2024 Final Overdose Death Data Released for the USA

2024 Final Overdose Death Data Released Nearly 70 fewer lives lost each day compared to 2023. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) recently released the final National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) 2024 mortality data.

This data show encouraging progress in reducing drug overdose deaths. Overall Trends In 2024, there were 79,384 overdose deaths in the United States—about 217 deaths per day. That’s a 24% decrease in the number of deaths compared to 2023—nearly 70 fewer deaths each day. Progress Across All Groups Overdose death rates went down for men and women, across all age groups, and among all racial and ethnic groups.

The largest declines were seen among young people ages 15–24 and among non-Hispanic Black individuals. Men and adults ages 35–44 continue to have the highest numbers and rates of overdose deaths. Sharp Declines in Opioid Deaths Opioids were still involved in most overdose deaths, but opioid-related deaths dropped sharply—especially those involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Deaths involving cocaine and methamphetamine also decreased compared to 2023. Looking Ahead While there is still important work ahead, these meaningful declines show that prevention, treatment, and harm reduction efforts are making a difference and saving lives.

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