Fewer people died a drug overdose last year compared to 2022, marking the first decrease in deaths since 2018.
Provisional data from the CDC shows there were an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2023, a 3% decrease from the 111,029 estimated deaths in 2022.
Florida saw an 8.5% drop in deaths.
“While we see hope there in that decrease, it’s a reminder that there’s still significant work that needs to happen,” said Ben Bridges, V.P. of Programs with St. Matthew’s House, a Collier County based charity that runs a year-long recovery program, Justin and Jill’s Place.
Bridges believes increased awareness about the dangers of illicit fentanyl has helped the decrease.
Narcan, an overdose reversal medication, is now widely available.
And fentanyl test strips, once considered drug paraphernalia, are now considered safety measures.
“I DIDN’T WANT TO GET CLEAN.”
Lindsay Whitten is alive today because of Narcan, administered to her by her drug dealer during her last overdose.
But after a nearly two decade battle with addiction, Whitten is now two years sober.
“There’s been so many instances where I almost died yet I’m still here,” said Whitten.
After her last arrest in 2021, Whitten decided to get clean.
She entered the yearlong program at Jill’s Place, part of St. Matthew’s House.
“I can tell you, I never thought I would be where I’m at today,” Whitten said.
More than 100,000 people died from overdosing on drugs in 2023. That is more than car crashes and gun violence combined.
