Deadliest Phase of Fentanyl Crisis Eases, As All States See Recovery

New research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reveals a dramatic and sustained decline in fentanyl-related overdose deaths, marking a potential turning point in the opioid crisis. According to CDC data, drug deaths have dropped by nearly 25%, with fentanyl-related fatalities decreasing by over 30% in just one year.

Experts, including Dr. Nabarun Dasgupta, suggest this trend may be long-term, with overdose deaths in some states falling to pre-pandemic levels. While the reasons remain unclear, improved access to Narcan and shifts in drug use behavior may be contributing factors. If sustained, the U.S. could return to pre-2016 overdose levels, signaling a major public health victory. Read the full story from NPR here.