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
A warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest was requested. But no decision was made about whether to issue it
CLAIM: The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin2024-05-21China exercises veto power in UN Security Council to uphold international justice: envoy
A Chinese envoy on Monday shared China's resolute stance on the use of veto power in the UN Secu2024-05-21Asian CL semifinal postponed in United Arab Emirates after flooding caused by heavy rain
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The first leg of the Asian Champions League semifinal between Al-2024-05-21Early voting for S. Korea's parliamentary elections kicks off
An early voting for South Korea's parliamentary elections kicked off on Friday ahead of the elec2024-05-21Target to lower prices on basic goods in response to inflation
Target plans to cut prices on thousands of consumer basics this summer, from diapers to milk, as inf2024-05-21US Olympic committee strikes sponsorship deal to help athletes get degrees after they retire
NEW YORK (AP) — American Olympic athletes have a new place to turn to lock down college degrees and2024-05-21
atest comment