NEW YORK (AP) — The number of U.S. fatal overdoses fell last year, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data posted Wednesday.
Agency officials noted the data is provisional and could change after more analysis, but that they still expect a drop when the final counts are in. It would be only the second annual decline since the current national drug death epidemic began more than three decades ago.
Experts reacted cautiously. One described the decline as relatively small, and said it should be thought more as part of a leveling off than a decrease. Another noted that the last time a decline occurred — in 2018 — drug deaths shot up in the years that followed.
“Any decline is encouraging,” said Brandon Marshall, a Brown University researcher who studies overdose trends. “But I think it’s certainly premature to celebrate or to draw any large-scale conclusions about where we may be headed long-term with this crisis.”
Mystery artist who erected signs comparing pothole
Ashley Roberts, 42, is the epitome of chic in a black off
Mike Trout is healthy and producing. That hasn't been enough for the Shohei Ohtani
Mike Trout is healthy and producing. That hasn't been enough for the Shohei Ohtani
A kidnapped Pakistani judge has been freed in a late
Wine to five! Dolly Parton 'planning to launch own range of alcoholic drinks'
A Place in the Sun's Jasmine Harman still struggles to talk about her friend and co
Rangers are undefeated at .500 to keep World Series champs from a losing record with Bochy
China, US make preparations to send a pair of giant pandas to San Francisco Zoo in 2025
Liverpool confirms Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp's replacement
China, Cambodia to move forward in building high