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.”
Not so Cool Britannia! Noel Gallagher gives damning verdict on Keir Starmer
The world's best 50 cities in 2024 ranked by Time Out
Don't be a tourist bored! Fascinating map reveals ONE THOUSAND amazing things to do, see
Pictured: The most Instagrammable Michelin
Everybody may love Raymond, but Ray Romano loves Peter Boyle
Hyderabad curries favour: No one knows the origin of biryani
My six nights in the Loire... for the price of a bottle of Sancerre: Here's how the home
The ultimate guide to 101 FREE Easter treats taking place across Britain
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Maryland ban on rifles known as assault weapons
US President Joe Biden hits back at special counsel over secret files probe