States where opioid deaths are falling, rising fastest

Opioid and other drug overdose deaths are on the decline for the first time in decades, though rates vary widely by state, according to an analysis from KFF. 

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% 

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