US overdose deaths dropped in 2023, the first time since 2018
NEW YORK (AP) — The number of U.S. fatal overdoses fell last year, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data posted Wednesday.
Agency officials noted the data is provisional and could change after more analysis, but that they still expect a drop when the final counts are in. It would be only the second annual decline since the current national drug death epidemic began more than three decades ago.
Experts reacted cautiously. One described the decline as relatively small, and said it should be thought more as part of a leveling off than a decrease. Another noted that the last time a decline occurred — in 2018 — drug deaths shot up in the years that followed.
“Any decline is encouraging,” said Brandon Marshall, a Brown University researcher who studies overdose trends. “But I think it’s certainly premature to celebrate or to draw any large-scale conclusions about where we may be headed long-term with this crisis.”
Related articles
Devout Christian doctor, 68, who punched dementia
An 'arrogant' doctor who punched a vulnerable patient for making a racist comment and spitting at hi2024-05-21Event to promote love of reading to be held in Kunming
BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- A national event to promote people's love of reading will be held in K2024-05-21China's BYD adds new dealership in Tokyo
TOKYO, April 19 (Xinhua) -- China's leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD added a new showr2024-05-21NFL draft will include many Michigan men, maybe enough to break record set by 2022 Georgia Bulldogs
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — J.J. McCarthy is expected to be the first of many Michigan men drafted from2024-05-21Kevin Pillar gets 1,000th career hit in Angels' win at Texas
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Kevin Pillar tucked a keepsake ball into his bag from his 1,000th career hit2024-05-21House Speaker Mike Johnson risks job to deliver aid to Ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP) — Staring down a decision so consequential it could alter the course of history -- b2024-05-21
atest comment