N@N

U.S. overdose deaths fell 17% in one-year span

The article from UPI reports a significant decline in drug overdose deaths in the United States, with a 17% drop in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year. This decrease is attributed to various factors including increased access to addiction treatment, wider distribution of naloxone, and public health campaigns aimed at reducing stigma around drug use. The data, sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), highlights a notable reduction in fatalities linked to synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which had previously driven the surge in overdose deaths. Despite this progress, experts caution that the battle against the opioid crisis is far from over, emphasizing the need for continued efforts in prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies.

Read the Full UPI Article at:
[ https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2024/12/12/drug-overdose-deaths-fall-17-percent-us/2051734021409/ ]