Experts are unsure as to what is causing the decline, which saw deaths decrease by some 14% between June 2023 and 2024.

In the latest CDC data, overdose death reports are down in 45 states. Increases occurred in Alaska, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

Opioid overdose deaths have decreased for 12 months, with 70,655 predicted deaths through June 2024, down from 86,401 in June 2023. Increased naloxone availability and reduced illegal drug use among high school students contribute to the decline in opioid overdose deaths.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported opioid overdose deaths in the state decreased by 5.7% in the first nine months of 2023, with 2,826 deaths recorded during that period compared to 2,

"It is a real trend, and that’s great," the CDC director says about a sharp drop in drug overdose deaths. But she also warned, "This can get away from us."