Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This report uses 2023-2024 National Vital Statistic System data to present the demographic group and by the type of drugs involved, specifically opioids and stimulants, with a focus on changes from 2023 to 2024. METHODS: Data from the 2023-2024 NVSS were used for this analysis. Estimates are based on the National Vital Statistics System multiple-cause-of-death mortality files (1). Drug poisoning (overdose) deaths were defined as having an International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision underlying cause-of-death code of X40-X44 (unintentional), X60-X64 (suicide), X85 (homicide), or Y10-Y14 (undetermined intent). Population estimates for 2023-2024 were estimated as of July 1, based on the blended base produced by the U.S. Census Bureau instead of the April 1, 2020, decennial population count. All of the race categories are single race, meaning that only one race was reported on the death certificate. KEY FINDINGS: The age-adjusted drug overdose death rate decreased between 2022 and 2024, with the largest decrease, 26.2%, occurring from 2023 to 2024, from 31.3 deaths per 100,000 standard population to 23.1. From 2023 to 2024, rates of drug overdose deaths declined for all age groups, with the largest decrease occurring for younger age groups. From 2023 to 2024, rates declined for each race and Hispanic-origin group, with the largest decreases occurring for Black non-Hispanic people. Between 2023 and 2024, the drug overdose death rate involving synthetic opioids other than methadone decreased by 35.6% (from 22.2 to 14.3). Between 2023 and 2024, the rates of drug overdose deaths involving psychostimulants with abuse potential and cocaine both declined.