of different communities.
For health care professionals, these data have significant implications. They highlight the importance of staying informed about the evolving nature of substance use disorders, including the increasing prevalence of polysubstance use and the regional variations in drug trends. Health care providers must be prepared to screen patients for a range of substance use disorders and tailor treatment plans accordingly.
The way forward lies in a collaborative, comprehensive approach involving health care providers, community organizations and workplaces. Improving whole-person care and addressing underlying factors that contribute to substance use disorders are crucial, particularly in workplace settings where these issues can significantly impact productivity and safety.
Potential solutions include enhancing collaboration between health care systems, social services and employers to provide integrated support; implementing workplace programs focused on mental health, counseling resources and a culture of understanding; expanding access to medication-assisted treatment, harm reduction services and community-tailored mental health resources; and addressing root causes like trauma, mental illness and social determinants.
For health care professionals, this may involve participating in interdisciplinary teams, coordinating care with community resources, and advocating for policies that promote access to comprehensive treatment and support services. Additionally, health care providers can play a crucial role in destigmatizing substance use disorders and promoting a culture of compassion and understanding.
While measures like improved access to the overdose-reversal drug naloxone are yielding progress against the opioid epidemic, the rise of mixed overdoses, stimulant deaths and regional disparities highlight the crisis's complexity. However, sustained, comprehensive and collaborative efforts tailored to local needs offer a path forward in building on these gains and providing comprehensive support for those impacted by this evolving public health challenge.
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