US overdose deaths fell through most of 2025, federal data shows

Federal CDC data through August 2025 show U.S. overdose deaths declined for more than two years, with an estimated 73,000 deaths in the 12 months ending August — about 21% fewer than the prior year; officials say the decline is slowing and causes remain uncertain.

Federal data through August 2025 indicate U.S. overdose deaths fell for more than two years, continuing a recent downward trend. The decline was large in 2024 and has carried through most of last year, though the rate of improvement has slowed. Overdose deaths had risen for decades and peaked near 110,000 in 2022 before falling; the monthly toll remains higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health researchers say they cannot yet say with confidence why deaths have declined. Key facts: - An estimated 73,000 people died from overdoses in the 12 months ending August 2025, about 21% fewer than the 92,000 in the previous 12-month period. - The CDC reported deaths down in most states but listed Arizona, Hawaii, Kansas, New Mexico and North Dakota as exceptions, while noting reporting may be incomplete in some places. - Experts cite several possible factors, including wider naloxone availability, expanded addiction treatment, shifts in drug use patterns, opioid settlement funds, and changes in fentanyl precursor supply. - Recent research papers point to possible roles for changes in the drug supply linked to regulatory actions and for shifts after pandemic stimulus payments, but authors say these findings do not prove causation. Summary: The CDC data show a continued but slowing reduction in overdose deaths, marking the longest sustained decline in decades. Researchers and officials emphasize uncertainty about causes and note multiple explanations are under study. Undetermined at this time.