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
Tailoring, light layers and on
Revealed: The countries with the highest levels of cybercrime in the world
Jessi Campbell: Little girl's brave battle after being born with 1kg cyst on her arm
California congressman urges closer consultation with tribes on offshore wind
The black market dealers delivering Elon Musk's Starlink to US adversaries
My friend turned up to my wedding as a surprise, took four pizzas and had sex with my sister
I banned my wedding guests from wearing colourful clothes
Kate Hudson hits the stage to debut songs from her new album Glorious at star
Missed the 2024 solar eclipse? Here's when and where you can see the next one
Six killed in a 'foiled coup' in Congo, the army says
How Lulu still looks fabulous at 75, from her skincare 'golden rule' to refusing to take lifts