Hardly any adult in the United States doesn’t know about the opioid crisis that has claimed nearly one million lives in the past 25 years. Countless friends and family members lost loved ones as drug overdose rates climbed ever higher year after year. 

Finally, reliable resources indicate that overdose rates are dropping, and access to one of the most dangerous illicit drugs, fentanyl, is drying up. However, like substance use disorders themselves, drug use statistics can be complex and multi-layered. 

Understanding Drug Overdose Rates

“Some good news is that overdose deaths have decreased nationally for the first time since 2018.”

The information about drug use and drug overdose rates can sometimes be difficult to understand. Part of the reason for the confusion is that what’s happening in an individual state can be different from what’s happening nationally. Another reason is that information may be sensationalized to fit a specific point of view. 

Some good news is that overdose deaths have decreased nationally for the first time since 2018. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there was a decrease of 3% from 2022 to 2023. However, some mental health and addiction recovery consultants are raising concerns over the reasons behind that decrease. 

Has Fentanyl Surpassed the Peak Victim Count?

Some have a morbid explanation for the decline in overdose deaths. One theory is that fentanyl and other opioids have “run out” of victims to kill. Never Alone Recovery founder Austin Wynn believes this way of thinking is too simplistic. 

He explains that, if anything, less fentanyl on the street means fewer deaths. However, news of fewer deaths could give people the courage to use the drug once again.

Why Are Drug Overdoses Declining?

Harm reduction strategies, public education, and improved access to drug treatment programs have played a major role in reducing overdose deaths. However, when he was recently interviewed for the Daily Mail, Wynn touched on one of the concerns those in the recovery community have voiced. 

An increase in prescriptions for medications like suboxone and buprenorphine accounts for at least some of the decrease in overdose deaths. Both of these medications are opioid partial agonists. They produce a milder form of euphoria that reduces opioid cravings and helps prevent relapse among those seeking addiction treatment. 

Opioid partial agonists are used in treatment programs to:

• Decrease the risk of drug misuse
• Prevent fatal overdose
• Ease withdrawal symptoms and lower cravings

According to the Daily Mail article, prescriptions for buprenorphine have increased by 36% between 2016 and 2021. These medications and others can be an important factor in the treatment of opioid use disorder, but they also come with a list of potential side effects, including dependence. 

While medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is nothing new and is often the best option for people with severe substance use disorders, such a sharp increase in medication prescriptions does bring up concerns. 

Are You Struggling With Drug Addiction?

Never Alone Recovery can help you find the best treatment facility for your situation. Whether you need an online support group or a residential treatment program to support your recovery process, Never Alone Recovery can help. Call 866-788-8335 today to learn more.