Opioid Overdose Statistics in 2024: Check Latest data and what it means for public health?

Last year 2024 was the time when U.S. saw a sharp 24% decline in deaths resulting from opioid overdose, the data being dropped from 114,000 to 87,000. Since opioid overdose is a serious problem both in United States and globally, so the decline is considered to be a progressive move which was welcomed. It came from more options for treatment, positive efforts to reduce the deaths, and best access to naloxone. Still there is more to go as struggles continue through unequal access to care and introduction of other new risks like animal sedatives like medetomidine. In this guide, you will get to see on what is an opioid overdose, its statistics and latest data and what does it further mean for public health. Stay tuned!

What is Opioid Overdose?

Opioid Overdose happens when someone takes too much opioid. Considered to be a pain killer, overdose of opioidmakes it hard for body parts to function properly, specially while breathing. There are legal drugs available in the market which are prescribed by the doctors such asoxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine which relieve pain but then slowsdown the breathing and heart rate. There are some illegal drugs like heroin and synthetic opioids like fentanyl which are widely misused.

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In worst case scenario, opioid overdose can cause unconsciousness from low breathing, dobrain damagewhich can cause either comaor death. Common symptoms include narrow pupils and sleepiness. Providing naloxone can quickly reverse opioid overdose and can revive normal breathing. Though some areas have seen fewer deaths, but the uncontrolled usage of fentanyl is a serious risk. Few safetymeasures and limited access to help can make the things worse. The best practice is to recognise symptoms early and get timely help which can save lives.

Opioid Overdose Statistics Overview Details

Name of The Drug	Opioid
Name of The Blog	Opioid Overdose Statistics
Common Opioid Drug	Heroin
Street Name	Smack, Horse, Brown Sugar, Junk, Dope, China White etc.
Chemical Structure	Heroin (C21H23NO5)
Uses	Used as strong painkillers in USA

Opioid Overdose Statistics in 2024

There were some key findings on opioid overdose statistics in 2024:

• There are about 60 million people across the globe who use opioids, with most deaths resulting from the overuse of the synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
• As per the data collected by CDC on behalf of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), there were reports of a 24% drop in the deaths, right from 114,000 in 2023 to 87,000 in 2024— which has been the lowest since June 2020.
• Though there were 45 states which confirmed fewer opioid overdose deaths, but states like Alaska, Montana, Nevada, South Dakota, and Utah saw some increase.
• There were reports of low deaths inwhite non-Hispanic groups but it took an increase for Black non-Hispanic and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander populations.
• Fentanyl is still the leading cause of opioid overdose deaths, mostly resulting in New York City.
• Emergency reports highlightedlower non-fatal overdose vs fatal decline and a progressive report on lower youth substance use.

Let’s see the factors behind thisdecline:

• Naloxone Access: FDA approved the sale of naloxone spray only over-the-counter in March 2023, thereby improving access.
• Better Treatment: Improved opioid therapy using buprenorphine and methadone.
• Drug Supply: Crackdownon illegal drug trends are the factors fordecreasing overdose rates.
• Improved Data Tracking: Improvedmonitoringtoolssupport in better tracking and enhances targeted actions.

Early data of 2024 shows fewer opioid overdose deaths in New York City, but the overuse of fentanyl is still a concern. Davidson County, Tennessee saw a decline of 26% in the third quarter, but linked with 71.8% to fentanyl. These trends though show progress in the long-term efforts to reduce overdoses but alsoconcerning ongoing risks from synthetic opioids.

Latest data on Opioid Overdose

There were reports from CDC which saw a 24% reduction in overallopioid overdose deaths USA. This is about saving approximately 70 lives daily. But there are some threats like medetomidine, a drug naloxonecan’t reverse, which ismaking overdose treatments harder. Although there has been a positive report of 45 states contributing inlowering down death records due to opioid overdose, but some statesare still facingthe issue ofhigh opioid overdose.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has calculated 450,000 opioid overdose deaths worldwide, which signifies opioid overdose as a global impact. Globally, Canada saw a decent 12% drop in opioid deaths. Although some states like Kentucky, New York City and Davidson County also sawreduction in opioid overdose, but75,000 lives were lost through overdose of fentanyl. To fight this, there are public health programs likenaloxone distribution and overdose prevention campaigns which are continuously contributing to stop the overdose.

What does the statistics on opioid overdose means for public health?

The decline in opioid overdose deaths in 2024 is a positive signfor public health and safety. Easy naloxone access, good treatment, and programscovered by government and NGOs havebeen instrumentaland now youth are slowly declining the opioid use. These programs are beneficial in acquiring more funds for prevention and boost public confidence in ongoing health initiatives.

But some questions remain unanswered. Overdose of fentanyl drug and exploitation ofthe drug medetomidinequestionswhether the current safety measures and testing are enough or not. Racial and economic differences in healthcaresector is still a matter of concern. In this crisis, the ongoing public health efforts is the main waytoreduce overdose going forward in 2025.

Opioid Overdose Statistics Summary

To conclude, opioid overdose is a serious public health issue in the current time. Even with best prevention efforts, exploitation of fentanyl is still the root cause for most deaths. Although some states are showing good signs, yet inadequate treatment and weak safety measures questions the otherwise positive developments. Boosting naloxone distribution, and encouraging more health programs have saved lives so far. To keep the hopes alive, there should be proper plans on safety measures, treatment facilities, and updates in policy. You can also advocate safe drug use in your respective communities and question for unfair healthcare facilities. Stay updated over the news and if required, contact 911 to provide your support.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. StreetDrugs.org does not promote or encourage the use of any illegal substances.