Last updated : December 16, 2024
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced in May that the number of overdose deaths had dropped for the first time in five years. We barely had time to celebrate that fact back in 2020, however, before the pandemic threw the world into upheaval. One of the tragedies was that drug overdoses almost instantaneously began to skyrocket again.
The drop in the number of overdose deaths was slight, only about 3% overall, still, every life lived rather than lost to drugs is worthy of celebration!
Some states see a greater decline
Four states within the central United States saw a decrease in overdose deaths by 15% or more!
They are:
- Nebraska
- Kansas
- Indiana
- Maine
Others saw increase
Three states in the Pacific Northwest saw their numbers increase significantly—by at least 27%!
They are:
- Alaska
- Washington
- Oregon
A broad breakdown
The CDC’s report showed there was little change in the number of opioid deaths overall. However, there was a slight decrease in the number of overdoses listing fentanyl as a contributing factor in death. There was a small decline in the number of fentanyl deaths and opioid overdose deaths dropped from 84,181 to 81,083. The number of deaths attributed to semi-synthetic drugs, such as morphine and codeine, decreased from 12,135 to 10,171.
The report also noted a slight increase in the number of overdose deaths involving methamphetamine and cocaine. The combined number increased from 63,991 to 66,169.
It’s important to note that Dr. Deb Houry, Chief Medical Officer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an interview that even though the news was “heartening,” these numbers were subject to change. That’s because “provisional data” was used for the report and could underestimate the true total when all is said and done. Provisional numbers list all drugs found in the victim’s system as being “cause of death.”
Do the numbers remain bleak?
Some say the decrease in overdose deaths is so slight that there is really nothing to celebrate. Dangerous, addictive drugs are being trafficked into our country by the tons. Homeless encampments are growing in major cities—and smaller towns—all across our nation. Many of those people are hopelessly addicted and are filling the streets with proof of it every day.
Still, we beg to differ with the opinion that there’s nothing truly positive in the latest CDC report. Moreover, we believe we can speak for the family and friends of the people who could have lost their loved ones to a death caused by drug addiction. Others could have taken a pill that they had no idea contained lethal doses of a dangerous mixing agent. This is often the case in deaths that list fentanyl as a contributing factor.
But they didn’t.
Does the lower number mean we have fewer people addicted to drugs though? Well, that’s hard to say for certain. However, we’re willing to walk on the sunny side of the street and say, “That could be so!”
We have to keep encouraging those we know and love who suffer from a substance abuse issue to fight for sobriety. If we have to keep our rose-colored glasses glued to our faces to see that hope springs eternal, then so be it.
Should we order you a pair too?
