U.S. Drug Overdoses Stabilize Around 109,000 Deaths After Two Years of Sharp Increases But Crisis Continues

Overdose deaths in the U.S. plateaued around 109,000 in 2022, indicating the crisis may have peaked but the death toll remains unacceptably high.
Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids continue to drive the majority of overdose deaths, while deaths linked to cocaine and methamphetamines also rose slightly.
Eight states reported over 100 fewer overdose deaths in 2022 compared to 2021, citing expanded treatment, naloxone distribution and other initiatives.
Experts remain unsure if the deadliest drug overdose epidemic in U.S. history has peaked or will surge again.
The Biden administration has increased efforts to curb overdoses but the crisis continues to significantly impact life expectancy and public health.