Surprise Drop in Overdose Deaths in the U.S.

NPR Addiction Correspondent Brian Mann explains the reasons behind the surprise drop in overdose deaths across the country.

U.S. Fentanyl Crisis

The U.S. fentanyl crisis shows signs of improvement with a decrease in fatal overdoses. Individuals in Kensington, Philadelphia credit naloxone for surviving drug use. Challenges remain in caring for the surviving population.

Decrease in Fentanyl-Related Drug Deaths in the U.S.

Drug deaths linked to fentanyl and other street drugs have significantly decreased across the U.S., with a 30.6% drop in deaths related to fentanyl. Factors contributing to this decline include the wider availability of naloxone, adaptation to fentanyl's potency by users, and a decrease in the strength of street fentanyl. Experts believe this trend is sustainable and could lead to a return to pre-fentanyl overdose levels.