Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. fell 27% in 2024 after years at crisis levels

U.S. drug overdose deaths dropped 27% in 2024 and show another meaningful decline in preliminary 2025 data, reversing years of crisis-level mortality; Scotland saw a 13% decrease and Canada a 9% decrease in 2024.

Public health authorities say there is no single cause; the decline is attributed to multiple factors including naloxone distribution, harm reduction, expanded access to opioid-use-disorder medications, improved treatment in prisons, and better data infrastructure. The overdose crisis remains severe despite the improvement.