Nationwide, opioid overdose deaths declined by 10% in the second half of 2023 compared to the second half of 2022. Provisional data from the CDC shows this trend continuing into 2024.
Year-over-year, opioid overdose deaths declined in three-quarters of states, with North Carolina recording a 41% decline from the second half of 2022 to 2023.
In a few states, opioid death rates increased. In Alaska, the number of opioid overdose deaths increased by 58% year-over-year.
Here are the states with the largest declines and increases in opioid-related deaths in the second half of 2023:
Largest declines:
- North Carolina: -41%
- Kansas: -30%
- Maine: -29%
- Indiana: -23%
- Pennsylvania: -20%
- Ohio: – 20%
- Louisiana: -20%
- Connecticut: -19%
- Arkansas: -19%
- Missouri: -17%
Largest increases:
- Alaska: 58%
- Oregon: 36%
- Nevada: 35%
- Washington: 22%
- Iowa: 17%
- Utah: 12%
- Montana: 9%
- Colorado: 7%
- Rhode Island: 7%
- Alaska: 1%
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place October 20–22 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.
