The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that drug overdose deaths decreased in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of decline. [JAMA Network and CDC]

According to provisional data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, fewer than 70 000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the US during 2025, a decrease of nearly 14% from the 81 000 deaths estimated in 2024. Almost all states experienced reductions, with deaths in Alabama, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Vermont declining 25% or more. In Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico, however, drug overdose deaths increased by 10% or more from 2024 to 2025.

The downward trend was driven by a reduction in deaths involving opioids, which decreased from about 55 000 in 2024 to less than 45 000 in 2025. Overdose deaths involving cocaine and psychostimulants—such as methamphetamine—also declined.

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