U.S. Overdose Deaths Fell 14% In 2025, CDC Estimates
The CDC estimated 69,973 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2025, a nearly 14% decline from 2024, the agency said Wednesday, May 13, 2026.[1]
The preliminary national tally marks the third straight annual decline in overdose deaths and returns the toll to roughly prepandemic levels.[1]
The decline was driven largely by fewer opioid-related deaths, including fentanyl-involved fatalities.[1] Health officials and policymakers will watch whether the improvement holds as state counts are finalized and the federal estimate is revised.
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📌 Key Facts
- CDC released preliminary national overdose data on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
- An estimated 69,973 people died from drug overdoses in the U.S. in 2025.
- The 2025 toll represents a nearly 14% decline from 2024 and marks the third straight annual decrease, returning deaths to roughly prepandemic levels.
- The Wall Street Journal reports that the drop is driven largely by fewer opioid-related deaths, including fentanyl-involved fatalities.
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May 13, 2026