US Overdose Deaths Decline As Fentanyl Potency Weakens, Harm Reduction Expands
For the first time in years, the U.S. is witnessing a sustained decline in overdose deaths. Federal data reveals a 14.5% drop in fatalities over 12 months ending June 2024, marking a significant shift after years of grim records. Experts attribute the change to a combination of expanded harm reduction efforts, increased accessibility to treatment and changes in the illicit drug supply itself.
Drivers Behind Decline In Overdose Deaths
According to a recent article in The New York Times, weakened fentanyl potency has played a critical role. Anne Milgram, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), announced a decline in fentanyl potency for the first time since 2021. The DEA linked this shift to crackdowns on Mexican cartels and international supply chains.
Another notable factor is evolving drug use behavior. Increasingly, users are smoking or snorting …